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.
Since the program launched in 2023, more than 13,500 students have been supported by the Priority Pups® program.
Frida is a spirited five-year-old who sometimes struggles to manage her big emotions. Starting kindergarten brings overwhelming feelings that make her "fireworks" explode. With the support of a patient and accepting pup, Frida learns to calm herself without losing her spark. Inspired by real experiences, this book by experts Charletta Dennis, MD, and Nikki Brown, PhD, will entertain and inspire both kids and their loving adults.
Thousands of printed copies have been distributed to kids across Michigan and the book has been read in print and online more than 13,000 times.
Muskegon Public Schools – Scout
Godwin Heights Public Schools (Grand Rapids) – Meeka
Wayne-Westland Community School District – Madden
Plymouth Canton Community Schools – Charlie
Covenant High School Central (Detroit) – Beau
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:
If you are seeking behavioral health services, click here.
1 National Research Council and Institute of Medicine. (2009). Preventing Mental, Emotional, and Behavioral Disorders Among Young People: Progress and Possibilities.