He says one thing that's needed is better training of police and guards to recognize the signs of mental illness.
"So they can address these issues much quicker and it doesn't lead to a situation where they are at risk or the inmate is at risk," says Mays.
Mays says Kent, Oakland, and Kalamazoo counties already have well-developed diversion programs in place.
A related state goal is to have all 83 counties in Michigan do mental health screening of people who come into contact with the criminal justice system.
State officials hope to start the pilot projects early next year.