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Families, providers urge action at Ottawa County CMH meeting after deaths and placement strains; board approves new lease with community recovery center and rat
Summary
Parents, providers and community recovery programs told the Ottawa County Community Mental Health board Friday they are facing a housing and staffing crisis for adults with developmental disabilities and mental‑health needs; the board approved a new lease to colocate substance‑use services with a community recovery center and targeted contract amendments to keep residential placements operational.
Family members and local residential providers pressed the Ottawa County Community Mental Health board on Friday for faster action to expand affordable, accessible housing and bolster specialized residential care after recent deaths and staffing shortages.
During public comment, parents described the weight of caregiving and the difficulty of finding local placements for adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. “Griffin is 29 years old…he lives with Down syndrome, a seizure disorder and many other medical conditions,” said Leanne Sotak of Park Township, describing the anxiety parents feel about future care needs. “Our county has a responsibility to ensure that every resident, regardless of ability, has access to a safe and supportive place to live.”
Denise Newhouse, whose daughter Mikaela died shortly before the meeting, delivered an emotional appeal asking the board to do more on activity, oversight and staffing in group homes. “There has to be more…
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