Guest Editorial … DWIHN to expand behavioral health treatment capacity

By DWIHN

Today, the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) announced a four-point comprehensive plan to improve behavioral health treatment care capacity in Metro-Detroit by seeking the state’s support to invest $227 million in crisis care and residential housing.
DWIHN President and CEO Eric Doeh was joined by Mayor Mike Duggan,Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans, and state health officials to address gaps in mental and behavioral health
services for vulnerable residents.
The plan includes increasing capacity for short term and long-term inpatient housing by providing an additional 450 beds at a newly developed Crisis Care Center and specialized holistic and integrated
resource center.
DWIHN knows that behavioral healthcare changes are needed throughout our community. The need to improve mental health capacities and the infrastructure in Metro Detroit is essential.
“Creating more opportunities for our region’s most vulnerable persons by including step-down approaches to long-term care, expanded residential services, and the ability to offer behavioral health interventions for families are critical, and the time to act is now.” Eric Doeh, President, and CEO of DWIHN.
DWIHN is the largest community mental health organization in the state and is currently in the process of expanding
needed behavioral healthcare services with the goal of establishing a fully integrated crisis continuum care system to best serve our vulnerable residents. This infrastructure will help persons suffering with mental illness, intellectual and development disabilities, substance use disorders and children with serious emotional disturbances. By utilizing a data-driven, solution-minded approach, residents will benefit from increased access to recovery-oriented care through a person-centered and trauma informed model of healthcare service delivery.
DWIHN has been working with the Wayne County Executive’s Office, City of Detroit Mayor’s Office, and a coalition of community stakeholders to improve the resources available throughout our region.
By implementing crisis intervention training for first responders, emergency service personnel can intervene on crisis management, apply
appropriate de-escalation skills, and triage cases that require psychological intervention rather than making arrests and incarcerating the mentally ill.
“DWHN’s plan to rebuild mental health treatment capacity for our most vulnerable residents will fill the gaps in mental healthcare system that have existed for decades now,” said Mayor Duggan. “Providing this added capacity will save lives by helping to prevent individuals experiencing a mental health crisis from causing harm to themselves or others, or just getting caught up in a criminal justice system that is not equipped to meet their needs. We have the data to demonstrate the need for these additional beds and support DWIHN’s efforts in working with the state to secure the funding needed to support them.”
Currently, residents with severe mental health issues sit on waitlists for in-patient treatment. Law enforcement is often the first to engage with untreated individuals when families become overwhelmed with what to do with their loved ones. As a result, too often our emergency departments and jails are the first stop for persons experiencing a behavioral health crisis.
“It’s no secret that I’ve spent more than half of my life in law enforcement. I’ve seen cases where mental health was a
factor. Since 1992, when Gov. Engler stopped state funding to the Lafayette Clinic, we’ve searched for ways to treat and care for those with severe mental illnesses who find themselves in the criminal justice system.
“These individuals do not need jails, they need resources, trained professionals, and a safe place where they can receive treatment. That’s
why I’m proud to stand alongside DWIHN on the initiative to Expand Mental Health Treatment Capacity. This will not only serve the residents of Wayne County, but it’ll expand our ability to truly impact an overwhelmed system,” said Wayne County Executive Warren C. Evans.
If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about DWIHN’s programs and services, call (800) 241-4949 or visit www.dwihn.org.
Residents can speak to a trained staff member that is available 24/7 to help get you or a loved one connected to behavioral healthcare services.
Posted May 5, 2023