Wayne County Commission Youth Council Addresses Substance Abuse and Mental Health

Detroit, Michigan – April 19, 2024 – In response to mental illness among youth has gone up forty (40%) since Covid-19 and the rise of youth substance abuse issues, the Wayne County Commission Youth Council (WCCYC), comprised of 10th to 12th-grade students appointed by Commissioners, convened on April 23 at 10:00 am at 500 Griswold in the Commission Chambers to present a resolution drafted by youth for adoption by the county commission.

Commissioner Monique Baker McCormick (D-Detroit), a driving force behind the establishment of the commission in 2020 as chair and administrator of WCCYC, underscored the importance of empowering student voices in addressing these pressing issues. "From the pandemic to the threat of violence in schools, students today have endured significant challenges, and they are actively seeking solutions for themselves and their peers," emphasized Commissioner McCormick.

The Youth Council has been instrumental in providing platforms for students to engage directly with elected officials, advocating for change and presenting resolutions to address critical issues. Notably, their efforts have inspired the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network to adopt innovative concepts, derived from the Wayne County Commission Youth Council, to employ youth from Wayne County schools as mental health advocates.

Members of the Youth Council, if appointed by a Commissioner will represent youth in one of 15 county commission districts. Each appointee this year attended monthly meetings since the start of the school year visa zoom and met at various location such as the Detroit Institute of Art, Wayne State University, Commission Chambers, annual Advocacy Day in Lansing Michigan and the War on Trash Clean-up community project being held at the Detroit River International Wildlife Refuge in Trenton. The presentation of the resolution and an annual report will mark the council's final official act of the 2023-24 school year.

Past resolutions presented by the Youth Council and adopted by the commission have addressed vital issues such as gun safety, better funding for the state's poorest school districts (several of which are located in Wayne County), and increased mental health counseling in schools following the COVID-19 pandemic.

"Each year, Youth Council members tackle issues relevant to high school students their age, and we always take their recommendations seriously," stated Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell (D-Detroit).

Students interested in being agents of change and advocating for their peers are encouraged to seek appointment to the Youth Council by reaching out to Youth Council Chair, Commissioner Baker McCormick's office at 313-224-0884 or [email protected].

For further information or inquiries, please contact Commissioner Baker McCormick at 313-268-8802 or [email protected]