Senator Stabenow Announces $3.88M Award to LifeWays for Crisis Services

(February 5, 2021 4:56 PM) U.S. Senator Debbie Stabenow today announced that LifeWays community behavioral health organization in Jackson has been selected as Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic. The clinic will receive a total of $3,886,311 in new funding to meet the growing need for mental health and addiction services. This clinic joins 18 other certified clinics already providing critical behavioral health services across Michigan.

This new clinic is a result of the passage of the Excellence in Mental Health and Addiction Treatment Act authored by Senator Stabenow and Senator Roy Blunt (R-MO). This law established new Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics, which are transforming the way behavioral health and addiction treatment services are delivered in Michigan and across the country. This clinic is required to provide a comprehensive set of behavioral health services including 24/7/365 crisis services; outpatient mental health and substance abuse treatment services; immediate screenings, risk assessments, and diagnoses; and care coordination with emergency rooms, law enforcement, and veteran groups.

LifeWays is nearing completion of the construction project for 24/7 Crisis Services at LifeWays Community Mental Health. This new service will provide 24/7 in-person care as an alternative to the emergency room for persons having a mental health crisis.  The new facility, located at LifeWays, 1200 North West Avenue, is planning a Spring 2021 opening.  The new center will have a reception area,  private evaluation rooms, a crisis stabilization area, an inpatient crisis residential unit, offices, kitchen, showers, call center space and more.  The new space includes comfortable touches like gas fireplaces, televisions, lounges and more.

“The COVID-19 crisis has shown a spotlight on the urgent and continuing need to fund comprehensive community mental health and addiction services. One out of five Americans have a mental illness or substance abuse disorder. And now even more Michigan families are struggling during this pandemic,” said Senator Stabenow. “This historic funding increase will allow more Michiganders to get the help they need in their community. It also provides major momentum to fully fund certified behavioral health services across our country.”

“LifeWays Community Mental Health (LifeWays) is beyond excited about the opportunities that the CCBHC award will provide to Jackson and Hillsdale counties.  We will continue to be the public provider of behavioral health services, but the CCBHC designation will allow us to increase access to anyone in need of care. The timing of the award is perfect as we just completed our remodel project: LifeWays is now able to provide comprehensive 24/7 access to community-based mental and substance use disorder services, treatment of co-occurring disorders, and physical healthcare in one single location to any individual, regardless of their ability to pay or their place of residence. This comprehensive healthcare approach is the fulfillment of our vision for the people of our communities, who we are honored to serve,” said Maribeth Leonard, CEO of LifeWays.