Press Releases

Today, Congressman Bill Huizenga (MI-02) announced two community mental health providers were awarded a total of $8 million in federal grants from the Department of Health and Human Services. These grants will be used to expand and improve resources for residents as well as strengthen mental and behavioral services across West Michigan. HealthWest, which is a based in Muskegon and serves Muskegon County, was awarded a $4 million grant. West Michigan Community Mental Health System, which is based in Ludington and serves Lake, Mason, and Oceana Counties, was also awarded a $4 million grant.

“Enhancing mental and behavioral health resources in our community is even more critical given the challenges created by the coronavirus,” said Congressman Bill Huizenga. “I want to thank both HealthWest and West Michigan Community Mental Health for their leadership and continued efforts to enriching the lives of so many that call West Michigan home.”

"HealthWest has been able to help Muskegon County residents achieve amazing behavioral and physical health outcomes thanks to previous Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic funding," said HealthWest Executive Director Julia Rupp. "This new funding will allow us to continue these efforts, which are especially crucial as we work to help our community stay safe during the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak."

“People in rural communities often have limited access to much-needed behavioral health care services,” said Lisa Williams, CEO of West Michigan Community Mental Health. “We are excited to use this grant money to increase and expand services to meet the needs of our local community.”