Board of Commissioners Breakdown
May 2023 |
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The audience at the May 16 Regular Board of Commissioners Meeting. |
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Spring Infuses Kalamazoo County with a Renewed Positive Spirit
We celebrate the remarkable spirit of collaboration and non-partisanship that defines our Board. It is with great pride that we highlight the positive and constructive atmosphere that permeates our meetings, fostering a shared commitment to serving the best interests of our community. Together, we continue to break down barriers, work across party lines, and harness the power of collaboration to drive meaningful change and progress for all. Let us continue to embrace the values of unity, compassion, and progress as we work towards building a stronger and more vibrant community for everyone.
Additionally, we join the nation in recognizing Mental Health Awareness Month and strive to destigmatize mental health and emphasize the importance of nurturing our emotional well-being. We are dedicated to cultivating an environment where individuals feel supported, have access to essential resources, and can seek help without hesitation. Together, we aim to build a community that prioritizes mental wellness, empathy, and understanding.
Looking ahead, we eagerly anticipate the vibrant celebration of diversity during Pride Month in June. It will be a time to honor and uplift the LGBTQ+ community in Kalamazoo County. As a Board, we remain committed to fostering a culture of inclusivity and equality, where every individual feels seen, heard, and valued. We will continue to advocate for policies and initiatives that promote diversity, acceptance, and respect for all.
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MAY 3 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved a proclamation to pay tribute to Congressman Fred Upton's 36 years of service in the House of Representatives.
- Approved Police Protection Agreements with the Sheriff's Office and the Village of Climax and Charter Township of Pavilion.
- Approved the creation and filling of a Transition Specialist position within the Juvenile Home/On Trac program using approved ARPA grant funds.
- Approved a proclamation declaring April 28, 2023, International Workers Memorial Day to honor friends, family members, and colleagues who have been killed or injured on the job.
- Approved a proclamation honoring Amiee Cooper for 25 years of service at the 8th District Court.
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MAY 16 MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
- Approved Housing Millage allocations for $3.8 million toward Multi-Family, New Single Family, and Owner-Occupied Rehab projects in 2023, collectively, and $3.6 million toward Multi-Family and Single Family projects in 2024, as well as $1.6 million in Multi-Family projects in 2025.
- Approved a proclamation recognizing June 5 as National Gun Violence Prevention Day and June 15 as Annual World Elder Abuse Awareness Day.
- Approved a proclamation recognizing May 2023 as Foster Care Month and June 2023 as both Pride Month and Justice Against Bullying @ School (JABS) Awareness Month in Kalamazoo County.
- Approved a proclamation honoring Cynthia Foster and Jeffrey Nichols for 25 years of service at the Health & Community Services Department and the Sheriff's Office, respectively.
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A Message From the Administrator |
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As I reflect upon my first year as your County Administrator, I am overwhelmed with gratitude for the privilege of serving this remarkable community. Each day, I am greeted by the warmth and dedication of my coworkers, and I can honestly say that I love coming to work. The past year has been a transformative journey, and I am humbled to witness how our new approach to leadership and increased approachability within the Administrator's office has had a positive impact on our entire organization.
In celebrating Mental Health Awareness Month, we acknowledge the importance of nurturing not only our physical health but also our mental well-being. Let us embrace empathy, foster open dialogues, and extend support to those who may be facing challenges. Together, we can continue to build a community that prioritizes mental wellness, resilience, and compassion.
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Around the County
Mental Health First Aid Training at MSU Extension |
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When someone’s in distress, a quick and compassionate response is just as important for mental health as it is physical health. Mental Health First Aid teaches participants how to help people who may be experiencing a mental health problem or crisis. Since 2017, Michigan State University Extension has been offering Mental Health First Aid training to both its own staff and external organizations. As of 2022, over 1,000 Michigan residents have been trained in Mental Health First Aid by our team.
Mental Health First Aid is a skills-based training that teaches people how to identify, understand and respond to signs and symptoms of a mental health or substance use challenge in adults ages 18 and over. The evidence behind the program demonstrates that it builds mental health literacy, providing an action plan that teaches people to safely and responsibly identify and address a potential mental health or substance use challenge.
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2023 Mental Health First Aid Training Dates
Wednesday, June 7 AND Thursday June 8
Courses may fill up quickly, register early to secure the date of your choice. Registration closes two Fridays before the course date. All community trainings are delivered online via Zoom unless otherwise stated. All one-day courses run from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. All two-day courses run from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. both training days for AM courses and 12:30 to 4:30 p.m. for PM courses unless otherwise stated.
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If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health emergency, call or text The Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or visit 988lifeline.org/chat/ to speak with a crisis counselor.
For persons who are deaf or hard of hearing, use preferred relay service or dial 711 then 988.
Línea de Prevención del Suicidio y Crisis en Español: Llame 988 y presione "2".
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Other Crisis Support Options:
BlackLine - 1-800-604-5841
Trevor Project - 1-866-488-7386
StrongHearts Native Helpline - 1-844-7-NATIVE
SAMHSA National Helpline - 1-800-662-HELP
NAMI Helpline - 1-800-950-NAMI
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Advisory Boards & Committees
We want to thank our residents for engaging with us as we continue our work on behalf of everyone who lives in this great community! This month, we:
- Appointed Vince Carahaly to the Southcentral Michigan Planning Council
- Appointed Mike Pratt, David Gariepy, and Travis Krentz to the Kalamazoo County Remonumentation Peer Review Group, and
- Appointed Doreen Gardner to the Older Adult Services Advisory Council.
We're grateful to have such an engaged community of residents as we continue working toward a brighter future. If you're interested in serving on an Advisory Board or Committee, view our current open positions here.
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Want to get involved with your local government in another way? Check out our current openings and apply today.
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