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Sterling Heights presents mental‑health strategic assessment; staff propose coordination, peer supports and crisis partnerships
Summary
A community mental‑health assessment by HMA found gaps in crisis services and outpatient capacity and recommended partnerships, more low‑barrier care, peer supports, caseworkers and an online resource directory to improve access and reduce repeat emergency calls.
A year‑long community assessment by Health Management Associates (HMA) identified gaps in crisis services, outpatient capacity and coordinated care and recommended the city act as a convener and connector for services.
Consultant Brianna Jacob summarized key findings: rising behavioral‑health acuity and substance use, transportation and language barriers to access, fragmented information about local services, and a shortage of dedicated crisis and shelter capacity within the city. HMA flagged that frequent users of emergency services — often people with unmet social needs — drive a disproportionate share of calls.
Recommended approaches include expanding low‑barrier treatment options, investing in workforce development and peer‑support roles, establishing an online community directory of behavioral‑health and substance‑use services, coordinating MIH and caseworker responses with first responders, and expanding partnerships with county and nonprofit providers. Assistant City Manager Dale Jawowjikowski and consultant staff emphasized the city’s role as a convener and connector rather than as a primary service provider.
Council members supported continued outreach to schools and faith and business communities, and staff said the city will pursue grant funding where available and pilot co‑responder and caseworker models that were described earlier in the meeting.
Ending: Staff said they will return with an implementation plan and proposed near‑term items for budget consideration, including grant‑funded co‑responder pilots and continuing caseworker staffing.
