PHOTO INFORMATION: State Rep. Phil Green speaks about access to mental health care and needed assistance for Michigan residents struggling with substance abuse in front of the state Capitol building on Wednesday, March 13.

Green, who serves as the Republican vice chair on the Health and Human Services Appropriations Subcommittee in the Michigan House, joined the Michigan Conference of the United Methodist Church for their Advocacy Day to promote awareness and develop solutions for care.

“Mahatma Ghandi once stated the true measure of any society can be found in how it treats its most vulnerable members,” Green said. “Vulnerabilities many times are revealed when a person struggles with what is considered in today’s world as mental health. Providing comprehensive care that is coordinated with the rest of an individual’s health care is vital.

“One area that is especially important to me is that of substance abuse. It is at the core of the breakdown of the family – thus perpetuating generational struggles of poverty and further abuse. As an ardent support of mental health services, especially substance abuse care, I wholeheartedly stand and support legislation that ensures there are no barriers – whether it be age, socioeconomic status, or place of residence – to receiving this vital care. I will continue to fight for the needs of people we all represent in the Legislature.”

Green is in his third term serving the 67^th House District, which covers portions of Genesee, Lapeer and Tuscola counties.