GRAND TRAVERSE COUNTY — Northern Michigan healthcare providers say that Saturday’s Walmart attack emphasizes the need for significant investment in area mental health services.
The suspect in the attack had a history of mental illness and violent episodes, leading some to examine what resources are available for those struggling.
Terri LaCroix-Kelty, director of behavioral health for Munson Healthcare, says that concerned individuals can reach out to services like the Grand Traverse Mental Health Crisis and Access Center.
“You can come there even if you have questions about — what do I need? What resources are there? What can I afford? We’re there to help people,” she said.
LaCroix-Kelty says that more resources need to be available to residents across Northern Michigan.
“We need more investment in behavioral healthcare,” she said. “It’s a top need in our community, and really in communities across the country.”
Brian Babbitt, CEO of North Country Community Mental Health, says that mental illness can compound with struggles like homelessness or drug use.
“When you’re trying to assist somebody and get them in a more stable environment, you’re really dealing with two different issues instead of one singular issue,” he said.
Providers emphasized that mental illness isn’t necessarily associated with violent tendencies, and that discussions of mental health support shouldn’t overlook the injuries and trauma resulting from the attack.
“This is an incident that’s going to leave physical scars, minimally — certainly traumatic for the victims and the people that were in the vicinity and the families and the community as a whole,” he said.
Both North Country and the Mental Health Crisis and Access Center say that individuals worried about themselves or others can reach out for support.
“Say things like, ‘I’m concerned that you’re not okay. I’m concerned that you might harm yourself.’ Those are really open and honest questions that are important, and then we can get people to the help that they need,” she said.
Those in need of support can also contact 988, the national Lifeline service.
Resources are also available in the Traverse City area following the attack.
