OCHN Highlights Training, Partnership, and Community Safety at Law Enforcement Breakfast

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (January 14, 2026) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) proudly hosted its annual Law Enforcement Appreciation Breakfast, bringing together officers and leadership from more than 15 cities across Oakland County to recognize their service, collaboration, and commitment to community well-being.

The breakfast served as a meaningful opportunity to honor law enforcement professionals while reinforcing Oakland County’s shared commitment to working as one coordinated team—enhancing public safety while strengthening partnerships between law enforcement, mental health providers, and substance use professionals.

“Oakland County is stronger when we lead with partnership, education, and shared responsibility,” said Dana Lasenby, Chief Executive Officer of Oakland Community Health Network. “Law enforcement officers play a critical role in crisis situations, and their continued commitment to learning and advocacy makes a lasting difference for individuals experiencing mental health and substance use challenges.”

Throughout the event, attendees shared powerful success stories highlighting the positive impact of collaborative crisis response. Special recognition was given to those officer trauma peer supports, acknowledging the importance of caring for those who serve and protecting the mental health of first responders themselves.

A key highlight of the morning was recognizing OCHN’s achievement as a Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) Platinum Certified organization. Over the past year, OCHN has trained 105 law enforcement officers in CIT principles—equipping officers with the skills to recognize, de-escalate, and respond compassionately to individuals experiencing mental health or substance use crises.

Award recipients were also honored for their outstanding leadership, advocacy, and dedication to advancing crisis response and behavioral health collaboration across Oakland County:

CIT Executive of the Year
Chief Ryan Gagnon, Auburn Hills Police Department

CIT First Responder
Officer Amy Drehmer, Stoney Creek High School Resource Officer

Behavioral Healthcare Practitioner
Hillary Nusbaum, OCHN Co-Responder Supervisor

Advocate
Sherri Rushman, OCHN Education Specialist

Person with Lived Experience
Pepper Catt, The Alliance Peer Navigator / Recovery Support Specialist

OCHN extends heartfelt gratitude to law enforcement partners for their unwavering service, continued commitment to training, and advocacy for those in crisis. Together, Oakland County is strengthening a safer, more informed, and more compassionate system of care—where no one faces crisis alone.

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network and manage care for approximately 29,000 Oakland County citizens 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