Mental Health Matters: OCHN Promotes Awareness and Access to Care Across Oakland County

OCHN Celebrates May as Mental Health Awareness Month

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (May 6, 2026) – May is recognized as Mental Health Awareness Month, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the importance of mental health and helping individuals identify signs that they or their loved ones may need support. Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) acknowledges the importance of highlighting mental health during the month of May, while emphasizing that the need for awareness, understanding, and access to care extends throughout the entire year.

Since 1949, Mental Health Awareness Month has served as a cornerstone for raising awareness and addressing the challenges faced by millions of Americans living with mental health conditions. As Oakland County’s public behavioral health system, OCHN, along with its network of providers, proudly supports more than 30,000 individuals across the county each year with vital services related to mental health, substance use, and developmental disabilities. Each May, OCHN recognizes this national observance by issuing a Mental Health Awareness Month proclamation, reinforcing the importance of behavioral health and the ongoing need to reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and ensure access to care. The full proclamation can be viewed at the following link.

“Mental health is a vital part of overall health, and everyone deserves access to the care and support they need,” states Dana Lasenby, Executive Director and CEO of OCHN. “Mental Health Awareness Month is an important reminder that while progress has been made, we must continue working together to break down stigma, expand access to services, and ensure individuals and families know they are not alone.”

As part of efforts highlighted during May is Mental Health Month, Adult Crisis Stabilization Units (ACSUs) are playing a critical role in strengthening access to timely, compassionate behavioral health care. These centers function similarly to a behavioral health emergency room, offering immediate support for individuals in crisis without the long waits often experienced in traditional emergency departments. OCHN is in the final stages of bringing this important resource to Oakland County residents with the launch of a fully operational Crisis Stabilization Unit (CSU) coming this summer.

For immediate help, you can contact OCHN’s Crisis Line at 888-238-0611 or call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. Non-emergency Access services can be reached at (248) 464-6363 or www.oaklandchn.org.