Community Mental Health

• Are you in crisis?
  If you, or someone you know, is in a mental health crisis please call our Helpline at 866-512-4357.

  You can contact the Crisis Center/Helpline for reasons such as:

  • Suicidal Thoughts
  • Information on Suicide
  • Information on Mental Health/Illness
  • Substance Abuse/Addiction
  • To Help a Friend or Loved One

  *If the person is a danger to themselves or others contact 911 for assistance. If you are not in crisis and are looking to access mental health services for yourself or someone you know please contact the Access Center at 877-588-4357 or TTY 616-494-5508.

• CMH System Advocacy – Action Request

  CMH System Advocacy

  Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) is asking for your assistance in advocating against a recent proposal that would transfer Medicaid dollars from the CMH system to the Medicaid Health Plans. Many of you will recall that several years ago there was a similar proposal made and the result of this was the formation of the Section 298 Workgroup. The stated purpose of this change was to improve integrated care however the effort ended in a gridlock with neither the Health Plans nor CMH system able to come to an agreement with how this systems change would work or improve the lives of the people we serve.

  Currently, Senator Shirkey has drafted a new proposal entitled “Gearing Towards Integration” that has many of the same recommendations as Section 298. We at CMHOC have significant concerns regarding this new proposal. We believe integration must begin and focus at the patient level on the ground and this proposal focuses on financial integration. We believe focusing our time and attention on current gaps in the system would be far more beneficial to the people served across the state rather than focusing on financial integration.

  The following are suggested talking points you can use when you contact your local legislator regarding this important issue:

  • Financial integration – this proposal does nothing to actually integrate care other than giving the managed care functions and funding to one entity (New Dartmouth Study Shows That Greater Financial Integration Generally not Associated with Better Healthcare Quality)
  • New Dartmouth Study Shows That Greater Financial Integration Generally not Associated with Better Healthcare Quality
    • This is not a 1 door solution – physical and behavioral health will still be siloed.
    • Medicaid Health Plans do NOT provide services – they simply authorize care and pay the bills.
  • We also believe this proposal lacks public oversight and accountability, it eliminates the PIHP system and dramatically reduces the role of the CMH system and all but eliminates public accountability.
  • This proposal does not eliminate any layers – Medicaid Health Plans will pick up the managed care functions from CMH system (at a much higher cost 15% vs 6%)
  • COVID Impact – why are we making this change in the middle of a pandemic, health care systems are currently stretched to their limits and this will only add to the stress and concerns of those served.

  As always, CMHOC and the CMH system in Michigan is willing to make changes that protect our consumers and better their lives. We agree that integrated care – making sure that physical health care and mental health care is well coordinated, avoids barriers to treatment, and is fair and effective – is important. We believe we can provide integrated health care without a transfer of funding.

  Thank you for your support.

  Ottawa County State Legislators

  State Senator Roger Victory (R)
  District 30: Ottawa County
  
  Michigan State Capitol Room S-8
  PO Box 30036
  Lansing, MI 48909
  517-373-6920
  SenRVictory@senate.michigan.gov

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  State Representative Bradley Slagh (R)
  District 90: Townships of Holland, Jamestown, and Zeeland and the cities of Holland (Ottawa County Only) and Zeeland
  
  N-1194 House Office Building
  PO Box 30014
  Lansing, MI 48909
  517-373-0830
  bradleyslagh@house.mi.gov

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  State Representative Jim Lilly (R)
  District 89: Townships of Blendon , Crockery, Grand Haven, Olive, Park, Port Sheldon, Robinson, And Spring Lake, and the cities of Ferrysburg and Grand Haven
  
  374 Capitol Building, PO Box 30014
  PO Box 30014
  Lansing, MI 48909-7514
  517-373-0838
  JimLilly@house.mi.gov

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  State Representative Luke Meerman (R)
  District 88: Townships of Allendale, Chester, Georgetown, Polkton, Tallmadge, and Wright, and the City of Coopersville
  
  1192 House Office Building
  PO Box 30014
  Lansing, MI 48909
  517-373-1830
  lukemeerman@house.mi.gov

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COVID-19 and Mental Health

Increased stress and anxiety related to the current COVID-19 outbreak is normal and expected. It is important that you take care of your mental health during this time. Simple things like taking a walk, deep breathing, and taking an occasional time out from the news and media are good ways to give yourself a break and relax. There is plenty of information out there about ways to cope with stress including this article from the CDC.

Taking care of your mental health needs is very important during the COVID-19 pandemic. Many people are feeling anxious, scared, stressed out, and angry. Kids might feel confused and disoriented due to changes in their routine. Parents are feeling overwhelmed. Social distancing can cause people to feel lonely and disconnected. There are many resources available in Ottawa County to help individuals and families get through these tough times. Most of these services are available through telehealth or online. Telehealth means services, such as counseling or case management, are provided by phone, email, or virtual meetings instead of face to face.

Individuals who feel they are in a mental health crisis and need help immediately are encouraged to call Community Mental Health of Ottawa County’s 24-hour Crisis Line at 866-512-4357 or TTY 711.

Other emergency contacts include:

National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
800-273-8255

Crisis Text Line
Text HOME to 741741

Individuals who are not in crisis and need mental health counseling are encouraged to contact CALL 2-1-1 for referrals and information.

The following organizations are providing ongoing mental health supports by using telehealth and/or online services:

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• Social Recreational Programs

  CMHOC is pleased to offer four different social and recreational programs for adults with disabilities who live in Ottawa County. Social and recreational activities help to enhance an individual's health and well-being and play an important role in bringing meaning to one's life. These programs are being funded by the mental health millage that was passed by Ottawa County voters in March, 2016 and will help to replace some of the opportunities lost due to funding cuts. Staying connected to friends and avoiding isolation is important for all people, especially the most vulnerable in our community. Involvement in the social and recreational programs is voluntary and will not impact a person’s medically necessary Medicaid services. These services are intended to add opportunities and choices for people with disabilities throughout the community.

  CMHOC is contracting with four agencies to operate social and recreation programs in each quadrant of Ottawa County. Each program has their own calendar and advanced registration is required. Some of the activities being offered include dance and exercise classes, bowling, movie nights, sporting events, and museum visits. If someone is interested in attending one of the programs they can contact that organization directly. The contact information is listed below.

  Grand Haven/Spring Lake - Momentum Center (714 Columbus, Grand Haven, MI 49417) Check out the website to learn more about happenings at https://momentumcentergh.org/. Momentum Center will be celebrating their grand opening on April 20, 2017. Visit their website or Facebook page to learn more or call 616-414-9111.

  Coopersville/Allendale - Heritage Homes Social Rec Program is offering a variety of activities. If you are interested in attending check out their Facebook page or website to learn more about what is being offered. If you are interested in attending, visit their website to learn how to get connected to their program at http://www.heritagehomesinc.org/social-rec-program.html or call 616-384-3479.

  Hudsonville/Jenison - Ikus Life Enrichment Services: R.E.C. Connect is offering a variety of activities check out their Facebook page or visit their website to learn about what is being offered. If you are interested in attending visit their website to learn how to get connected to their program at http://ikuslife.org/rec-connect/ or call 616-677-5251 x119.

  Holland - Pioneer Resources: LARC Program is offering a variety of activities in the Holland area check out their website at http://www.pioneerresources.org/leisure-and-recreation-club/ or Facebook page to learn more about LARC. If you are interested in attending call 231-773-5355.

• News & Events
  

  

  

  MentalHealth.gov: Lets Talk About It
  Help for teens and young adults suffering from mental illness.

  

  Healthy Michigan Plan

  

  Lakeshore Regional Entity

  

  Excellence in Mental Health Act

  

  Home & Community Based Ruling
  » HCBS Transition Toolkit
  » Presentation
  » Technical Guide

  Using Standardized Functional Assessments to inform Person-Centered Planning