LANSING, Mich. — Sen. Ruth Johnson issued the following statement on Thursday after the Senate approved a supplemental budget bill that includes $100,000 to support mental health services for students, teachers, parents, administrators and first responders in the Oxford High School community:
“The horrific acts at Oxford High School took the lives of four innocent teenagers and wounded an entire community — impacting hundreds of children, parents, educators and community members in ways difficult to comprehend.
“I worked with Sen. Jim Runestad on securing this funding to ensure the Oxford community has access to critical mental health services as they deal with the lasting and painful impact of this tragedy.
“I have represented the families of Oxford Schools for many years and have seen their strength. These resources will further help our community to heal. I encourage anyone in our community who feels they need help to seek it.”
House Bill 4398 includes $100,000 in funding to Common Ground, an established nonprofit organization that has provided supportive mental health care to youth, adults, and families living in the Oxford school district. Common Ground is the largest provider of mental health crisis services in Oakland County, offering 24-hour crisis services to more than 80,000 people each year.
In addition, the Disaster Distress Helpline can provide immediate counseling to survivors, first responders, eyewitnesses, and anyone in our community who is seeking help in coping with the mental or emotional effects of this tragedy by calling or texting 1-800-985-5990.
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