A new facility dedicated to assisting individuals facing substance-use crises has opened in Sterling Heights, Michigan. The **Substance Use Engagement Center**, established by **Macomb County Community Mental Health** (CMH), offers short-term, round-the-clock support to those in need, providing an alternative to emergency room visits or incarceration.
Located at **38300 Van Dyke Avenue**, the center was inaugurated on **November 5, 2023**, during a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by local officials. The facility has a capacity to accommodate up to eight individuals and aims to provide a safe and supportive environment for those experiencing crises.
Nicole Gabriel, the director of substance use at CMH, emphasized the center’s role in the recovery process. “The Engagement Center is intended to serve as the first step on the recovery journey,” she stated. “Rather than these individuals being arrested or taken to a medical facility, we’re hoping to connect them with impactful substance use treatment and recovery services in a safe and understanding environment.”
**Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel** also expressed support for the initiative, highlighting its importance in the larger network of care available to residents. “This new Engagement Center is an important addition to our network of care, offering individuals in crisis a safe, supportive environment that promotes recovery and reduces reliance on emergency rooms or the criminal justice system,” Hackel remarked.
Individuals experiencing crises can be referred to the center through CMH’s **24/7 Crisis Line**. They may stay for up to **23 hours**, during which they can receive meals, take showers, and access various services aimed at addressing housing, physical care, and behavioral health needs. Peer recovery coaches, who have overcome their own substance use challenges, assist clients in crafting personalized recovery plans and connecting them to broader recovery resources.
**Traci Smith**, the chief executive officer of MCCMH, noted the center’s commitment to holistic support. “When we say, ‘putting people first,’ that means more than just helping people and sending them on their way,” Smith said. “We’re connecting them to effective, proven resources that are rooted in long-lasting solutions. The Engagement Center is no different. Our team is eager to hit the ground running.”
Funding for the Engagement Center comes from a state grant and opioid settlement resources, with annual operational costs expected to be approximately **$900,000**. This initiative is part of a comprehensive approach to address the substance use disorder crisis in Macomb County, which has seen thousands of overdose-related fatalities over the past two decades.
County officials have also announced plans for a new **Central Intake and Assessment Center** as part of a **$229 million** jail expansion and renovation project. This facility will focus on providing substance use treatment and mental health care for nonviolent offenders, further enhancing the community’s response to the ongoing crisis.
CMH is dedicated to delivering a range of services that address behavioral, physical, mental, and medical health needs, promoting recovery and self-sufficiency for all individuals in Macomb County, regardless of their financial status. For those in need of support, the MCCMH Crisis Center can be contacted at **586-307-9100** for screening and referrals to the Engagement Center.
