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Copper Country Mental Health briefs commissioners on services, transports and 60th anniversary
Summary
Mike Bach presented history and services of Copper Country Mental Health, noting nine group homes across the region, 66 transports last fiscal year and that crisis patient transports can cost about $1,000 per day; Administrator Larson said downstate transports cost about $3,000.
At the Oct. 10 meeting Mike Bach of Copper Country Mental Health gave a presentation outlining the agency’s services and a 60th-anniversary celebration planned for Oct. 18 at locations across the five-county service area.
Bach said Copper Country Mental Health provides community‑based services and operates nine group homes (one in Ontonagon, two in Baraga and six in Houghton County). He said patients in crisis can cost approximately $1,000 or more per day in care and that the agency handled 66 transports in the past fiscal year. Bach described assessment responsibilities: hospitals assess non‑Medicaid patients; Copper Country Mental Health assesses Medicaid patients.
Administrator Larson added that county transports to downstate facilities cost roughly $3,000 and thanked Copper Country Mental Health and the Houghton County Sheriff’s Department for assistance with those transports.
During public comment, Betsy Barry spoke about concerns with mental-health transports; Sheriff Joshua Saaranen said he has discussed the issue only with the Michigan State Police to date. Faith Morrison asked that online meeting packets be identical to what the board receives.
The presentation provided program context but did not include formal board action.
