DETROIT – Over the last decade there has been an increase in crisis response to tragic incidents that directly impact young people, from school shootings to suicides across the nation – many of which stem from unaddressed mental health concerns.

Agency launches Mental Health Youth Council for High Schoolers

In response to this, the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) is creating its own Mental Health Youth Council (MHYC) for young people to sound off, speak up and help solve systemic issues with a youth-focused perspective.

“This dynamic and engaged group of young people will help guide us on issues and concerns that are important to them and will show us where there is disparity in receiving quality behavioral healthcare services,” said DWIHN President and CEO Eric Doeh. “They will help us better understand the issues that impact youth, helping us fill gaps in traditional mental health services and address access issues that they may have experienced firsthand. They will also be instrumental in helping DWIHN advocate for change with state policy makers.”

To apply for a seat on the council, a student must be a Wayne County resident, be enrolled as a high school student in Wayne County (grades 9-12) and have a current cumulative grade point average of 2.5 or higher.

Students selected to serve on the MHYC must be willing to participate in bi-monthly meetings via Zoom and quarterly meetings in person. Council members will be compensated $50 for every meeting attended.

The interview process will be conducted on a virtual video questionnaire platform, please visit www.dwihn.org for the link and more information. The deadline to apply is Friday, March 22.

“We are excited to hear directly from young people to help meet their needs and remove barriers that stop them from getting the help they need to survive and thrive through adversity,” Doeh said .