The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services and Gov. Whitmer Announced Several Updates

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has recently announced the appointment of Farah Hanley as the Chief Deputy Director for Health. Filling in the space since the departure of Dr. Joneigh Khaldun to the private sector, Hanley will now oversee the new Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services and the State Hospital Administration.

The MDHHS Health and Aging Services Administration was renamed the Behavioral and Physical Health and Aging Services. Under this umbrella, the administration, which already handles Medicaid and services for aging adults, will oversee community-based services for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, serious mental illness, and substance use disorders.

It was also announced that Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian will Joe be appointed as Chief Medical Executive permanently. Dr. Bagdasarian was appointed chief medical executive when Dr. Khaldun left the position. Previously, Dr. Bagdasarian served as a senior public health physician at MDHHS.

Also announced is a revitalization of behavioral health care services. With children at the forefront, the restructuring of programming within MDHHS emphasizes the importance of behavioral health services and will ensure they are supported across community-based, residential, and school locations, as well as other settings. Though the changes will benefit people of all ages, addressing the needs of children and their families is a top priority.

This announcement, together with Governor Gretchen Whitmer, MDHHS is hoping to move Michiganders towards a healthier future.

“It’s been a tough few years, especially for our kids, and it’s so important we do whatever we can to support Michiganders who have struggled. That’s why I am committed to improving behavioral health services, especially for children,” says Gov. Whitmer. “The changes announced today will leverage the expertise, resources, and work happening across the department to improve behavioral health. I am grateful for MDHHS’s hard work to respond to the needs of Michiganders and provide more oversight and resources for Michigan’s children, youth, and families.”

The Bureau of Children’s Coordinated Health Policy and Supports will work to improve and build upon coordination and oversight of children’s behavioral health services. The new children’s bureau will emphasize the critical importance of including families in addressing the health needs of children. These efforts will reinforce the much-needed protections for youth so they will

be able to have access to the most appropriate services when they are needed to be opposed to

resorting to an emergency room or child welfare services.

“Everyone deserves access to behavioral health care where and when they need it,” says Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS Director. “Everyone should have the same experience – services that can be life-changing or even lifesaving – no matter where they live and no matter where they turn for help.

The foundation of the bureau centers around the ideology that services must be crafted specifically for the needs of children, including those transitioning through different health care settings. The bureau believes mobile and intensive crisis services for children and youth should be different than those addressing adult needs. The bureau will work hand-in-hand with other MDHHS administrations to address children’s behavioral health crises and to focus on expanding dedicated partnerships and advocate relationships.

“This change will help us coordinate resources more efficiently and establish one voice regarding physical and behavioral health policy,” Hertel said. “It also will help give more support to providers, strengthen policies to make them more effective, create consistency in access and, ultimately, improve outcomes for children, families, and adults.”

The new structure will be effective Monday, March 21 and will improve coordination of care and collaboration with stakeholders. It will also improve direct support to children, families, and providers transitioning between care settings or who need more intensive clinical review. The department will retain current staff positions under the restructuring.