A Mindful Approach to Mental Health
As part of our Safe and Healthy Macomb initiative, we are focusing on mental health and substance use disorders.
A “Mindful Approach to Mental Health” is a transformational initiative. The new County Jail Intake and Assessment Project is the foundation of this effort.
This facility is focused on the mental health and/or substance use issues of those who come in contact with the criminal justice system. The condition and design of the aging County Jail is creating a number of challenges in securing those who are remanded by the courts, to the care and custody of the Sheriff. It is our responsibility to provide the Sheriff with a functional facility that has adequate capacity and appropriate services to manage those in custody.
Services Provided:
- Centralized intake and universal assessment for medical, mental health and pretrial services at booking
- Front-end diversion when appropriate through assessment center
- Newly constructed medical, mental health and detox treatment wings allowing for programming to be provided that cannot be facilitated with the current physical building restrictions
In recent years, there has been an increase in advocacy, awareness and understanding of mental health, but many communities and individuals still face significant barriers to accessing mental health services. Many times, people in crisis end up in jails instead of in the care of trained professionals, who are prepared to deal with and treat a wide variety of concerns. This cycle escalated when a state facilities began decommissioning in the 1980s. Through its new jail intake center, Macomb County plans to address this decades-long gap in care.
The proposed new jail intake facility is projected to cost $230 million and will be paid for utilizing federal, state and local funding.
We understand that being in contact with law enforcement can be an overwhelming and stressful experience, especially for individuals who may be struggling with mental health issues. Our goal is to provide a supportive environment where individuals can receive the appropriate care and resources they need, rather than just being locked up.
The new planned intake process includes a comprehensive mental health assessment to ensure that every individual receives the proper care and support they require. We work with a team of experienced mental health professionals who can provide clinical assessments and ensure that individuals are connected with the appropriate resources and services, such as counseling and therapy.
Macomb County is committed to advocating for improved mental health care for individuals in the community and will continue to partner with stakeholders to achieve this goal, including the experts at Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH).
We want to provide a safe, supportive, and compassionate environment for everyone who comes through our doors. We recognize that mental health support and resources are crucial to help individuals thrive and reach their full potential.
For more information,