95.3 / 88.5 FM Grand Rapids and 95.3 FM Muskegon
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
A WGVU initiative in partnership with the W.K. Kellogg Foundation using on-air programs and community events to explore issues of inclusion and equity.

Kent County approves plan to begin addressing mental health crises

Mental health graphic
flickr

In Kent County, mental health concerns is one of the leading cause of hospitalizations, and Adam London head of the Kent County Health Department says its because the county has few dedicated centers to addressing mental health crises. 

“An individual might not have the right type of insurance coverage to access a service or there may be a limitation on bed space or in outpatient space and its confusing.” 

Currently Kent County only has three psychiatric care centers, and two of these are located outside of the city of Grand Rapids and privately run. This new plan is hoping to address what London calls the county’s mental health crisis. 

“We’ve been notified the past couple of community health need assessments that mental health is the top priority for people who live here in Kent County. We’ve also seen it through the epidemiology where our rates of suicide have increased most of the past decade.” 

The consultant hired is TriWest Group and they will be receiving a little over $300,000 for their 9-month planning efforts. The vision for the center according to London is one that offers not just services for those in mental health crises but one that also connects individuals to resources to help mitigate health concerns. 

“They have a team of individuals that have really tremendous subject matter expertise with this issue. Their team leads have had experience with crisis centers in other parts of the country including Oakland County so we are very confident in them and their ability to do this job well.” 

Michelle Jokisch Polo, WGVU News.