“It was awesome to read through all the essays, and I want to thank the students, teachers and schools across our area who sent them in,” said Bierlein, of Vassar. “This contest was a unique opportunity for young people in our communities to have a platform to share what’s important to them and hear what type of state they would like to inherit when they become decision-makers and leaders in their communities. My congratulations go out to everyone who participated and put their ideas forward.”

Last May, the Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Security launched an investigation into the underperforming behavioral health system in Michigan. Practicing physicians, behavioral health therapists, judges, county jail administrators, hospital executives, local community mental health leaders and more testified in hearings over two months to provide analysis of where the state is falling short and what can be done to get more people critical care they need.