Priority PupsTM

Lending a hand, with an extra set of paws.

1 in 5 kids struggle with mental health.1

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.

Priority Pups™ in action

Muskegon Public Schools: Scout

Godwin Heights Public Schools: Meeka

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.

Priority Pups™ in the news

Priority Health launches Priority Pups™ program to help reduce student anxiety and stress
Meet Scout, a facility dog at Muskegon Public Schools
Meet Meeka, a student support dog at North Godwin Heights Elementary

Priority Pups interest form

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 when we begin the school selection process again. Please talk with your school leadership before completing the form.

Fill out form

About Canines for Change

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.

Learn more

Become a volunteer puppy raiser with our partner Canines for Change

Additional resources

Mental health resources

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:

More ways to improve your mental health

Priority Health remains committed to the health and well-being of the communities we serve. Read the following ThinkHealth articles to learn more about your mental health and the many ways you can promote, manage or even improve it.

No health insurance?

Get free virtual visits from Curai Health for adult Michigan residents without health insurance.

Learn more

 

7 Tell-tale signs of a mental health condition
Priority Pups™: improving mental health and wellness for Michigan students
PH_30161-1.1_2024 ThinkHealth Mental Health Story Illustrations-HEAD-1200x1200.jpg
Ways to take care of yourself as you wait for therapy

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.

Already a Priority Health member?

Take advantage of all the mental health benefits included in your plan. Whether you’re seeking treatment or simply searching for more information, we have many support options and free resources that can help.

  • Use the Teladoc Health Mental Health platform

    You have a free self-help resource waiting online.

    Teladoc Health Mental Health is a free mental wellness resource that offers support for stress, depression, sleep and more to help you live your happiest and healthiest life.

  • Find a provider

    Our behavioral health network includes outpatient psychologists, professional counselors, social workers, psychiatrists, behavior analysts, and so many more.

    Open your Priority Health app or log in to your member account and click on My Health care > Find a doctor. Click on Advanced Search and scroll through the Specialty and Areas of Focus filters to find a list of providers who match the areas of expertise that you are seeking.

  • Call us directly

    Navigating the behavioral health system can be tough. We have a team of dedicated behavioral health specialists who can talk to you about your health coverage, treatment options and find in-network specialists. Our team can even help you determine whether outpatient care or inpatient care will best meet your needs.

    Just call the number on the back of your member ID card or 800.673.8043 (TTY 711). Crisis support is available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.

1 National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. (2009). Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People: Progress and Possibilities.