Oakland Community Health Network Honors Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. with Service, Reflection, and Commitment to Behavioral Health Equity

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (January 7, 2026) — In observance of Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the National Day of Service on Monday, January 19th, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) proudly joins the nation in honoring the life, legacy, and enduring call to action of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.

Dr. King’s message of justice, service, and collective responsibility holds particular significance in Michigan. On June 23, 1963, Dr. King led more than 125,000 people in the historic Walk to Freedom down Woodward Avenue in Detroit, delivering an early version of his “I Have a Dream” speech before the most significant civil rights demonstration in the nation at that time. His presence in metro Detroit underscored the region’s important role in the civil rights movement, a legacy that continues to inspire action today.

“Dr. King reminded us that life’s most persistent and urgent question is, what are you doing for others?’” said Dana Lasenby, OCHN Chief Executive Officer and Executive Director. “That question guides our work every day. Behavioral health disparities remain a serious challenge nationally; Black Americans are more likely to experience mental health needs, yet far less likely to receive care. At OCHN, we see addressing these inequities as a moral imperative and a continuation of Dr. King’s unfinished work.”

Martin Luther King Jr. Day is recognized as a National Day of Service, encouraging individuals and organizations to honor Dr. King’s legacy through action. Across Oakland County, residents will take part in service projects, educational programming, and community celebrations, including:

• Auburn Hills MLK Day Community Celebration, featuring service activities supporting local shelters and families in need
• Youth-focused “Day On, Not a Day Off” service initiatives in communities such as Berkley, Clawson, and Royal Oak, combining volunteerism with education and reflection
• Regional MLK Day programs in Detroit, including events at the Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History and the Detroit Historical Museum

OCHN’s mission aligns closely with Dr. King’s vision of dignity, opportunity, and justice for all. As the public behavioral health safety net for Oakland County, OCHN works to ensure access to high-quality mental health and substance use services for individuals and families across diverse communities.

“Service and equity are not abstract ideals for us; they are lived commitments,” Lasenby added. “On MLK Day and throughout the year, OCHN remains dedicated to strengthening community well-being, expanding access to care, and honoring the legacy of Dr. King through action.”

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.