CMU Health establishes new organizational home for Great Lakes Bay Region mental health partnership
SAGINAW, Mich. – CMU Health is pleased to announce it will serve as the new organizational home for the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership (GLBRMHP), marking an exciting next chapter in regional efforts to reduce stigma and strengthen mental health awareness, access, and collaboration across the Great Lakes Bay Region.
“This transition allows us to grow thoughtfully and responsibly,” said Dallas Rau, who now serves as the director of GLBRMHP at CMU Health. “Partnering with CMU Health opens the door to enhanced collaboration, innovation, and sustainability, while maintaining the community-centered approach that has always guided our work.”
This alignment creates new opportunities to expand and strengthen GLBRMHP programming, deepen integration with clinical education and patient care, and enhance support for mental health providers, patients, and communities throughout the region.
"This collaboration strengthens mental health initiatives in the region by connecting education, clinical care, and public health," said Dr. Abishek Bala, child and adolescent psychiatrist at CMU Health. "It creates a pathway for medical students, residents, and fellows to engage directly with community needs. By working together, we are investing in a healthier, more resilient community."
Since its launch, GLBRMHP has been intentionally housed within the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance (GLBRA). This structure provided a strong foundation during the Partnership’s formative years, allowing it to establish core programming, build regional partnerships, and demonstrate sustainability and impact over the past four years.
As the partnership matured, Rau explained that the transition to CMU Health represents a natural and strategic evolution that positions GLBRMHP for long-term success.
“This collaboration is a shining example of the unity that exists in the Great Lakes Bay Region," said Dr. Delicia Pruitt, family medicine physician at CMU Health and Saginaw County Health Department's medical director. "It is a perfect fit for our BWell Saginaw efforts and CMU Health’s community and population health initiatives. Together, we will continue to help the region become a healthier place."
As GLBRMHP enters its next chapter at CMU Health, the Lifting Our Voices: Be the Light fundraiser originally scheduled for January 30, 2026, at Horizons Conference Center, has been postponed, to allow time for continued collaboration and planning. The event will be rescheduled, and updated information will be shared once a new date is finalized.
All other GLBRMHP programs, trainings, and initiatives will continue uninterrupted throughout the transition. Community partners, providers, and stakeholders can expect continuity in services, along with new opportunities as the Partnership evolves within its new organizational structure.
About CMU Medical Education Partners
CMU Medical Education Partners, doing business as CMU Health, is a consortium advancing graduate medical education in partnership with Covenant HealthCare and MyMichigan Medical Center Saginaw, leading Central Michigan University College of Medicine’s residency and fellowship programs. CMU Health’s nationally recognized physicians train residents and deliver high-quality patient care across its health care system in the Great Lakes Bay Region and affiliated partner locations.
About the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership
The mission of the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership is to collaborate with stakeholders to proactively improve mental health for all residents – regardless of demographics, environments, or experiences – to drive economic vitality and quality of life. The organization works to ensure that everyone knows where to turn for help when struggling with a mental health challenge, seeks help without fear of stigma and receives prompt access to excellent care. More information is available at https://www.greatlakesbay.com/mentalhealth
About the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance
The mission of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance is to encourage, support and celebrate regional collaboration and initiatives that will improve the economic vitality and quality of life in the Great Lakes Bay Region. The Great Lakes Bay Regional Alliance is comprised of 40+ board members who represent various organizations across Bay, Isabella, Midland and Saginaw Counties. More information is available at https://www.greatlakesbay.com/
