Ottawa Community Mental Health lands $3M federal grant to expand crisis response
Community Mental Health of Ottawa County has secured a $3 million federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to overhaul the county's response to behavioral health crises.
GRAND HAVEN — Community Mental Health of Ottawa County has secured a $3 million federal grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to overhaul the county's response to behavioral health crises.
The five-year award will fund the expansion of early diversion and crisis stabilization services throughout Ottawa County, aiming to connect individuals experiencing mental health emergencies with immediate care before they end up in emergency rooms or the criminal justice system.
“This grant represents an important investment in how our community responds to individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis, creating a stronger, more coordinated behavioral health system for Ottawa County residents,” said Dr. Michael Brashears, CEO of CMHOC.
Over the next five years, CMHOC will use the funding to map out a county-wide diversion system and build direct referral pathways with local partners. Key initiatives funded by the grant include:
- Walk-in crisis services: The launch of a "Living Room" crisis center operating Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 7 p.m., providing a dedicated drop-off location for first responders and direct walk-in care.
- Expanded response staffing: Additional dedicated crisis personnel to scale up behavioral health stabilization efforts and reduce justice-system involvement.
- Wrap-around support: Peer support specialists, flexible case management, and structured follow-up care to ensure individuals remain connected to long-term recovery resources.
The initiative builds on CMHOC’s current infrastructure, including its Mobile Crisis Response unit and the county's Diversion, Deflection and Recovery team.
“Whether someone needs a calm place to talk through concerns or a mobile responder who can meet them where they are, this grant will help us expand the services that keep our community safe, supported, and connected,” said Tim Piers, director of crisis services.
Learn more about CMHOC at miottawa.org/cmh.
— Submitted by Community Mental Health of Ottawa County. To submit a news tip, email newsroom@ottawanewsnetwork.org.
