Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) has opened a 24/7 hotline for substance use treatment support starting Saturday, Jan. 1.

The Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan (CMHPSM), which oversees Washtenaw, Lenawee, Livingston, and Monroe counties, made the alignment to better serve their communities as the main access point for substance use disorder services.

“It’s important to note that WCCMH will not supplant the county’s core substance use treatment providers," Lisa Gentz, program administrator for mileage services at WCCMH, said in a written statement. "They will connect callers with the region’s exceptional community-based providers– including Dawn Farm, Hope of New Vision, and other providers in our network.”

CMHPSM and WCCMH believe the new 24/7 hotline will speed time to treatment, making it easier for the community to access services. WCCMH’s initiative is to create a single point of entry access process intended to improve the substance use treatment systems process.

“I think Washtenaw’s County’s move to a single point of access is a big step in the right direction,” Tim Showcraft, peer recovery project coordinator at Michigan Medicine, said in a written statement. “I feel the population is best served by simplifying the process for the many community providers attempting to provide patients with referrals to this much needed care.”

Washtenaw County residents can call 734-544-3050 for support from licensed mental health and substance use professionals at WCCMH. The 24/7 hotline will help the Washtenaw County Community to receive a primary screening, a referral to a community-based provider, or guidance about how to get connected to services.

For all emergencies related to substance use disorder, such as overdose or danger, call 9-1-1 for immediate help. The 24/7 hotline will continue to connect callers to local and professional services and answer any questions.

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