Ann Arbor Housing Commission works in collaboration with local agencies to provide a variety of resources to the community.
For Immediate Release
Contact:
Sally Amos-O’Neal
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH)
734-544-2919
24/7 hotline for Washtenaw County substance use
treatment support starting January 1
Washtenaw County residents will be able to call 734-544-3050 for substance use treatment support
YPSILANTI, Mich., Dec. 23, 2021 – On January 1, 2022, Washtenaw County residents who want substance use treatment support can call a 24/7 hotline, 734-544-3050, to receive an immediate screening, referral to a community-based provider, or guidance on how to get connected to services.
The calls will be answered by licensed mental health and substance use professionals at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH).
“Washtenaw County Community Mental Health, with its fully staffed 24/7 access line, is best positioned to serve as the new access point,” says James Colaianne, the chief executive officer at Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan (CMHPSM).
The switch aligns Washtenaw with the other regional counties overseen by the CMHPSM—Lenawee, Livingston, and Monroe—who all use their community mental health agency as the main access point for substance use disorder services.
“It’s important to note,” says Lisa Gentz, program administrator for millage services at WCCMH, “that WCCMH will not supplant the county’s core substance use treatment providers. They will connect callers with the region’s exceptional community based providers—including Dawn Farm, Home of New Vision, and other providers in our network.”
“We expect this change to be a huge improvement for those seeking substance use treatment,” says Trish Cortes, director of WCCMH. “Substance use needs are mental and physical health needs. People who request this support need it as quickly as possible.”
CMHPSM and WCCMH believe that the new 24/7 screening process will significantly speed time to treatment—and make it easier for residents to access services when they’re ready to take that step.
Before the pandemic, dozens of substance use treatment providers and stakeholders were convened by the Washtenaw Health Initiative to discuss ways to improve the region’s substance use treatment system. A single point of entry access process, and a universal screening tool, were some of the main recommendations that came out of this substance use treatment systems improvement process.
“I think Washtenaw County’s move to a single point of access is a big step in the right direction,” says Tim Shewcraft, peer recovery project coordinator at Michigan Medicine. “I feel the population is best
served by simplifying the process for the many community providers attempting to provide patients with referrals to this much needed care.”
“As a harm reduction specialist working with this population for over 20 years, many of these individuals are frustrated with access barriers to our care system,” says Lemont Gore, street outreach coordinator at Unified: HIV Health and Beyond. “I’m confident and hopeful that simplifying our access route, via [Washtenaw County] Community Mental Health, will enhance the process for those seeking help and also encourage others to consider their options.”
The intake process will also allow WCCMH to continue to collect data about substance use treatment needs and outcomes, such as time from assessment to treatment, as the WCCMH access system is integrated with CMHPSM’s electronic health record.
For substance use disorder emergencies—such as an overdose or imminent danger—people should continue to call 911 for immediate professional help.
For all other needs, the 24/7 access line will connect callers to local, professional services. Residents can also call the access line with a broad range of questions, including how to help loved ones and how to navigate the county’s substance use treatment system.
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health
Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) promotes hope, recovery, resilience, quality of life, and wellness by providing high quality, integrated services to eligible individuals. Thanks to the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, WCCMH expanded its services to all county residents regardless of insurance, ability to pay, or crisis severity. For guidance on how to get connected to services, call 734-544-3050.
Help make our parks more accessible — Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation
A group of master's students at the University of Michigan School of Information are working as consultants with the Ann Arbor Parks & Recreation Unit to improve the way people find and access the city's parks. You can help by signing up to participate in an interview that should take approximately 45-60 minutes. Your perspective on how you locate and navigate to the Ann Arbor parks can help us understand how we can create a better park experience for everyone! All participants will be compensated with a $25 prepaid debit card. If you would like to participate, visit the webpage for more information. Sponsored by the Office of Community and Economic Development.
A2ZERO Initiative — Sustainability and Innovations Department
The Sustainability and
Innovations Department is launching a virtual scavenger hunt that Ann Arborites, students, and visitors can take at their own pace to learn more about the activities unfolding throughout the community to create a more sustainable and just future. The idea is to place A2ZERO plaques at selected sites along with a QR code that participants can scan. That QR code will bring up more information about the sustainability features of the site but also tell you more about the A2ZERO initiative and how you can engage in the effort. This way people can intentionally participate in the scavenger hunt or stumble upon it by chance (i.e., I just happen to be at the farmers market and see the plaque – I'm intrigued).
If you know of something or some place that needs to be included, please fill out this survey to enter the specific site and a bit of details about why. All potential sites will be compiled and relevant ones will be integrated into the virtual scavenger hunt.
Summer Works 2021 Program — Washtenaw County Michigan Works!
Host an Intern this summer! Since 2016, Summer Works has focused on providing young adults ages 16 to 24 with work experience and exposure to a variety of career paths. Summer Works provides opportunities for employers. Summer Works 2021 helps employers introduce the next generation of young adults to their business and opportunities in their field. There are three ways to participate: Host an Intern, Be a Mentor, and Provide a Career Sneak Peek.
Summer Works offers experience to youth. Summer Works 2021 helps young adults gain meaningful work experience and offers employers a fresh perspective on a project they've always wanted to be completed during the summer.
Amy Cell Talent works with the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development, Michigan Works! Southeast, the University of Michigan, Spark Ann Arbor, Michigan Rehabilitation Services, partner organizations, and employers to increase our community talent pipeline and area internship opportunities. If you have any questions, please feel free to call Michelle Galbraith at (734) 707-5023.
Homeownership Special Announcement: MI 10K DPA Loan
MSHDA Homeownership is pleased to announce a new down payment assistance loan program called MI 10K DPA Loan. This program was created to offer assistance to purchasers within specific geographic areas where the opportunity to purchase a home is high but the rate of homeownership needs improvement. Homebuyers looking to purchase a home within one of these areas will benefit from additional support to help them achieve homeownership. The MI 10K DPA Loan program will provide:
- $10,000 to use towards the required down payment, closing costs and prepaids/escrows; any additional down payment can be used to buy down the first lien.
- Maximum financing is not required.
- Must be combined with a MSHDA MI Home Loan first mortgage (FHA, RD Guaranteed, or Conventional).
- Minimum 1% borrower contribution.
- Cash assets are restricted to $20,000.
- 0% interest and no monthly payments.
- Loan is due when the home is sold, refinanced, the first mortgage is paid in full, homeownership interest is transferred, or the home ceases to be the primary residence.
- Available in 236 Michigan zip codes.
For product specifications, marketing materials, Michigan map of covered zip codes and FAQ's visit Lender Online.
If you have questions, contact your Business Development Specialist.
