ST. PAUL, MN – Governor Mark Dayton today announced his appointments to the
Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health, established through
Executive Order 16-02. Appointees include Minnesotans who have experienced mental illness – either themselves, or as a family member – state and local government officials, mental health and other health care providers, as well as judicial and law enforcement officials. Together, they will work to identify gaps in our state’s mental health system and propose comprehensive recommendations to design, implement, and sustain a continuum of mental health services throughout Minnesota.
“Too many Minnesotans are going far too long without accessing the mental health care they need,” said Governor Dayton. “Those denials damage their overall health, their job opportunities, and their access to safe, affordable housing. This Task Force will provide the expertise and leadership necessary to address these serious challenges statewide. I look forward to receiving and acting upon their recommendations.”
Over 200,000 adults and 75,000 children in Minnesota live with mental illness. Over the last five years, Governor Dayton and the Minnesota Legislature have invested more than $56 million in mental health initiatives, including $46 million for mental health crisis services, housing for adults with mental illness, funding to increase capacity at mental health facilities across the state, and initiatives to improve children’s mental health. Additionally, Governor Dayton has
proposed significant investments in the Anoka Regional Treatment Center and the Minnesota Security Hospital.
“This is a critical moment for our mental health system in Minnesota,” said Department of Human Services Commissioner Emily Piper. “We have made advancements in the last year, but we need to continue moving forward on that commitment. I thank the Governor for his leadership to identify solutions that will address the gaps that exist in our mental health system, and help to ensure that all Minnesotans can access the treatment, services and supports they need.”
About the Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health
The new Governor’s Task Force on Mental Health will report back to the Governor, Legislature, and the public by the end of November, 2016, ahead of the 2017-2018 fiscal year budgeting process.
According to the Executive Order, members of the Task Force appointed by the Governor must include:
• The Commissioner of the Department of Human Services, who will chair the task force;
• Four individuals – or family members of individuals – who have experienced mental illness;
• Two mental health advocates
• Two representatives of community mental health services;
• Two representatives of hospital systems;
• Two representatives from law enforcement;
• One representative from the counties; and
• One representative from the judicial branch.
The task force will also include ex-officio leaders from state agencies, appointed by the Governor:
• The Commissioner of the Department of Health;
• The Commissioner of the Department of Corrections;
• The State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness; and
• The Ombudsperson for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities
Four ex-officio legislative members will also serve on the task force, appointed by caucus leadership:
• A Member of the Majority Party in the Senate;
• A Member of the Minority Party in the Senate;
• A Member of the Majority Party in the House of Representatives; and
• A Member of the Minority Party in the House of Representatives
Mental Health Task Force Meetings
The first Task Force meeting will be held from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. in room B145 in the Orville Freeman Building at 625 Robert Street North, St. Paul. These meetings are open to the public. Additional information about meetings can be found at
mn.gov/dhs/mental-health-tf/.
1. Monday, July 11, 2016
2. Monday, July 25, 2016
3. Monday, August 15, 2016
4. Monday, September 12, 2016
5. Monday, September 26, 2016
6. Wednesday, October 12, 2016
7. Monday, November 7, 2016
The Task Force will be chaired by the Commissioner of the Minnesota Department of Human Services, Emily Johnson Piper. Commissioner Piper looks forward to engaging with stakeholders throughout the Task Force process.
A website is being set up to provide timely information about the Task Force’s activities and to help gather input from stakeholders. The Task Force will be staffed by Susan E. Koch. Questions about the Task Force’s activities should be directed to her at
Susan.E.Koch@state.mn.us or (651) 431-2325.
Governor Dayton’s Appointments to the Mental Health Task Force
The members appointed to the Mental Health Task Force today by Governor Dayton include:
Emily Johnson Piper
Department of Human Services, Chair
Effective: June 27, 2016
Melissa Balitz – Hastings, MN
Representative with Personal or Family Experience with Mental Illness
Effective: June 27, 2016
Brantley Johnson – Minneapolis, MN
Representative with Personal or Family Experience with Mental Illness
Effective: June 27, 2016
Kim Stokes – Britt, MN
Representative with Personal or Family Experience with Mental Illness
Effective: June 27, 2016
Crystal Weckert – Brainerd, MN
Representative with Personal or Family Experience with Mental Illness
Effective: June 27, 2016
Sue Abderholden – Minneapolis, MN
Mental Health Advocate
Effective: June 27, 2016
Liliana Torres-Nordahl – Bloomington, MN
Mental Health Advocate
Effective: June 27, 2016
Shauna Reitmeier – Crookston, MN
Representative of Community Mental Health Services Providers
Effective: June 27, 2016
Pahoua Yang – St. Paul, MN
Representative of Community Mental Health Services Providers
Effective: June 27, 2016
Paul Goering – St. Paul, MN
Hospital Representative
Effective: June 27, 2016
Bruce Sutor – Rochester, MN
Hospital Representative
Effective: June 27, 2016
Sara Suerth – Brooklyn Park, MN
Law Enforcement Representative
Effective: June 27, 2016
Rodney Seurer – Savage, MN
Law Enforcement Representative
Effective: June 27, 2016
Jim McDonough – St. Paul, MN
County Representative
Effective: June 27, 2016
Term Expires: April 7, 2019
Jaime Anderson – Minneapolis, MN
Judicial Branch Representative
Effective: June 27, 2016
Edward Ehlinger
Department of Health, Ex-Officio Member
Effective: June 27, 2016
Tom Roy
Department of Corrections, Ex-Officio Member
Effective: June 27, 2016
Cathy ten Broeke
State Director to Prevent and End Homelessness, Ex-Officio Member
Effective: June 27, 2016
Roberta Opheim
Ombudsperson for Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, Ex-Officio Member
Effective: June 27, 2016
