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Wayne County approves $3.2 million contract with Hagera Health for regional crisis co‑response
Summary
The commission approved a two‑year, up-to-$3.2 million contract with Hagera Health to expand mental‑health crisis co‑response services across Western Wayne and downriver communities, funding clinicians embedded with law‑enforcement responses.
Wayne County commissioners voted to approve a two‑year contract, not to exceed $3.2 million, with Hagera Health to develop a regional coordinated system for behavioral‑health crisis co‑response.
Dr. (Wayne County medical health officer) and Tara King, the county’s community behavioral health administrator, outlined the scope: Hagera Health will help build a model that places trained clinicians in or alongside law‑enforcement responses to mental‑health, substance‑use and post‑overdose crises. Carol Zuniga, CEO of Hagera Health, said the organization already supports clinician corresponders in 11 police departments and will coordinate expansion and sustainment across Western Wayne and the Downriver region.
"We are looking forward to the opportunity to further coordinate and expand these supportive funds to ensure that not just part‑time day activity occurs in our communities, but that we're able to cover into the afternoons and on the weekends," Zuniga said.
Commissioners asked implementation questions about deployment, regional hubs and messaging to municipalities; staff said the contract includes a planning and phased implementation period, with Western Wayne expected to be operational in the first six months. Commissioner Killeen and others expressed strong support for the regional mobile model as a way to reach people who otherwise interact with police rather than mental‑health providers.
The report recommending the contract was moved in committee, presented to the full commission and approved by voice vote. County staff agreed to provide additional rollout information and community outreach plans during the implementation phase.
What’s next: Planning and phased deployment will begin, with Western Wayne slated for initial implementation within six months and additional regional rollout to follow.
