CMH Board Vacancy Notice

WASHTENAW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

PUBLIC NOTICE – SEEKING CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 

WASHTENAW COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH (CMH) BOARD

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners is looking for citizens to volunteer for position...

Board of Commissioners Begin New Public Meeting Schedule for 2022; Launch Public Comment Portal

At their last meeting of 2021, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution that creates a new meeting calendar for 2022. The new calendar aims to simplify the meeting schedule so that members of the public can more easily understand when certain item...

Board of Commissioners Pass 2022 Operating Budget

Washtenaw County, MI – Last week, at their final meeting of 2021, the Board of Commissioners approved an operating budget for 2022, as well as proposed budgets for 2023-2025. Washtenaw County operates using a quadrennial budget model, forecastin...

County Officials Host Press Conference on Creation of Criminal Integrity and Expungement Units

Below are images from the press conference announcing the creation of the Conviction Integrity and Expungement Unit in the Prosecuting Attorney's Office. Members of the Board of Commissioners, Washtenaw County Administration, the Washtenaw County Prosecut...

Washtenaw County to Begin Comprehensive Climate Action Planning Process

Washtenaw County, MI – Last week, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to allocate funds to climate action planning efforts. The resolution approves a contract with Resource Recycling Systems to assist in the development ...

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Pass Resolutions in Honor of Hispanic Heritage Month

At their Wednesday night meeting, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners passed a pair of historic resolutions recognizing Hispanic Heritage Month and honoring Hispanic and Latinx organizers. 

The first resolution formally recognizes Hispanic...

Board of Commissioners Address Broadband Needs Countywide with $15.5 million investment

Washtenaw County, MI – At their meeting last week, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved up to $15,472,270 to address broadband needs countywide. The COVID-19 pandemic made the importance of having access to high-speed...

Board of Commissioners Commit $2 Million to Equitably Address Childcare Access in Washtenaw County

Washtenaw County, MI – The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners have committed $2 million to equitably address childcare access needs in Washtenaw County. This commitment is part of the first round of the Washtenaw County Rescue Plan allocati...

Commissioners Approve $30.5 Million Dollar Package Through the Ways and Means Committee

Washtenaw County, MI – Last night, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a historic resolution obligating up to $30.5 million dollars for community investments through the Ways and Means Committee. This proposed package ...

Washtenaw County Commissioners Vote to Strengthen Responsible Contractor Policy

On Wednesday, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution amending the County's Responsible Contractor Policy passed in 2020. Modeled after the Federal government's False Claims Act, this amendment strengt...

*UPDATED 7/9/21* Washtenaw Declares State of Emergency in Response to Widespread and Severe Flooding

*7/9/2021 FLOODING UPDATE*

Ann Arbor, MI – Washtenaw County is continuing to assess flood damage throughout the county and provide resources and information to its residents.  The Governor announced yesterday that she is adding Washtenaw ...

Board of Commissioners Release List of Potential Projects for Washtenaw County Rescue Plan

Washtenaw County, MI – The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has released a list of potential projects that could be included in the Washtenaw County Rescue Plan. This plan leverages the $71 million the county will receive through the Amer...

Commissioners Host Panel on Stonewall Documentary and LGBTQ+ Services in Washtenaw County

On June 28th, Commissioners Katie Scott and Jason Morgan hosted a documentary screening and panel discussion on Facebook Live as part of the Board of Commissioners' recognition of the anniversary of the Stonewall riots. The panel discussion inclu...

Washtenaw County Hosts Juneteenth Flag Raising Ceremony

On Friday, June 18th, Washtenaw County hosted a special flag raising ceremony to officially observe Juneteenth for the first time as a county government.

Many residents, community leaders, and county staff attended the event held in the lobby of the Washte...

Board of Commissioners Approve Series of Racial Justice-Related Resolutions

Last night, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners approved a budget amendment to commit all annual revenue from the taxation of marijuana to equity-based programming and initiatives in Washtenaw County. The tax is expected to generate over $200,000 ...

Washtenaw County Set to Launch Updated Opportunity Index

Later this month, the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) will be launching the 2020 Opportunity Index. The 2020 Opportunity Index builds off the original 2015 Index, using key data points across 5 categories –&a...

Commissioners Approve $15/Hour Minimum Wage for All Regular, Full-Time Washtenaw County Staff

Last night, the Board of Commissioners approved a resolution establishing a $15/hour minimum wage for all regular, full-time Washtenaw County government employees. The resolution passed the Board unanimously. 

"In Washtenaw County, we firmly ...

Board Recognizes Transgender Day of Visibility

On Wednesday, March 31^st at 9:00 AM, Washtenaw County officials will raise the Transgender Pride Flag at 200 N. Main St in downtown Ann Arbor. This flag raising will be a part of the county’s recognition of Transgender...

Board of Commissioners Declares a Local State of Emergency Due to Sustained Impact of COVID-19

Washtenaw County, MI - The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a resolution declaring a local state of emergency within Washtenaw County as of March 17^th, 2021 to continue through December 31, 2021 due to the sustained pres...

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Approve Special Revenue Fund to Maintain County Trails

At their meeting earlier this month, the Board of Commissioners approved the creation of a new special revenue fund to support the long-term maintenance of non-motorized trails in Washtenaw County. The resolution, brought by the Washtenaw County Parks and...

Board of Commissioners Approves the Creation of New Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices Positions

Washtenaw County, MI – Last night, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously approved three resolutions to create new positions in the Prosecutor’s and Sheriff’s Offices. These positions are a Director of Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion for...

Washtenaw County Elects New Board Chair and Leadership Team, Welcomes Two New Commissioners

Washtenaw County, MI - As their first order of business at their first meeting of 2021, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners held an election to select their Board Chair and four-person leadership team.  The meeting, held on Wedne...

Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners Hire New Communications and Operations Manager

Washtenaw County, MI – The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners recently hired Peter Lindeman as their new Communications and Operations Manager. In this role, Lindeman will work with the Board of Commissioners and other Washtenaw County emplo...

Washtenaw Rescue Plan

Washtenaw County, MI – The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners has released a list of potential projects that could be included in the Washtenaw County Rescue Plan. This plan leverages the $71 million the county will receive through the Ameri...

CMH Board Vacancy Notice

WASHTENAW COUNTY BOARD OF COMMISSIONERS

PUBLIC NOTICE – SEEKING CITIZEN VOLUNTEERS FOR THE 

WASHTENAW COUNTY COMMUNITY MENTAL HEALTH (CMH) BOARD

The Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners is looking for citizens to volunteer for positions on the W...

Clerk/Register of Deeds Online and By-Mail Services

The public is encouraged to access services provided by the Washtenaw County Clerk/Register's office online and by mail for both convenience and safety.

Order Certified Copies of Vital Records 

• Birth, Death & Marriage records are avail...

Barrier Busters Network Continues to Assist with Emergent Needs, 3rd Quarter Report Available Now

The Barrier Busters 3rd Quarter Report provides information about the type of funding requests distributed to Washtenaw County residents from July 1 - September 30, 2021. Highlights include: 

• 45.3% of total requests in the third quarter assisted u...

Community Input Sessions in South Ypsilanti

Washtenaw Urban County is planning on additional community investments in neighborhoods located on the Southside of Ypsilanti and we hope to work with local residents to make decisions through a collection of community input. 

In 2019, we held a s...

Notice of Public Comment Period on Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Community Services Block Grant Plan

Notice of Public Comment Period on Proposed Fiscal Year 2022 Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Plan

The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) will accept public comments on its Community Services Block Grant (CSBG) Plan f...

Washtenaw County Residents Affected by Flooding Eligible for Disaster Food Assistance Program

Starting tomorrow, low-income residents of Wayne and Washtenaw counties who were affected by recent flooding and are not already receiving food assistance benefits soon can apply for federal Disaster Food Assistance Program benefits. The Michigan Departme...

New Human Services Partnership to Replace Coordinated Funding

Washtenaw County and the City of Ann Arbor are working together in coordination with other local funding agencies to develop a New Human Services Partnership to replace Washtenaw Coordinated Funding.

The New partnership will focus investments in efforts to...

UPDATED: Flood Resources Available for Washtenaw County Residents

UPDATE: The deadline for survivors for the June 25-26 severe storms and flooding to register with FEMA for individual disaster assistance has been extended to Wednesday, October 13, 2021. 

The extension applies to survivors living in Wayne and Was...

Rental, Utility, and Internet Assistance Available as Eviction Moratorium Nears Expiration

Rental and utility relief assistance funds are available now! Learn more here.

The Federal CDC Eviction Moratorium will end on July 31, but assistance funds are available to help qualifying households in Washtenaw County who continue to face pande...

Barrier Busters Unmet Needs Fund Continues to Support Residents Impacted by the Pandemic

A summary report from the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) shows financial assistance requests made during the first quarter of 2021 (January through March 2021) to the Barrier Buster Unmet Needs Fund continued...

Brownfield Redevelopment Authority Releases Bi-Annual Report

Washtenaw County Brownfield Redevelopment Authority (WCBRA) recently released the program’s bi-annual report. The report includes information about activities, grant programs, and financial data from 2019 and 2020. 

Highlights from the r...

Barrier Busters Releases 2020 Annual Report

In response to the COVID-19 pandemic, OCED worked to increase and expand the capacity of Barrier Busters, welcoming new partners with strong community connections to the network. Additional funding was also secured from partners including Washtenaw County...

COVID Emergency Rental Assistance is Now Available!

Having trouble paying or receiving rent? Federal funds are available to help tenants facing pandemic-related hardships avoid eviction while also ensuring landlords can recoup owed rent through the COVID Emergency Rental Assistance (CERA) program. CERA is ...

Financial Assistance Requests Remain Higher than Average as the Impact of COVID-19 Continues

The Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) recently released updated Barrier Busters COVID-19 response summary reports. These summary reports detail Barrier Busters activities between July 1 and September 30. During that time...

Washtenaw County OCED Releases New Report on Activities from January 2019 Through August 2020

The Washtenaw County Office Community and Economic Development (OCED) released a report detailing activities from January 2019 through August 2020. The report includes a summary of programs, initiatives, and&am...

OCED Partners with Community for Socially Distant Parkridge SummerFest & Joe Dulin Community Day

This summer, Parkridge SummerFest and Joe Dulin Community Day celebrated 10 years of bringing together music, food, and community in Parkridge Park every fourth Saturday of August. This year’s festivities looked a little different due to the COV...

Barrier Busters Requests Triple During COVID-19 Response

Newly released summary reports from the Washtenaw County Office Community and Economic Development (OCED) show financial assistance requests made to the Barrier Buster Unmet Needs Fund tripled during the first months of the COVID-19 pand...

Community Chooses New Playground Design Ypsilanti’s Parkridge Park

Over the last year, the City of Ypsilanti and the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development engaged over 100 residents to identify and prioritize what type of investment they want to see in their community. Last Summer, dozens of commu...

New Partnership and Program Supports Renters to Prevent Eviction

Washtenaw County OCED is partnering with Housing Access for Washtenaw County (HAWC) and Legal Services of South Central Michigan (LSSCM) to administer a new Eviction Diversion and Prevention (EDP) program. The EDP program connects individuals to financial...

MEDIA RELEASE: Ann Arbor Announces Affordable Housing Waitlist Website

On Friday, July 24, 2020, the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED), along with the City of Ann Arbor, launched a new affordable housing waitlist website: AnnArborWaitlist.com. The waitlist will open for the first t...

Washtenaw County Continuum Of Care Adopts Racial Equity Statement

On July 15, 2020, the Washtenaw County Continuum of Care (CoC) Board adopted a statement committing to understanding and addressing racial equity in the local homelessness response system. 

In ...

Michigan Launches Program to Support Small Business Impacted by COVID-19

Washtenaw County Opens Cooling Centers

With temperatures expected to rise above 90° this week, Washtenaw County will open two (2) cooling centers beginning July 7^th. Starting Tuesday morning, the atrium of the Community Mental Health building at 555 Towner St. in Ypsilanti and the Lear...

Substantial Amendment to Urban County Citizen Participation Plan available for comment

Nonprofit Agencies Receive Support From Washtenaw County and Community Partners

Washtenaw County nonprofits are playing a major role in stepping up to provide essential services to the members of our community during the COVID-19 crisis. From helping coordinate food distribution to staffin...

Washtenaw County Partners to Support Local Businesses During the COVID-19 Crisis

“Just as Washtenaw County has been working hard to ensure residents have the latest public health information and access to essential services, we are committed to helping the small business community,” said Gregory Dill, Washtenaw Cou...

Washtenaw County Support New Statewide Capacity Building Initiative

Through Washtenaw Coordinated Funders, the Office of Community and Economic Development is supporting a new initiative that will enable nonprofits to connect with talent and receive capacity-building support. &ldquo...

Washtenaw County Summer Youth Employment Program Now Accepting Applications

“Being a part of SummerWorks was awesome! My job led to an internship and the internship turned into my career!”

- 2017 SummerWorks Participant 

Are you between the ages of 16 and 24? Do you w...

Public Comment Period & Public Hearing | Needs Assessment for Urban County 2022-23 Action Plan

NOTICE OF PUBLIC COMMENT PERIOD & PUBLIC HEARING

Needs Assessment for Washtenaw Urban County | 2022-23 Action Plan

Pursuant to U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development regulations, notice is hereby given by the Washtenaw County Office...

Public Comment Period & Public Hearings | Urban County Draft 2021-22 Action Plan

Pursuant to U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development regulations, notice is hereby given by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) that three public hearings will be held to solicit citizen input on the Draft Wa...

Public Comment Period & Public Hearing | Needs Assessment for Urban County 2021-22 Action Plan

Pursuant to U.S. Department of Housing & Urban Development regulations, notice is hereby given by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development that a public hearing will be held to solicit citizen input on housing and community de...

New Public Hearing Date for Washtenaw Urban County Draft 2019 Performance and Evaluation Report

Notice is hereby given by the Washtenaw County Office of Community and Economic Development that the virtual public hearing to solicit citizen input on the draft Washtenaw Urban County 2019 Consolidated Annual Performance and Evaluation Report (CAPER) has...

2019-20 Washtenaw Urban County Planned Activities Amendment - Additional CARES Act Funding Received

Washtenaw County has been awarded a 2nd round of Emergency Solutions Grant funds (ESG-CV) through the CARES Act. The first allocation was in the amount of $643,403, and the second allocation was $1,794,203, for a total ESG-CV allocation of $2,437,606.&...

OCED 2018 Annual Report

We’re proud of the broad reach of OCED throughout the County. Read our most recent annual report to learn all of the ways we are working to make Washtenaw County a place where all residents can fully participate in the community and in the economy.

A full ...

Affordable Housing

Our office partners with a number of community partners to improve, protect, and expand our county's affordable housing stock.

Learn more about this work by checking out https://www.washtenaw.org/722/Affordable-Housing 

Historic Preservation

The Washtenaw County Historic Preservation Program is dedicated to supporting local historic districts, spurring heritage tourism, and attracting investment in our historic resources.

Learn more about this work by checking out https://www.washtena...

Millage funds help Ozone House youth with housing and supportive services

For over 50 years, Ozone House has played a pivotal role in Washtenaw County—assisting runaway, homeless, and high-risk youth and their families.

While stable housing is a primary focus, the organization has expanded its&nbs...

Introducing LEADD: A new millage-supported program to divert from jail to mental health services

Imagine this situation: Someone is intoxicated, possibly struggling with a larger problem like addiction or poverty, and refusing to leave a business. The business owner calls the police. What should the police do?

“Traditionally, the police had ...

Millage partners with 5 Healthy Towns to tackle mental health needs of western Washtenaw County

When it comes to health and wellness programs and services, Washtenaw County is typically viewed as a “resource rich” community—home to two major health systems and a robust collection of social service organizations.

Many of ...

Millage funds an expansion of the mobile crisis team to partner with the Chelsea Police Department

When the mental health and public safety millage began funding services in Washtenaw County, a key goal was increasing access for rural residents.

While the eastern part of Washtenaw County is urban, the western part is mainly agricultural and rural. Chels...

With millage support, Student Advocacy Center helps local youth navigate their education

Students with mental and behavioral health needs often struggle in school, as early as elementary school. They may feel misunderstood, confused, or uncomfortable. And sometimes, it causes them to act out—which can disrupt their education and set...

Washtenaw's mental health millage attracts press, serving as a model for others communities

Throughout 2021, the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage was featured in a number of local publications—and even nationally in Politico. Media mentions like these have a ripple effect, making it possible for the millage to serve...

Corner Health Center is serving the psychiatry needs of Washtenaw County youth with millage funding

One-stop care. What is it? A place that meets your needs holistically—from physical health to mental health, from wellness to treatment, from education to support.

For some, it might sound like a lofty ideal. However, at a colorful store...

Millage funding and partnerships are reforming how Washtenaw County responds to public safety

Beginning in 2019, the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO) and Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH)—with funding from the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage—came together to adopt a...

Millage mini-grants are normalizing conversations about mental health in Washtenaw County schools

As the 2020 school year wrapped up, students at Clague Middle School on Ann Arbor’s northeast side were checking out books from a new mental health library—made possible by mini-grant funding from the Washten...

New cross-sector partnerships—aided by millage funding—are supporting justice-involved youth

After the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage passed, a partnership began between Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) and Washtenaw County Children’s Ser...

Fostering hope, peer support specialists are helping people on their journey to recovery

There aren’t too many job applications where checking the box for a criminal history or a mental illness or a history of addiction would give you an edge. But for peer-support specialists, it’s a decided advantage. 

Va...

Not just a bed. Millage funds shelters, staff to help residents get and stay healthy

For Avalon Housing, the millage has funded support services at Hickory Way, a residential community that offers easy access to transportation and amenities for those who have experienced chronic homelessness.

Each apartment at Hickory Way is meant...

Breaking the stigma: How the mental health millage is empowering youth to reach out

"I wish parents knew that mental health is real,” says one #wishyouknew social media post beside a portrait of a local teen. Another says, "Don't talk at me or down to me, talk with me.”

The Wish You Knew campaign, fu...

County hospital visits decrease as millage-funded programs ramp up

Recently, Dr. Victor Hong, medical director of psychiatric emergency services (PES) at Michigan Medicine, contacted the millage-funded CARES team at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health. He had been notified that an individual in the community showed ...

Millage fuels partnerships with community-based organizations, schools, and police

Since the implementation of Washtenaw County’s voter-approved Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage in January of 2019, meaningful partnerships have flourished across the county. These partnerships expand access to mental health a...

Millage-funded CARES team: serving all residents, regardless of insurance status

Mental health care access for everybody–no matter what their insurance status is.

This was an ambitious goal of Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, which residents passed two-to-one, ensurin...

Independent, reliable cash: Millage allows Washtenaw County to address local needs

When JFK signed the Community Mental Health Act in 1963, community-based mental health and substance use treatment options began to spring up across the U.S. These new programs allowed people with significant mental illnesses and developmental disabilitie...

The expected--and the unexpected--impact of a room and phone

Across the U.S. nearly 1.4 million people rely on homeless shelters and transitional housing programs each year. During the early stages of the COVID-19 pandemic, health and social service agencies across the nation--some well, and others poorly--employed...

Garret's Space delivers 20,000 mental health flyers to homes across the county

As suicide rates continue to rise throughout the nation, especially among young people, one local Washtenaw County family is working to help those in need access services.

Suicide rates increased 33 percent nationally from 1999 to 2017, with the sharpest i...

First year of reentry services grant focuses on new staff, housing supports

In 2019, Washtenaw County received a $1 million, four-year grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Administration. The purpose: To address high recidivism rates--the rates of individuals returning to jail after release--among those with mental health and su...

County jail expands use of medication-assisted treatment for opioid use disorder

Nationally, about 80 percent of people in jail abuse alcohol or drugs. About half are considered clinically addicted. Oftentimes, substance use plays a direct or indirect role in a person’s jail time–which is why access to treatment is...

WCCMH Black Lives Matter Task Force

On May 25th, 2020, George Floyd’s death at the hands of police led hundreds of thousands of people throughout the nation to join the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement. While the BLM movement is broad, it essentially seeks to eradicate systemic racism thro...

A Q&A with CARES Team Access Supervisor Shannon Ellis

The CARES team is a group of mental health professionals funded by Washtenaw County's voter-approved Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage on May 1, 2019 when services were expanded to all residents, regardless of insurance status or severi...

WCCMH launches 24/7 crisis center with millage resources

Washtenaw County residents have long asked for a 24/7 crisis center—a place where individuals experiencing a behavioral health crisis can go for help and emotional support. Thanks to the Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, this vision ha...

Millage funded “prayer and care” summit: Mental health resources for faith communities

The National Alliance on Mental Illness of Washtenaw County (NAMI WC) has organized a virtual summit for members of the clergy to learn about mental health resources for faith communities. The Prayer and Care summit will be held on Octob...

Washtenaw ahead of the curve in national movement for police reform

George Floyd’s death this spring, at the hands of four Minneapolis police officers, sparked massive protests across the nation for meaningful police reforms to address police brutality toward Black individuals—which has been well-documented in recent year...

Millage funds Mental Health First Aid train the trainer initiative

This summer, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health put out a call for volunteers. The purpose? To become certified as Mental Health First Aid instructors, who will then share what they’ve learned with others in the community...

COVID-era telehealth expansion brings both improvements and challenges

The coronavirus pandemic has created hundreds of complicated challenges--from an increased strain on the U.S. Postal System to delays in needed health care services. But the coronavirus pandemic has also spurred solutions, including a dramatic uptick in t...

In Washtenaw County, millage helps mitigate the impact of COVID-19

From economic strains to a now six-month period of isolation, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to upend daily life. In Washtenaw County, “the unsurprising result,” as Jaishree Drepaul-Bruder reports for Concentrate, is “an upt...

New website features millage background, data, and accomplishments

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is pleased to share a new website for information about the county’s eight-year Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, which will be in effect through 2026.

The millage site feature...

Community Mental Health releases 2019 annual report

Washtenaw County's Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage is an eight-year, voter-approved homeowner tax that generates resources for mental health and substance use treatment programs that improve health and quality of life across the count...

For Washtenaw County residents, mental health services are just a phone call away

Thanks to the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, all Washtenaw County residents can get help 24/7 for depression, anxiety, addiction, and more. And receiving aid is as easy as calling 734-544-3050.

As Erin Spanier report...

Mental health services during the COVID-19 pandemic

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is continuing to provide essential services throughout the COVID-19 pandemic. 

Our 24/7 CARES line, expanded with funding from the Washtenaw County Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage in 20...

WCCMH staff join Washtenaw's Crisis Negotiation Team

Last November, five mental health professionals from Washtenaw County’s Community Mental Health were tapped by the Sheriff’s Office to join Washtenaw County’s Crisis Negotiation Team. 

During the first week of Decembe...

Millage Q&A with Community Corrections Manager Renee Wilson

The Washtenaw County Community Corrections Department, part of the sheriff’s office, provides jail diversion options and assistance for people at all stages of the criminal justice process--from initial detention and court hearings to time spent...

Washtenaw County prepares to launch LEAD

This January, Washtenaw County and the City of Detroit were among 15 jurisdictions hand picked from regions across the country to participate in the inaugural LEAD National Learning Conference hosted by the U.S. Public Defender Association and the LEAD Na...

$1 million grant to reduce recidivism, improve community reentry for individuals with MHSUD

Washtenaw County has received a $1 million, four-year grant from the U.S. Bureau of Justice Administration to address high recidivism rates among individuals with mental health and substance use disorders to build on collaborative work between the Washten...

More SURE Moms, thanks to Washtenaw County voters

With a $90,000 investment from Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, the SURE Moms program—designed to unite, support, and empower mothers of justice-involved youth—is being extended to more...

New partnership with Corner Health provides behavioral health care for teens and young adults

Founded 39 years ago by a group of concerned citizens who wanted to address health disparities among teenage moms, the Corner Health Center in downtown Ypsilanti has grown into a tremendous local resource: a full-service integrated health clinic that addr...

Four local agencies receive millage-funded supportive housing contracts

Four local agencies have been awarded millage contracts to enhance supportive housing for youth and adults with mental health and substance use concerns. 

“One of the key recommendations made by Washtenaw County’s Community Men...

Coming soon: Washtenaw County crisis observation and assessment center

In an unassuming brick building just down the street from the Washtenaw County Health Department in Ypsilanti a new community resource is in the final stages of development. It’s an observation and assessment center for individuals in crisis--on...

Millage Q&A with Washtenaw County Commissioner Andy LaBarre

In 2017, Washtenaw County Commissioner Andy LaBarre was instrumental in the development and passage of the county’s Public Safety and Mental Health Preservation Millage, which currently provides about $16 million per year. Thirty-eight percent o...

WISD receives funds for youth mental health programming

A two-year Public Safety and Mental Health Millage grant of $107,000 has been awarded to the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) for mental health and anti-stigma activities. In year one, WISD will use roughly half of these resources to provide ...

#wishyouknew mental health campaign launches across the county

The #wishyouknew youth mental health campaign officially kicked off on Monday, November 25, with artwork by local artist Lauren Mills, quotes from outreach with hundreds of Washtenaw County youth and adults, and a short video featuring Alisha Spencer, a l...

Washtenaw and Detroit to participate in national LEAD training institute

Washtenaw County and Detroit are the first Michigan jurisdictions to be chosen to participate in the national Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion (LEAD) training institute in Seattle, WA.

Five Washtenaw County diversion leaders--from the Washtenaw County Sh...

Washtenaw County organizations invited to apply for millage-funded supportive housing grants

This spring, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health asked the Washtenaw Office of Community and Economic Development (OCED) to develop a request for proposals process designed to increase supportive housing services across Washtenaw County. We are pleas...

NAMI Washtenaw receives millage contract for outreach in underserved communities

A Public Safety and Mental Health Millage Contract of $158,000 has been awarded to NAMI Washtenaw County (NAMI WC) to design and implement a mental health education and outreach program for youth and families in the under-served communities of Ypsilanti, ...

Five facts about the impact of Washtenaw County's mental health millage

Read on...

High schools invited to apply for anti-stigma campaign grants

This August, the Millage Advisory Committee approved a funding application from the Washtenaw Intermediate School District (WISD) to support anti-stigma campaign activities at all interested Washtenaw County high schools.

The campaigns will focus on positi...

Help design an anti-stigma campaign for Washtenaw youth

In our last millage communication, WCCMH introduced readers to planned anti-stigma campaign efforts that are being led, through a millage-funded contract, by the Washtenaw County Health Department. The first two years of this anti-stigma work will focus o...

Millage-funded therapeutic groups forming

Thanks to millage funding, our CARES team staff members are offering four new group therapy options for Washtenaw County residents. These groups are for everyone in the community--regardless of insurance or severity of need. Additional groups will be adde...

Millage funds rural service delivery expansion

As of July 1, the CARES team had received 250 outpatient service referrals from Ypsilanti (115), Ann Arbor (88), Saline (11), Dexter (6), Whitmore Lake (5), Chelsea (3), and Milan (3).

While most of the referrals are currently coming from the county&rs...

Underfunding and deficit reduction

Due to underfunding by the state and federal government of Michigan’s community mental health system—behavioral health services for low-income individuals and those with severe and persistent mental illnesses, emotional disturbances, a...

Substance use disorder systems transformation kicks off 100-day challenge

Since November 2018, dozens of representatives from Washtenaw-area organizations--including one-dozen staff members from Washtenaw County Community Mental Health--have been participating in a substance use disorder system transformation process hosted by ...

Introducing the millage advisory committee

In the spring of 2019, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health established a Millage Advisory Committee (MAC) to provide strategic oversight on Washtenaw County’s Public Safety and Mental Health Millage activities and investments. The 13-member...

Millage-funded staff work to meet countywide demand

A countywide mental health and substance use disorder service expansion--particularly for historically underserved populations across Washtenaw--has been a key priority for millage investments from the start.

As such, when millage funds first became availa...

Millage will allow WCCMH to train trainers in mental health first aid

While many of us know how to administer first aid for health conditions, few of us are trained to provide similar help for those experiencing a mental health or substance use related crisis. To build community capacity, WCCMH regularly offers Mental Healt...

Provide input on a millage-funded countywide anti-stigma campaign

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health is working with the Washtenaw County Health Department to develop and launch a county-wide campaign to reduce stigma around mental health and addiction. 

Health department staff will begin their work with a...

Transforming Washtenaw's substance use disorder system

About a dozen Washtenaw County Community Mental Health staff members have been actively participating in a series of local meetings, sponsored by the Washtenaw Health Initiative, that are designed to develop a collaborative action plan to address substanc...

Planning juvenile justice diversion activities

Research from the National Center for Youth Opportunity and Justice (NCYOJ) shows that behavioral health and trauma conditions are consistently higher among youth in the juvenile justice system when compared with the general adolescent population.

Washtena...

Announcing millage-funded countywide service expansion

On May 1, Washtenaw County Community Mental Health (WCCMH) will extend services and service-navigation assistance to all county residents who are unable to secure community-based mental health and substance use services, regardless of their insurance type...

Public safety accomplishments and plans for future millage investments

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health works closely with the Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office to improve services for residents with mental health and substance use disorders who come into contact with law enforcement and the corrections system.

Their ...

Plans for initial millage investments

At their October 3 meeting, Washtenaw County Commissioners approved 11 recommendations from the Community Mental Health Advisory Council (CMHAC) regarding early priorities for the county’s mental health millage investments.

Washtenaw County Commu...

Read our 2020 Millage Impact Report

It was a year no one could have predicted. A time filled with uncertainty and anxiety—as businesses shut down, plans were cancelled, and services halted.

But not at Washtenaw County Community Mental Health.

From the moment COVID-19 began to change...

Mental Health First Aid Training Available

The Mental Health First Aid (MHFA) course teaches people to give “first aid” to those individuals experiencing a mental health crisis and/or who are in the early stages of a mental health disorder.

Join us and leave with a five-step act...

2021 Celebration of Success

Many thanks to all of our nominators and nominees... We couldn't Celebrate Success without you!

Click here to view a PDF of the presentation or head over to our WCCMH Facebook page to see the presentation and catch up on so much more!

We look forwa...

WCCMH 2019/2020 Annual Report

Our report for 2019/2020 highlights many accomplishments including telehealth, CARES, and BLM efforts. You can read the report in full here:

Washtenaw County Community Mental Health Report (washtenawannualreport.com)

Telehealth Appointments Available

Telehealth services are available so you can have your appointment anywhere you feel comfortable. Do you have internet connection? Do you have a device to connect? It’s that easy.  

Head on over to our Telehealth page t...

U of M Law Students Made a Video About Landlord Tenant Process

Andrew Cutillo, Megan Giles, Seyoung Oh, Adam VanDeusen worked with Judge Simpson from the 14A District Court to develop a video to help litigants navigate the Landlord Tenant court process.  We are grateful for their hard work and hope that the ...

14A District Court Pioneers Online Case Resolution

Partnering with Court Innovations/Matterhorn, an Ann Arbor based company, the 14A District Court has implemented three different online case resolution platforms with more on the horizon.  The 14A District Court piloted the first of its kind onli...

Washtenaw County Health Department COVID-19 Advisory

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Washtenaw, aviso sobre el COVID-19

In Washtenaw County, as elsewhere, new COVID-19 cases have increased dramatically in recent weeks. Hospitalizations and deaths have remained high since late fall. Washtenaw County Heal...

What to know about COVID-19 in Washtenaw County

Last updated: 1/13/22

Washtenaw County remains at a high level of COVID-19 transmission. Everyone should:

• Wear a well-fitting face mask in indoor public spaces (a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask is recommended over a cloth mask)
• Get vaccinated or booste...

Support for adults with sickle cell disease expanded in Michigan

Additional No-Cost COVID-19 Community Testing Available in Ypsilanti

Español:

Disponible en Ypsilanti, Pruebas Comunitarias de Detección del COVID-19 gratis (Las pruebas están disponibles para todas las personas que tengan o no seguro médico, con o sin síntomas. Si ha e...

It's Time for Your Flu Shot

Es tiempo de recibir tu vacuna contra la influenza (gripe)

Now is the time for everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against flu (influenza). Flu vaccines protect against serious illness and are especially important during the ongoing COVID-19 pa...

La Fábrica de Leche: WIC’s new breastfeeding educational initiative for Spanish-speaking mothers

 By Anjani Raja, UM Student Intern | Traducción disponible en español más abajo

Washtenaw County WIC is beginning a new initiative to educate Spanish-speaking mothers on the importance of breastfeeding while providing a safe and open space for bre...

Black Mothers’ Breastfeeding Group Lowering Disparities

A breastfeeding support group for black mothers was created by Washtenaw County WIC in 2018 with the goal of lowering the racial disparity in breastfeeding rates.

“Being able to meet up with other mothers of color, other mothers who look like me,...

Washtenaw County Health Department COVID-19 Advisory

Departamento de Salud del Condado de Washtenaw, aviso sobre el COVID-19

In Washtenaw County, as elsewhere, new COVID-19 cases have increased dramatically in recent weeks. Hospitalizations and deaths have remained high since late fall. Washtenaw County Heal...

What to know about COVID-19 in Washtenaw County

Last updated: 1/13/22

Washtenaw County remains at a high level of COVID-19 transmission. Everyone should:

• Wear a well-fitting face mask in indoor public spaces (a surgical, KN95, or N95 mask is recommended over a cloth mask)
• Get vaccinated or booste...

Additional No-Cost COVID-19 Community Testing Available in Ypsilanti

Español:

Disponible en Ypsilanti, Pruebas Comunitarias de Detección del COVID-19 gratis (Las pruebas están disponibles para todas las personas que tengan o no seguro médico, con o sin síntomas. Si ha e...

Flood Assistance Fund Application

The following application process has been developed for the distribution of Flood Funds that were allocated to Washtenaw County to support damages sustained during the severe weather on June 25-26, 2021.  These funds may only be used to cover co...

Sheriff Clayton Receives Mental Health Association in Michigan Award

The award was presented to him and co-honoree Dr. Sheryl Kubiak on October 28, 2021 at the annual tribute dinner at which MHAM honors an individual or individuals who have made significant contributions to mental health policy in Michigan.  

The M...

It's Time for Your Flu Shot

Es tiempo de recibir tu vacuna contra la influenza (gripe)

Now is the time for everyone six months and older to get vaccinated against flu (influenza). Flu vaccines protect against serious illness and are especially important during the ongoing COVID-19 pa...

Washtenaw County to Begin Comprehensive Climate Action Planning Process

Washtenaw County, MI – Last week, the Board of Commissioners unanimously approved a resolution to allocate funds to climate action planning efforts. The resolution approves a contract with Resource Recycling Systems to assist in the development of a compr...

Shop with a Cop - 2021 - Donations Needed

Because this program is funded entirely by donations, the generosity of our donors is essential to the program’s success.  In response to COVID-19, we got creative and transformed our holiday events into Operation Special Delivery.  Chil...

Commissioners Approve $30.5 Million Dollar Package Through the Ways and Means Committee

Washtenaw County, MI – Last night, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners unanimously passed a historic resolution obligating up to $30.5 million dollars for community investments through the Ways and Means Committee. This proposed package leverages ...

Rental, Utility, and Internet Assistance Available as Eviction Moratorium Nears Expiration

Rental and utility relief assistance funds are available now! Learn more here.

The Federal CDC Eviction Moratorium will end on July 31, but assistance funds are available to help qualifying households in Washtenaw County who continue to face pande...

*UPDATED 7/2/21* Washtenaw Declares State of Emergency in Response to Widespread and Severe Flooding

*7/2/2021 FLOODING UPDATE* 

Washtenaw County, MI – As part of the request for a State declaration, Washtenaw County needs to collect as much information as possible about the extent of damage that has occurred in our community. ...

WCPARC January News & Into the Outdoors Program Guide!

Check out our new January News and latest publication, Into the Outdoors Program Guide!

Interested in signing up for our monthly newsletter? Subscribe here!

Questions? Contact: 

Hannah CooleyManagement Analyst, Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation ...

WCPARC Adopts Staebler Farm County Park Development Plan

The Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) unanimously adopted the Park Development Plan for Staebler Farm County Park at their May 11, 2021, meeting. Once the plan is implemented, residents of all ages and abilities will experience a b...

2020 WCPARC Annual Report

In 2020, we learned to pivot.  Forced with the realization that the year was going to look a bit different due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the Washtenaw County Parks and Recreation Commission (WCPARC) worked creatively to maintain a high-level of s...

Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office Spearheads First-Of-Its-Kind “Prosecutor Transparency Project”

The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office is partnering with the ACLU of Michigan and the University of Michigan Law School on the “Prosecutor Transparency Project.” The aim of the project is to uncover potential racial inequities through the collection an...

County Prosecutor’s Office Selected as Host Office For 2021 Public Rights Project Fellowship

The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office has been selected as a host office for the 2021 Public Rights Project Fellowship—a two-year program for attorneys interested in launching a public service career. Under the partnership, an attorney fellow ...

Fair Michigan and County Prosecutor’s Office Announce Expansion of the Fair Justice Michigan

The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office and the Fair Michigan Foundation have expanded the Fair Michigan Justice Project (FMJP) into Washtenaw County.  FMJP is a program designed to assist Michigan law enforcement officers and prosecuto...

Prosecutor's Office Publishes 2021 Year End Report

In 2021, the Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office implemented a number of new policies, initiatives, and projects aimed at protecting public safety, and promoting fairness and equity in the criminal legal system. These changes came as the result...

Prosecutor Announces Pre-Plea Diversion Program in Ann Arbor’s 15th District Court

Ann Arbor, MI – May 3, 2021 - The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office, in partnership with the Probation Department at Ann Arbor’s 15^th District Court, today announced the creation of an innovative pre-plea diversion program for defend...

Prosecutor’s Office Announces New Economic Justice Unit

Ann Arbor, MI – The Washtenaw County Prosecutor’s Office today announced the launch of an Economic Justice Unit. Among other things, the new unit will focus on wage theft, employee misclassification, labor trafficking, and con...

Sheriff Clayton Receives Mental Health Association in Michigan Award

The award was presented to him and co-honoree Dr. Sheryl Kubiak on October 28, 2021 at the annual tribute dinner at which MHAM honors an individual or individuals who have made significant contributions to mental health policy in Michigan.  

The M...

Shop with a Cop - 2021 - Donations Needed

Because this program is funded entirely by donations, the generosity of our donors is essential to the program’s success.  In response to COVID-19, we got creative and transformed our holiday events into Operation Special Delivery. &...

Sheriff Clayton Appointed by Gov. Whitmer to the Michigan Jail Reform Advisory Council

"I am honored to have been selected to participate as a member of the Michigan Jail Reform Advisory Council , established by Governor Whitmer”, Clayton said. “The recommendations forwarded by the Jail and Pretrial Incarceration Ta...

Sheriff Clayton Announces Debt Forgiveness for Jail Accounts

The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office with support of the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners, is formally announcing Sheriff Clayton’s decision to forgive any and all outstanding jail debt for individuals who accrued that debt whi...

Treasurer's office closed for County Holiday

The Washtenaw County Treasurer's office will be closed on Monday, January 17, 2022 due to a County Holiday.

You can still transact some business online while the office is closed:

• Paying Delinquent Taxes - go to https://Washtenaw.org/Pay and search...

Resources from Governor Whitmer

As Michiganders, we are all too familiar with long, cold, unpredictable winters. We know that it could be 60 degrees and sunny on Monday and snowing on Friday. That is why it is so important that we all take the time to prepare ourselves, our families, an...

Coronavirus (COVID-19) Services Update

(updated October 20, 2021)

For everyone's safety, we would prefer you connect with us remotely, if possible:

• In-person service is available during business hours, 8:30-Noon, 1-5
• Tax payments can be made online, over the phone using our third party service Po...

The Green Room. . .Vanishing Seasons - NWF

The Green Room

"The Green Room" is a collaboration between the City of Ann Arbor’s Community Television Network (CTN), Washtenaw County Public Works and the Office of the Water Resources Commissioner.  The show is produced by B...

The Green Room. . .Washtenaw Zero Waste Coalition - Part 2

The Green Room

"The Green Room" is a collaboration between the City of Ann Arbor’s Community Television Network (CTN), Washtenaw County Public Works and the Office of the Water Resources Commissioner.  The show is produced by B...

Issues of the Environment-Planning Ann Arbor’s Water Future

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50 am and 8:50 am. This show has been named Best Mini-Documentary or Series by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters!

• October 20, 2021: Planning Ann A...

Issues of the Environment-Re-imagining Sugarbrook Park in Ypsilanti

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50 am and 8:50 am. This show has been named Best Mini-Documentary or Series by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters!

• October 13, 2021: Re-imagining S...

Issues of the Environment-Monarch Butterfly Population Declines Because Of Human Actions

Issues of the EnvironmentWeekly radio show hosted by David Fair that airs each Wednesday at 6:50 am and 8:50 am. This show has been named Best Mini-Documentary or Series by the Michigan Association of Broadcasters!

• October 6, 2021: Monarch Butterf...

What Do Water Resources Commissioners Do?

What Do Water Resources / Drain Commissioners Do?  

Find out in this video excerpt from the Water Roundtable held on September 16, 2020 as part of the award-winning National Association of Counties Water 101: “What You Need to Know Below ...