Last Saturday, our Youth Advisory Committee led a mental health kit giveaway at the Ann Arbor District Library during the library’s Lunar New Year celebration. It was a meaningful afternoon centered on youth leadership and community connection.

This initiative was fully youth-led from start to finish. YAC members planned the event, organized materials, and welcomed families to learn more about mental health resources. Each free kit included brochures, fidget tools, notebooks, pencils, and other simple supports for stress management and self-expression.

It was encouraging to see youth and families stop by, ask questions, and leave with tools they can use in everyday life. When young people lead efforts like this, the impact feels real and relevant.

We’re grateful to the Ann Arbor District Library for hosting such a vibrant community celebration and for creating space for youth voices to shine.

 

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is proposing updates to the Waiver for Children with Serious Emotional Disturbance (SEDW). These changes would apply only to children, youth, and young adults currently enrolled in the SEDW.

These updates are important because they may affect how services are delivered, accessed, and experienced by families participating in the SEDW.

MDHHS will host two virtual public hearing sessions to share more information about the proposed updates, including what may change and the anticipated timeline, see dates and times below:
– Tuesday, April 28, 1 p.m. to 1:30 p.m.
– Thursday, April 30 6:30 p.m. to 7 p.m. 

These sessions are an opportunity for families, youth, and stakeholders to:
– Learn about the proposed SEDW updates.
– Ask questions about what the changes may mean.
– Provide input specific to the SEDW program and proposed amendment.

To help keep the session focused and make the best use of available time, we encourage feedback that is specific to the SEDW and the proposed changes being presented.

Information shared at both sessions will be the same. Registration to receive a link to a session can be submitted through the following link: SEDW Amendment Public Hearing Registration.

The 2023 – 2025 ACMH Community Impact Report highlights three years of partnership, learning, and statewide impact alongside youth, families, and community organizations across Michigan.

As we move into 2026, we’re carrying forward what we learned in 2025 and building on it. Here’s how that work continues across our key focus areas.

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Youth Mental Health Action Day (YMHAD)

Click here for more photos and the full recap of YMHAD 2025!

In May 2025, more than 120 youth, families, and community members gathered at the Lansing Center for Youth Mental Health Action Day. Guided by the theme Great Change from the Great Lakes, the day centered youth voice, advocacy, trauma-informed care, and inclusive spaces.

Youth-led panels, keynote speakers, reflection spaces, and community connections shaped the experience, with the day closing in music and movement led by DJ Y’z and Breaker Tabor Vits.

In 2026, YMHAD will continue to bring youth, families, and community members together to learn, connect, and take action for youth mental health. We’re also seeking sponsors and donors to help the event grow and reach more young people across Michigan.

Registration for YMHAD 2026 is now open.

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Annual Conference

Click here for more photos and the full recap of the 2025 ACMH Annual Conference!

Our 2025 Fall Conference, Showing Off My Shoes: Every Sole Has a Story, brought parents, caregivers, youth, and professionals together for a day centered on lived experience and shared learning.

The conference featured insights from PSP Kathy O’Neil and YPS Specialist Madelynn Nagy, interactive sessions, and strong participation from vendors and resource partners. Feedback from attendees is already shaping the next conference.

In September 2026, during Suicide Prevention Month, we’ll once again gather youth, families, and professionals for learning, reflection, and community building. A new theme will be announced soon.

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Expanding Peer Support

Peer support continued to grow across Michigan in 2025. Youth Peer Support celebrated 10 years, and Parent Support Partner marked 20 years of supporting families statewide.

Across the state, 57 Youth Peer Support Specialists supported young people, and 114 Parent Support Partners worked with parents and caregivers.

These programs provide critical peer guidance and support:

• Youth Peer Support (YPS): One-on-one, youth-guided support for young people with serious emotional or behavioral challenges, focused on hope, advocacy, and informed decision-making. In 2025, Sara Reynolds, YPS Statewide Coordinator, and Krissy Dristy, Director of Peer Programs, celebrated 10 years with ACMH, continuing to guide the program and support Youth Peer Support Specialists across Michigan.

• Parent Support Partner (PSP): Peer support for parents navigating the mental health system, helping them build confidence and connect with resources. Led by Statewide Coordinator Margo Pierce, with Angie Engler joining ACMH in 2025 as PSP Lead Trainer to strengthen statewide training and support.

• Crisis Support Partner (CSP): Peer-led support for parents and caregivers during youth mental health crises. In 2026, Kyla Viurquiz joined ACMH as CSP Lead Trainer to launch statewide training and expand access for families.

Together, these programs empower parents, caregivers, and young adults to participate as equal partners in shaping care and the systems that serve them.

 

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Crisis Toolkit

In 2025, ACMH launched the Crisis Toolkit, including the Crisis Navigator and Crisis Compass. These tools offer clear, trauma-informed guidance before, during, and after a youth mental health crisis.

In 2026, families and providers continue using the toolkit to navigate crisis with more clarity, confidence, and support.

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Youth and Parent Leadership

In 2025, youth leaders participated in the Youth Leadership Summer Series, building advocacy skills, confidence, and peer connection. Parents joined the Amplify Your Voice Leadership Workshop Series, strengthening their ability to support youth and lead change.

In 2026, youth ages 13–20 will take part in our Youth Leadership Summer Camp, with Youth Advisory Council members continuing to shape ACMH’s work through panels, videos, and lived-experience storytelling.

At the same time, the Parent Advisory Committee, with support from YAC, is advancing the My Inner World Youth Art Initiative, lifting up youth creativity and perspective.

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Powered by a Small but Mighty Team

ACMH’s ten-person team continues to work alongside youth, families, and statewide partners. In 2025 and beyond, we’ve collaborated with MDHHS, CMHA, MDE, MAF, and MC3, served on advisory committees, and helped move conversations around family-driven and youth-guided care forward across Michigan and nationally.

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Explore the Full Report

For stories, data, and a full overview of our statewide impact, read the 2023 – 2025 ACMH Community Impact Report.

If you’d like to support peer support expansion, advocacy, and family-centered mental health services in Michigan, consider making a gift to ACMH. Every contribution helps us continue this work.

Register for YMHAD 2026 and support ACMH today! Together, we’re building a stronger, more inclusive mental health system for youth and families across Michigan.

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!

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.