That’s why Priority Health is partnering with Canines for Change to launch Priority Pups®—a signature program of Priority Health for Good—sponsoring trained facility dogs to be placed in select school districts to ease anxiety and support kids as they learn.
Scout (pictured to the left), the first-ever Priority Pup, was placed in Muskegon Public Schools in August 2023, where he helps students cope with academic, social and emotional challenges. Scout visits multiple schools across the district impacting hundreds of students per week.
In April 2024, North Godwin Elementary School welcomed Meeka (pictured to the right), a black goldendoodle facility dog, who supports the school’s 385 students in a variety of ways, such as greeting them in the morning and providing comfort as needed throughout the day. Priority Health aims to continue to grow the program and place more pups in schools throughout Michigan.
If you feel students and teachers in your district would benefit from a Priority Pup, you're welcome to fill out this interest form and we'll reach out to you. Please talk with your school leadership before completing the form.
Since 2005, Canines for Change provides highly-trained service and facility dogs in educational settings. As one of the few organizations who provide these highly-trained dogs to area schools, their team is thrilled to partner with Priority Health to bring Priority Pups™ to school districts across Michigan.
Become a volunteer puppy raiser with our partner Canines for Change
If you or someone you know needs emotional support right now, call or text 988. If you are experiencing immediate safety concerns or need medical attention, please call 911 or go to the nearest emergency room.
Priority Health knows mental health issues can affect anyone—how we think, feel, act, handle stress, relate to others, or make choices. Whether you’re seeking treatment or simply searching for more information, here you’ll find a range of support and information from organizations dedicated to the betterment of mental health:
Get free virtual visits from Curai Health for adult Michigan residents without health insurance.
If you are seeking behavioral health services, click here.