The proposed bill aims to establish the Office of Mental Health and Suicide Prevention within the Michigan Veterans Affairs Agency, which will be responsible for addressing mental health issues and suicide prevention among veterans. The office will be managed by an appointed individual with relevant experience in veteran mental health and substance use disorders. It will collect data on various aspects of veteran mental health, including statistics on post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, and suicide rates. The office is also tasked with creating a mental health and wellness resource guide, which will include treatment resources and a self-assessment tool for veterans.
Additionally, the bill outlines the powers and responsibilities of the office and its manager, including the ability to administer grants to support programs for service members and veterans. The manager will serve as a primary point of contact for veterans and their families regarding mental health resources and will oversee programs related to mental health and suicide prevention. The act is set to take effect on December 31, 2026, contingent upon the appropriation of at least $1,000,000 for its implementation and the enactment of related legislation.