OCHN Hosts Legislative Community Conversation

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Suzanne Weinert • weinerts@oaklandchn.org • 248-758-1991

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (February 10, 2025) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) hosted its annual Legislative Breakfast today, Monday, February 10, 2025 to emphasize the impact of public behavioral health services and the critical importance of sustainability.

Pictured Left to Right: (Back Row) OCHN Board Chair Dennis Cowan, Senator Stephanie Chang, Representative Donni Steel, Commissioners Penny Lueb, Mike Spisz, Linnie Taylor. Heidi Warrington, Commissioner Karen Joliat and Ann Erikson Gault, Representative Sharon McDonald, Commissioner David Woodward, Royal Oak Chief Mike Moore {guest speaker}, Meridian Supervisor Charlie Lemaster {guest speaker}, OCHN Board Member Pastor Douglas Jones, (Front Row) Oakland County Health and Human Services Director Leigh-Anne Stafford, Bloomfield Schools Lisa Brown {guest speaker} OCHN Executive Director & CEO Dana Lasenby, OCHN Chief Operating Officer Trisha Zizumbo.

The event stressed the necessity of partnerships in the community while highlighting the growing need of services across the board. In Fiscal Year 2024 (FY24), OCHN served approximately 30,000 individuals with mental illness, substance use disorders, and/or intellectual/developmental disabilities. OCHN’s Mental Health School Navigators (MHSN) connected 814 families to resources and the Youth & Family Care Connection (YFCC) diverted 1,388 youth from impatient hospitalization. FY24 also saw the Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) trained over 1,200 law enforcement officers and the Co-Responder Clinicians made 2,269 referrals.

The event also featured a testimony about the importance of partnership between behavioral health professionals and law enforcement, as Captain Michael Moore, Royal Oak Police Chief, shared how this initiative has saved many lives. In addition, Charlie Lemaster from Meridian Health Services shared his story. As well as Lisa Brown, Transition Coordinator, Bloomfield Hills School District, reported the life changing mental health connections made by OCHN’s School Mental Health Navigators on behalf of countless students in her district and their families.

In 2025, OCHN will continue to strength our community partnerships and put OCHN’s person-focused, strategic priorities into action. Positive change and outcomes for people are possible when we work together for the greater good of our community.

To reach non-emergency Access services, call 248-464-6363. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call or text 988. To learn more about OCHN visit www.oaklandchn.org.

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network and manage care for approximately 30,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

OCHN Legislative Breakfast - PDF

Oakland Community Health Network | www.oaklandchn.org