Ottawa County Voters Approve Community Mental Health Millage

August 5, 2026

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Ottawa County Voters Approve Community Mental Health Millage with Strong Support

Holland, MI — Ottawa County voters have sent a clear and powerful message: mental health matters. With nearly 64 percent of voters supporting the Community Mental Health (CMH) millage, our community has chosen to take meaningful action to address serious gaps in funding and services for individuals living with mental illness, developmental disabilities, autism, and substance use disorders.

“This vote affirms what we already know—that our community is committed to ensuring that every resident has access to essential mental health services,” said Michael Brashears, Chief Executive Officer of Community Mental Health of Ottawa County. “The passage of this millage allows us to truly keep ‘community’ in community mental health. It reinforces our shared responsibility to care for one another and strengthens the foundation of support for people who rely on these services.”

The approved millage will provide critical resources that restore stability to CMH’s funding, protect vital programs, and expand access to care for some of the county’s most vulnerable residents.

Brashears expressed deep gratitude to the Friends of CMH and to CMH staff members, whose dedication and outreach played a pivotal role in educating the community on the essential nature of this funding.

“Our staff and the Friends of CMH did an exceptional job helping residents understand why this millage was so important,” Brashears said. “Their commitment, compassion, and hard work ensured voters had the information they needed to make an informed decision. We’re profoundly thankful for their efforts—and to the voters who chose to support mental health in Ottawa County.”

With this milestone, Ottawa County moves forward with renewed momentum to strengthen mental health services, enhance community well‑being, and ensure that individuals and families receive the care they need and deserve.