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ACMH

ACMH

Phone: 517 372-4016

Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
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  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
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      • Community Partner Trainings
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      • Youth Peer Support Project
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  • Get Support
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    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
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    • ACMH Statewide Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
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Registration Now Open for Youth Mental Health Action Day 2026 in Lansing, Michigan

December 16, 2025 by Leave a Comment

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Lansing, MI – December 16, 2025 – The Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH), in collaboration with Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) and Youth United, is pleased to announce that registration is now open for Youth Mental Health Action Day 2026, taking place on Thursday, May 21, 2026, at The Cadillac Room in Lansing, Michigan.

Youth Mental Health Action Day is a statewide gathering that brings together youth, families, school professionals, mental health providers, advocates, policymakers, and supporters from across Michigan to strengthen youth mental health through connection, action, and shared learning.


A Day Centered on Youth Voice and Collective Action

This year’s theme, “Piecing It Together: A Mosaic Made Strong with Every Voice,” highlights the importance of lived experience, collaboration, and community-driven solutions. Speakers will share personal stories, reflect on progress made, and identify gaps that still need attention. Participants will leave with practical ideas and tools they can use to support youth mental health in their schools, organizations, and communities.

The event includes interactive activities, a youth- and family-centered resource fair, and opportunities to network with people working across systems to improve youth mental health in Michigan.


Opportunities to Participate

Vendor & Resource Table Hosts

Organizations from across Michigan are invited to apply to host a vendor or resource table. This is an opportunity to:

  • Share resources, tools, and supports with youth and families

  • Connect with mental health professionals, advocates, and policymakers

  • Raise awareness about programs, services, or initiatives

  • Contribute to an inclusive and welcoming space focused on mental health access and equity

Each organization may submit one application. Applications close February 15, 2026.

Apply using the Vendor and Resource Table Application or contact Sara Reynolds for more information.


School & Student Engagement

ACMH is inviting school professionals across Michigan to help share this opportunity with students. Youth Mental Health Action Day offers hands-on activities, interactive sessions, and a resource fair designed to engage young people and support their mental health and leadership.

Schools can support participation by:

  • Sharing the event with students and families

  • Allowing attendance as an excused school absence

  • Coordinating a school trip for a class or student group

Student registration is free, and we can work with schools to make registration and participation simple. Participating schools can also be highlighted on our website and social media to celebrate their engagement and support for youth mental health.

School professionals can learn more or express interest through the School Interest Form.


Sponsorship & Donations

As a nonprofit organization, ACMH relies on the generosity of donors and sponsors to make Youth Mental Health Action Day possible. Support helps create a space where youth are heard, families feel supported, and communities across Michigan come together to take action.

Sponsors and donors receive recognition across a statewide network of youth, families, professionals, advocates, and policymakers. Every contribution, large or small, strengthens the movement for youth mental health in Michigan.

Learn more about sponsorship and donation opportunities or donate through Zeffy.
For sponsorship inquiries, contact Sara Reynolds.


Event Registration & Details

Event registration is now open and closes April 1, 2026.

Register through Eventbrite and find full details on the Youth Mental Health Action Day 2026 webpage.


Contact:
Sara Reynolds
Youth Peer Support Statewide Coordinator
Association for Children’s Mental Health
[email protected]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Youth Mental Health Action Day 2025: Event Recap

June 13, 2025 by Leave a Comment

On May 21, 2025, the Association for Children’s Mental Health (ACMH) and Youth United hosted Youth Mental Health Action Day at the Lansing Center. Guided by the theme “Great Change from the Great Lakes: Driving the Revolution for Youth Mental Wellness,” the event brought together more than 120 youth, families, and community members committed to advancing mental health across Michigan.

The day opened with remarks from ACMH and Youth United leadership alongside Lansing Mayor Andy Schor. A powerful keynote panel featuring State Representative Kara Hope, Ingham County Commissioner Myles Johnson, Founder of Harmony in Hues Wellness Center Nedra Cannon, and Justin Tate from MDHHS explored advocacy, policy, and the importance of centering lived experience in system change.

During lunch, a dynamic panel of speakers – Jarell Farley, a youth leader; Natalia Cuthrell, a youth advocate; Madelynn Nagy, a Youth Peer Support Specialist; Coach A’Jai Necole, a life coach; and Robert Pettaway, a Parent Support Partner and President of ACMH’s Board of Directors—shared thoughtful, experience-driven strategies to strengthen and enhance support systems for youth and families across Michigan.

Breakout sessions throughout the afternoon tackled key topics such as trauma-informed care, cultural healing, inclusive spaces, and equitable decision-making. Attendees also connected with 10 local organizations at the resource fair and recharged creatively in a reflection space hosted by Amelia McGraw.

The day closed with a music and movement session presented by DJ Y’z and Breaker Tabor Vits from All of the Above Hip Hop focused on grounding and empowerment.

We thank all speakers, facilitators, volunteers, and attendees whose participation made the day a success. For the full agenda and complete list of speakers, please visit our event page.

 

Relive the Day: Photo Gallery























































































 

Download Presentation Slides

📁 Breaking the Silence – Ethan Getchell
📁 Culture and Tradition is Medicine – Adon Vazquez and Taylor Maxwell
📁 Empowering Friendship – Keegan Johnson
📁 MDHHS Fireside Chat- Kim Batsche-McKenzie, Justin Tate, and Krissy Dristy
📁 All Hands on Deck – Nadiah Dyer-Coronado, Margo Pierce, Kyla Viruquiz, Christy Levine

Please note that not all PowerPoint presentations are available, per the request of some presenters.
 

Save the Date

We’re keeping the momentum going!

Join us for the 2025 ACMH Statewide Conference
📅 September 16, 2025
📍 Lansing, MI

This year’s conference will bring together families, youth, providers, and leaders from across Michigan to share strategies, spark solutions, and elevate voices in children’s mental health. More details and registration information coming soon—stay tuned!

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ACMH Launches New Fundraising Campaign to Support Michigan’s Youth Mental Health

December 28, 2024 by Leave a Comment

We’re excited to launch our fundraising campaign—and we need you to be part of the change. Your support helps strengthen mental health resources for children and families across Michigan. Together, we can ensure every family has access to the support, services, and community they need to thrive.

Why This Campaign Is Important

Mental health challenges affect countless children and families in Michigan. Many families struggle to find the services, support, and resources they need to address emotional, behavioral, and mental health challenges. This fundraising campaign is our chance to strengthen these services and support systems, ensuring that every child and family has access to mental health care that is accessible, affordable, and tailored to their unique needs.

By supporting ACMH, you’re contributing to a future where mental health support is available in schools, communities, and homes—where families receive timely support, and children have the chance to succeed at school, at home, and in their communities.

A New Look, Same Commitment

We’re unveiling a fresh, new look that reflects the vibrant, life-changing work we do every day. Our new visual identity symbolizes our commitment to hope, transformation, and community resilience. While our look is evolving, our dedication to empowering families, strengthening communities, and ensuring every child’s mental health needs are met remains unchanged.

ACMH continues to stand for family-driven, youth-guided, and community-based mental health support. We’re committed to creating a community where families are equal partners in their children’s mental health care, where youth have a voice in shaping their mental health journey, and where services are accessible in every community across Michigan.

The Impact of Your Support

Your support is the foundation of everything we do. When you donate, share, or spread the word, you’re directly contributing to vital initiatives that make a real difference:

  • Parent-to-Parent Support: Connecting families with others who have lived experiences, fostering understanding and resilience.
  • Education, Networking, and Leadership Opportunities: Helping families and professionals collaborate more effectively to support children’s mental health.
  • Advocacy Efforts: Ensuring that family voices shape policies, funding, and services.
  • Youth Involvement Programs: Empowering young people to actively participate in their mental health journey and support others.

Every donation fuels programs that provide hope, healing, and a strong community network. With your help, we can continue advocating for better services, creating new support opportunities, and empowering families to get the mental health care they deserve.

Donate Now

Your support is more than a donation—it’s a commitment to hope, resilience, and a brighter future for Michigan families. Let’s work together to create a community where mental health support is accessible, inclusive, and empowering for every child and every family.

Thank you for being a part of this mission. Together, we can make real change.

Sincerely,

ACMH Family

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Governor Whitmer Signs Proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Day for Children, Youth, and their Families

May 9, 2024 by Leave a Comment

On May 9, 2024, Governor Whitmer finalized and published the 2024 proclamation for Mental Health Awareness Day for Children, Youth, and their Families. In her proclamation, Governor Whitmer underscored the urgent need for increased awareness, resources, and support systems dedicated to promoting mental well-being among Michigan’s youngest citizens and their families. The Association for Children’s Mental Health is proud to have collaborated with our partners at the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to propose this proclamation, an important step for the state of Michigan to recognize the vital importance of addressing mental health concerns in children, youth, and their families.

The proclamation serves as a poignant reminder of the pressing need to prioritize mental health initiatives, destigmatize conversations surrounding mental illness, and ensure access to quality mental health care for all. Moving forward, the Association for Children’s Mental Health remains dedicated to advancing policies and programs that prioritize the mental health needs of Michigan’s children and families. By working together with stakeholders across sectors, we can create a brighter, healthier future for generations to come.

We invite all Michigan youth, young adults, families, providers, and policy-makers who would like to join us in our efforts to register for our Youth Mental Health Action Day which will be held on May 18, 2024 in Lansing, Michigan.

Click to enlarge

Filed Under: Uncategorized

AFC Shares New Resources for Youth and Families and a New Look!

March 20, 2024 by Leave a Comment

The Administration for Children and Families recently released new resources on behavioral health for young adults, families, and professionals. As part of these efforts, ACF has launched an improved behavioral health webpage, with pages:

For Parents and Caregivers  with resources, practical tips and guides including a tip sheet for starting a conversations about mental health.

For Teens and Young Adults  with resources to boost resilience, cope with stress, navigate difficult emotions or experiences, and locate help for mental health, substance use, or crisis-related questions or concerns—for themselves and others.

They also developed series of short videos about mental health in partnership with Youth.gov and SAMHSA, which feature parents, caregivers, and young adults who share their expertise and personal experiences.

Click here for more information on all the great resources ACF has developed for young adults, families, and professionals.

These resources build off of the work ACF has done to strengthen the well-being of children, youth, and their families by integrating behavioral health services into existing supports they rely on, such as social services and early childhood programs.

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Attention Youth and Young Adults – Mental Health Changemaker and Warrior Scholarship Opportunity

February 26, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Image

We are pleased to share some information about these Letters to Strangers scholarship opportunities.

This year Letters to Strangers is offering two types of Mental Health Scholarships, with a total prize pool of about $10,000 which is open to applicants from all countries.

The Mental Health Changemaker Scholarship (for all 13+ year olds) is designed for someone who is studying or planning to study something related to the mental health field or is pursuing a personal advocacy project.

The Mental Health Warrior Scholarship (for all 18+ year olds) is meant to offset medical and treatment costs for mental well-being for those from underserved communities.

Click the following link to learn more about the scholarships as well as what last year’s winners have to say is here.

Applications are due by April 1st.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Family Leadership Opportunity – MC3 Advisory Committee

February 15, 2024 by Leave a Comment

ACMH is pleased to share that Michigan Clinical Consultation and Care (MC3) is looking to increase family voice on their Advisory Committee and are currently seeking a parent/caregiver with lived experience raising a child/youth with mental health challenges to participate.

This is a fabulous opportunity to share your voice and expertise to help inform and shape the work of the project to improve access to behavioral health services by providing psychiatric consultation and education to primary care providers and behavioral health providers in the school settings.

Click here to learn more about MC3 and/or download the MC3 Advisory Committee Summary to learn more about the role of the Advisory Committee and it’s members.

If you would like additional information or are interested in learning more about how to get connected to this opportunity email [email protected] today.

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

NTTAC 2024 System or Care Virtual Summit – Free Virtual Training Opportunity

February 15, 2024 by Leave a Comment

Registration is now open for the 2024 The National Center for Training and Technical Assistance on Child, Youth, and Family Mental Health (NTTAC)  System of Care Virtual Summit.

Click here to register learn more or view the full announcement below:

 

 

Filed Under: Uncategorized

Parent Employment Opportunities

September 15, 2023 by Leave a Comment

Are you the parent or close family member of a child with a disability who receives or has received early intervention or special education services? Are you interested in providing information and support to other families around special education issues? Then consider becoming part of Michigan Alliance for Families.
Please see the job descriptions below for details on requirements and responsibilities. Cover letter and resume are due to [email protected] by September 29, 2023.
  • Arabic-Speaking Parent Mentor (Statewide) Part-time position, 20 hours per week, $22 per hour Must live in Michigan
  • Regional Parent Mentor- Central Part-time position, 30 hours per week, $22 per hour Must live in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham, or Shiawassee County
  • Regional Parent Mentor- Genesee County (was Flint specific, now open to whole county)Part-time position, 36.5 hours per week, $22 per hour (was 20 hours per) Must live in Genesee County
  • Regional Parent Mentor- Northeast Part-time position, 24 hours per week, $22 per hour Must live in Alcona, Alpena, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet, Iosco, Montmorency, Otsego, or Presque Isle County
  • Regional Parent Mentor- Southern Oakland County Part-time position, 24 hours per week, $22 per hour Must live in Oakland County
  • Regional Parent Mentor- West Part-time position, 24 hours per week, $22 per hour Must live in Lake, Mason, Muskegon, Newaygo, or Oceana County

Filed Under: Uncategorized

ACMH to Hire Youth Peer Support Lead Trainer

September 6, 2023 by Leave a Comment

ACMH is currently accepting applications for a full time Youth Peer Support Lead Trainer.

Download the complete job description here: YPS Lead Trainer Position

Or visit the ACMH job opportunities page to learn more today.

 

Resumes will be accepted through September 29, 2023 and should be sent to Sara Reynolds, YPS Statewide Coordinator at [email protected]

Filed Under: Uncategorized

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • ACMH Statewide Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
    • Your Voice Matters: Family Advocacy in Children’s Mental Health
      • Family Driven
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    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
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  • Contact

Contact Us:

ACMH State Office
6017 W. St. Joe Highway
Suite 200
Lansing, MI 48917
Phone: 1-517-372-4016
Parent Line: 888-226-4543
Fax: 1-517-372-4032


Statewide Staff:

Carla Pretto – Executive Director

Program & Peer Support Leads
Krissy Dristy – Director of Peer Programs
Margo Pierce – Parent Support Partner Statewide Coordinator
Sara Reynolds – Youth Peer Support Statewide Coordinator
Angie Engler – Parent Peer Support Lead Trainer
Shawna Kassuba – Education and Outreach Coordinator

Operations & Finance
Dianna Robinson – Director of Operations
Mary Porter – Director of Finance

Administrative Support
Niki Sturkie – Administrative Assistant

Get Help

Get Emergency Help Right Now:

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis help is available.

Call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor.

Help is available 24/7!  YOU MATTER!  Reach Out for Help Now!


Check out more helpful resources.
Learn More

ACMH Youth Leadership Camp

Check out the video above to learn how you can be a part of Youth Leadership Camp Today! Or click here to learn more.

ACMH

Association for Children’s Mental Health

6017 W. St. Joseph Hwy., Suite #200,
Lansing, Michigan 48917
Phone: (517) 372-4016
Fax: (517) 372-4032
Parent Line: (888) ACMH-KID (226-4543)

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  • Home
  • About
    • Meet the ACMH Staff
    • ACMH Board of Directors
    • ACMH Job Opportunities
    • ACMH Annual Reports
  • Get Help
    • Accessing Mental Health Services For My Child
    • Understanding my Child’s Mental Health Challenges
    • Collaborating with the Professionals Working with My Family
    • Navigating
      • Problems at School
      • Navigating the Juvenile Justice System
      • Navigating the Child Welfare System
      • The Mental Health System
    • Finding Resources for Housing, Employment, Childcare, Healthcare and Other Family Supports such as SSI/SSDI
      • Housing
      • Employment
      • Childcare
      • Free or Low Cost Medications
      • Health Care Coverage
    • Military Family Support
    • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get Information
    • Children’s Mental Health 101
      • I Am Worried About My Child’s Mental Health
      • Possible Red Flags
      • Who can help
      • How to Access Mental Health Services and Supports
      • I Just Found Out My Child Has a Mental Health Disorder
      • Common Diagnosis
      • Treatments & Supports
      • Questions to Ask About Treatment
      • How to be Actively Involved in Your Child’s Treatment
      • What to Expect
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Public Mental Health
      • When Accessing Mental Health Services Using Private Insurance
      • What to Expect if Your Child is in Crisis
      • Mental Health by Age & Stage
      • Additional Children’s Mental Health Resources
    • Ask the Expert
    • ACMH Projects
      • Parent Support Partner
      • Youth Peer Support
      • Family Action Partnership
      • Statewide Family Network
      • Other Projects & Collaborations
    • For Community Agencies
    • Child and Family Services
      • Public Mental Health
      • Juvenile Justice
      • Child Welfare
      • Education
    • Training Opportunities & Calendar
      • ACMH Trainings
      • Community Partner Trainings
      • Youth Mental Health First Aid
      • Youth Peer Support Project
      • Webinars
      • Parent Support Partner (PSP) Training Calendar
      • ACMH Staff Portal
  • Get Support
    • Support for You
    • Family Stories
    • The Manual
    • Online Discussions
    • Find Support in Your Local Community
    • Help To Create a Local Parent Support Group
  • Get Involved
    • Family Leadership Opportunities
    • ACMH Statewide Parent Advisory Committee (PAC)
    • Your Voice Matters: Family Advocacy in Children’s Mental Health
      • Family Driven
      • Youth Guided
    • Share Your Story
    • Advocacy 101
  • Youth Page
    • Youth Blog
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