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Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: Sept. 17, 2024
CONTACT: Lynn Sutfin, 517-241-2112, [email protected]
MDHHS partnering with behavioral health agencies
to expand access through Adult Crisis Stabilization Units
LANSING, Mich. – As part of an effort to increase access to behavioral health services, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is partnering with 10 agencies across the state to create Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (CSUs). A $32 million investment to establish CSUs was included in the FY2023 budget.
Adult CSUs provide immediate crisis support to anyone in a behavioral health crisis with services ranging from a couple hours to up to 72 hours. Programs will be focused on stabilizing individuals 18 and older with CSU staff providing support until the individual is actively engaged in their next level of care. These units will also be equipped to manage and treat minor medical conditions so that individuals in a behavioral health crisis aren’t sent to the emergency room for basic medical care.
Two agencies began providing CSU services to their communities earlier this year. Network180’s Behavioral Health Crisis Center in Grand Rapids began operations in May, while Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Crisis Care Center (DWIHN) opened its doors in June. Network180 is collaborating with Trinity Health Grand to ensure the needs of the community are met at its CSU. As of Saturday, Aug. 31, Network 180 has provided 581 interventions for individuals in crisis and admitted 268 adults to its crisis center, while DWIHN has provided 486 interventions and admitted 368 adults to its crisis unit.
“These units provide increased access to immediate crisis services to anyone struggling with mental health or substance use, which will reduce emergency room boarding, improve jail diversion and allow for better utilization of inpatient psychiatric hospital beds,” said Elizabeth Hertel, MDHHS director. “While these programs are not intended to replace ongoing treatment, they will offer fast and easy access to individuals when they need it most.”
September is Suicide Prevention Month and according to a KFF report, 665,980 Michiganders report having unmet mental health needs. Additionally, one in five adults in the state have a mental health condition and one in 18 adults are diagnosed with a serious mental illness.
MDHHS is partnering with eight additional agencies across the state to develop CSUs including:
- Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services
- Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties
- Common Ground
- Genesee Health System
- Hegira Health
- Macomb County Community Mental Health
- Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services (in partnership with Integrated Services of Kalamazoo)
- Team Wellness Center
Several of these agencies are developing multiple CSUs in multiple counties to ensure adequate access across their communities. Adult CSUs are being developed throughout nine counties including Clinton, Eaton, Genesee, Ingham, Kalamazoo, Kent, Macomb, Oakland and Wayne, which are home to 5.7 million individuals. Once all sites are up and running, they will provide in-county access to behavioral health crisis for 57% of Michigan’s population.
While these programs are largely still in development, individuals struggling or experiencing a crisis are urged to call or text 988 or visit the Lifeline Chat to connect with a trained crisis counselor. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, is a 24/7 toll-free nationwide hotline where compassionate care and accessible support is available via call, chat or text.
The support offered to Michigan residents through 988 is vital in providing de-escalation of crisis and reducing levels of distress. 988 specialists remain on the call the entire time to provide compassionate support and connection to life-saving resources. Each caller is offered a follow-up call to ensure well-being and confirm connection to resources.