Ottawa County, MI (WGHN) – Mental Health Awareness Month is a time to reflect on how mental health touches every family, workplace, and community, and to recognize the systems in place that support those in need. Community Mental Health of Ottawa County (CMHOC) plays a critical role in ensuring individuals and families have access to care, support, and hope.
Every day, CMHOC connects people to essential services, from crisis support and therapy to housing assistance and care coordination. These services are often a lifeline for individuals facing some of life’s most difficult challenges, including serious mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities. Beyond treatment, CMHOC works to reduce stigma, promote early intervention, and help people live healthy, stable, and fulfilling lives in our community.
A key part of this impact is made possible through the Ottawa County Mental Health Millage. This local investment has strengthened our behavioral health system by funding programs that expand access, support innovation, and fill critical service gaps. Over the years, millage-funded programs have reached thousands of residents, many of whom might not otherwise have received the help they needed. To help inform the community of the upcoming Mental Health renewal, we’ve created a set of downloadable materials to explain how the millage works, where funds go, and the impact on local mental health services. We encourage you to download, share, and use them to help educate others and support informed conversations. Please check out our new millage website page at www.miottawa.org/cmh/millage to access these documents and learn more about the millage.
Mental health is just as important as physical health, and ongoing awareness and support matter. During Mental Health Awareness Month, it’s a good time to remember that investing in mental health services strengthens our entire community. Take a moment this month to check in with yourself and prioritize your mental well-being.
If you or someone you know is looking to be connected to mental health services, help is available. Please contact our Access Center at 616-393-5681 to get started. Taking that first step can make all the difference.
Thank you,
Dr. Michael Brashears, Psy.D
Chief Executive Director
Community Mental Health of Ottawa County
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