Chelsea Nears Completion of New Community Health Resource

During the Chelsea City Council meeting on April 1, 2024, the Roundtable Group presented an update on the progress made towards adding a community mental health resource using rebate funds from the 2017 County Mental Health and Public Safety Millage. Superintendent of the Chelsea School District, Mike Kapolka, and CEO of 5 Healthy Towns, Steve Petty, collaborated to provide the update to the council.

Kapolka informed the council that discussions around the structuring and management of the role, its administrative location, and the geographical scope of the services were ongoing. He mentioned that while nothing has been finalized, they are nearing a decision. He also mentioned that the service area would align with the Chelsea School District boundaries.

The addition of the new position is intended to complement the existing network of mental health resources in the community, such as social workers and psychologists in schools, Chelsea Police Department, Chelsea Hospital, and other local agencies. This collaboration aims to enhance the continuum of care for community members who rely on these services.

Mayor Jane Pacheco, a member of the Roundtable Group, highlighted the support from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, which is offering financial assistance as well as clinical management supervision for the new position. Pacheco emphasized the importance of this partnership in establishing and sustaining the new resource.

Kapolka emphasized that the position is being established as a two-year pilot program rather than as a permanent role. This approach allows for careful consideration, reflection, feedback, and evaluation over the initial period to ensure that the resource meets the community’s needs effectively.