Here to Help, Here to Stay: OCHN Ensures Immediate Continuity of Crisis Care Services for Oakland County residents

Crisis care remains local, seamless, and available 24/7

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (January 29, 2026) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) assumed responsibility for all adult crisis services in Oakland County as of Thursday, January 29, 2026, ensuring that individuals and families continue to have access to timely, compassionate behavioral health crisis care without interruption.

While the transition of crisis services from Common Ground to Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) occurred sooner than originally anticipated, crisis services are operational and accessible to the community at the Resource and Crisis Center in Pontiac.

Transition meetings between the organizations were initially productive and focused on program continuity and collaborative. However, discussions ultimately stalled as Common Ground shifted its focus toward financial demands rather than operational coordination for the people served. Throughout the transition, OCHN continued to operate in good faith, even after identifying an overpayment exceeding $1 million owed back to OCHN and the public system. As a public steward of taxpayer dollars, OCHN has a responsibility to Oakland County residents to ensure these funds are accounted for and appropriately redirected to direct services. Approximately 94% of OCHN funding is reinvested directly into the community to support individuals receiving behavioral health services.

To date, OCHN has transitioned more than 55 employees from Common Ground to support the continuation of crisis services; this number is expected to grow as employees continue transitioning from Common Ground. These are familiar professionals many community members have worked with before, helping to ensure comfort, trust, and continuity during the transition. Staff who joined OCHN have shared their excitement about continuing to serve under OCHN’s mission and the opportunity to help expand and improve crisis services for Oakland County residents.

OCHN’s focus remains, as it always has been, on ensuring continuity of care and protecting access to critical behavioral health services and prioritizing the needs of the people we serve. OCHN continues to partner with community agencies, law enforcement, healthcare systems, and local organizations to ensure coordinated, responsive crisis care.

“We want our community to be very clear on one thing: help is available, and no one will be left without support,” said Dana Lasenby, Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director of OCHN. “OCHN has been strategically and carefully planning for this transition, and we are ready. Our goal is a seamless continuation of services, supported by experienced and highly trained crisis professionals who are committed to being there for people when they need it most. Our doors are open, and our focus remains on care, safety, and dignity.”

Adults experiencing a behavioral health crisis may walk into the OCHN Resource and Crisis Center at any time, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, where they will receive support from compassionate, skilled staff. Services include comprehensive crisis assessments, hospitalization support, treatment and recovery referrals, and connections to ongoing community resources. Care is provided through OCHN’s Crisis Stabilization, and Sober Support Units.

Youth crisis services also remain available at the same location through the Youth and Family Care Connection, in partnership with New Oakland Family Centers. Youth ages 17 and under can walk in and receive age-appropriate crisis care from trained professionals in a supportive environment.

Crisis services remain at the same trusted location, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week:
OCHN Resource and Crisis Center
1200 N. Telegraph Road, Building 32E
Pontiac, MI 48341

Anyone in crisis can still call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or they can call the RCC Front Desk at 248-462-6302 to receive immediate support. Both numbers will get anyone the help they need.

OCHN remains committed to ensuring crisis services in Oakland County are coordinated, person-centered, and accessible, and will continue to communicate updates to the community as the transition progresses.

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) to lead a provider service network and manage care for approximately 30,000 Oakland County residents at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN’s provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN’s goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a “Valuable System for Valued People.” Programs and supports provided by OCHN’s service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.