The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network is asking the state of Michigan for $227 million to expand its crisis care and residential mental healthcare, the Detroit Free Press reported April 27.
The funds would support DWIHN's plan to increase capacity by 450 inpatient beds, create a new crisis center and a specialized holistic and integrated resource center in Detroit.
In Detroit, roughly 1,500 individuals with mental health issues have made police calls, gone to the emergency room or served jail time. These individuals also accounted for half of all calls for mental health services in the city, with 24 percent having had three or more calls to EMS, and 9 percent who were booked in the Wayne County Jail in Detroit at least once, according to a FOX2 report.
"We can't let this opportunity pass," Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said at an April 26 press conference. "These individuals do not need jails, they need resources, trained professionals, and a safe place where they can receive treatment."
City and county officials will head to the state capital for budget talks, FOX2 reported.