OCHN's Oakland Crisis Intervention Training Program Honored with Platinum Recognition

OCHN's Crisis Intervention Training Program Honored with Platinum Certification

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

From L to R: OCHN COO Trisha Zizumbo, Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard, OCHN CEO Dana Lasenby

Oakland County, MI — Nov. 4, 2025 — The Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Program has been awarded Platinum Level Certification by CIT International. This distinction recognizes a model community partnership among law enforcement, behavioral health professionals, individuals and families affected by mental illness, substance use disorder, or intellectual and developmental disabilities, all working together to improve responses to behavioral health crises.

The CIT Program focuses on strengthening the crisis response system through advocacy, training, and collaboration. It emphasizes ensuring that people in crisis are met with care, understanding, and timely support, while helping first responders build skills that lead to safer and more compassionate outcomes.

“We are honored to receive this recognition that reflects our organization’s deep commitment to compassionate and effective crisis response,” said Dana Lasenby, OCHN Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. “This achievement is the result of strong community partnerships and OCHN’s dedication to building a system that ensures people in crisis receive the right care at the right time.”

Since CIT Oakland’s inception in 2015, more than 1,330 officers have been trained in CIT techniques; equipping officers to assess a person’s mental health needs and connect them with appropriate services, reducing unnecessary jail time or hospitalization. As a result, communities have seen a measurable decrease in crisis-related arrests and improved outcomes for individuals in crisis.

One of OCHN’s key partners, the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office, has played a vital role in the program’s success. “I’m incredibly proud of our team for the hard work that earned them the CIT Platinum Certification. I’d call it the gold standard, but it’s even better than gold!” said Oakland County Sheriff Michael Bouchard.

“Every community deserves compassionate, professional, and safe crisis response. Achieving this certification demonstrates Oakland County's commitment and Michigan’s collective effort to reduce stigma and make our communities safer for everyone,” said Kevin Fisher, CIT International Board Member and Executive Director of CIT International Michigan.

The Platinum Level Certification recognizes programs that exemplify the highest standards of CIT practice and positions Oakland’s CIT Program as a national leader.

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.

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

OCHN Crisis Intervention Training Program Honored to Receive Platinum Certification PDF

Oakland Community Health Network | www.oaklandchn.org