In a recent government meeting, officials discussed the approval of Resolution 202431, which authorizes an interlocal agreement with the Oakland County Community Health Network. This initiative aims to address the rising mental health crisis in the community by providing dedicated mental health support through a co-responder model.

Siri Sikora, the Director of Justice Initiatives at the Oakland Community Health Network, presented the proposal, highlighting the collaboration among Wixom, Walled Lake, White Lake, and Wolverine Lake. The agreement seeks to employ a social worker who will assist police departments in handling mental health-related calls, a growing concern in the area. The funding for this position will be primarily sourced from available grants, including an ARPA grant that covers the first year of employment.

The co-responder will work alongside police officers, responding to calls related to mental health crises, ensuring that individuals receive appropriate care rather than being solely handled by law enforcement. This model has been successfully implemented in other communities, alleviating the burden on police officers and providing specialized support to those in need.

The agreement is structured for an initial two-year period, with potential funding for up to four years through various grants. Officials emphasized the importance of this initiative, noting that it would help manage repeat calls from individuals struggling with mental health issues, ultimately leading to better outcomes for both the community and law enforcement.

Council members expressed their support for the initiative, recognizing the critical need for mental health resources and the positive impact this program could have on the community. The interlocal agreement is expected to be finalized soon, marking a significant step towards enhancing mental health support in the region.