Flint Township View

Grant will help GHS and courts expand services for those with mental illness


FLINT — The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) awarded Genesee Health System a grant totaling $3,808,173 over the next four years to increase and expand services to individuals involved in the Court system and have a mental illness.

GHS has been serving people within the Court system in partnership with local judges for over two decades. This program will focus on individuals who do not voluntarily participate in mental health services but could be helped and supported with participation.

“Genesee Health System is extremely happy to have received this grant. This will afford our consumers an additional level of care. Our partnerships with the Courts have been very successful and this newly funded program will expand those services, improving the quality of life for individuals with mental illness and ensuring they have stable uninterrupted treatment,” said Brian Swiecicki, Vice President of Business Operations at GHS.

“Genesee Health System continues its dedication to serving the local community with this SAMHSA Assisted Outpatient Treatment grant by offering enhanced coordination of services and partnership with community providers. Grant funds will provide more specialized outpatient treatment services that our community needs but are not available through traditional funding sources, with a goal to reduce the need for hospitalization or incarceration,” added Jen McCarty, Director of Clinical Services Project Management at GHS.

Year one will focus on working with existing partners and creating a network of key community partners that will meet regularly as an Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Community Collaborative and receive specialized training in addition to discussing unique challenges to Genesee County.

Genesee Health System promotes Hope and Health by recognizing the interconnectedness of the body, the mind, and the community. Services include primary health care and a medical home through the Genesee Community Health Center, mental health services, substance use disorder treatment, assessment and referral for the Genesee County community for all ages. Call 810-257-3705 to learn more or go to www.genhs.org. G.G.