Public Health

Trenton's campaign is focused on prioritizing public health & ensuring a robust support system for the county health department. With a deep commitment to the well-being of our community, Trenton pledges to allocate resources effectively, strengthen partnerships, & champion evidence-based policies to bolster the efforts of our health department in safeguarding our community's health. By electing Trenton, you're choosing a dedicated leader who will work tirelessly to enhance public health infrastructure for the benefit of all residents of Grand Traverse County.

  • In May of 2022, Rob Hentschel (and other members of the GT County Board of Commissioners) voted to leave Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority, jeopardizing access to mental health services in Grand Traverse County (and 5 other counties). Due to some smart maneuvering by our current State Representative, Betsy Coffia, this attempt failed. However, the effects of this political sabotage have led to deep and concerning divisions within the organization. Trenton will bring a voice of reason to the GT County Board of Commissioners to help our community move on from this detrimental decision, usher in new leadership for NLCMHA, and work on expanding access to mental health education, resources, and services.

  • The Grand Traverse Health Department offers vital services to our community, including breast & cervical cancer screenings, vaccination services, reproductive health programs, and testing for STIs/STDs (website). These services are facing new threats in light of the proliferation of misinformation online and political movements to defund public health nationwide. Our neighbors to the north are currently facing this threat head on with attacks on their health department’s ability to apply for grants, and folks are not happy. Trenton promises to support our public health officials and front-line workers to help keep our community healthy and resilient.

  • Stigma is a public health hazard. Most mental and physical illnesses are treatable if caught in time, but folks often ignore symptoms and go untreated until it is possibly too late. Trenton will use his position as commissioner to work with the health department and organizations like Northern Lakes Community Mental Health to help spread awareness and break the stigma associated with seeking treatment and preventative care.

Trenton will focus on:

Youth mental health trends.

Trenton was a teacher during the start of the COVID-19 pandemic and witnessed first-hand the detrimental effects that mandated isolation and political divisiveness had on the mental health of young people. Trenton will amplify the voices of our youth in GT County and answer the call for improved access to mental health education, resources, and services.

A great place to start is by listening to our young people. Trenton will work on implementing the recommendations of the student-led research that was facilitated by the Grand Traverse Regional Community Foundation’s Youth Wellness Initiative.

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