Newaygo County Mental Health
was first established in 1972. This was a time of great changes helping
persons in state institutions to return to the community and their families
with the assistance of the local mental health center. This agency was
and continues to be very successful in accomplishing the goal of not using
state institutions.
When the center began in 1972,
there were two staff members. In 1978 Newaygo County Mental Health
became the first center in
Michigan
to be accredited by the Joint Commission on Accreditation of Healthcare
Organizations. Today it has over 60 staff, all working toward making
Newaygo
County
a healthier community.
The center is a non-profit
agency, run by a board of 12 citizens appointed by the Newaygo County Board of
Commissioners. Of the12, there are at least 4 consumers of mental health
services. Funding comes mostly from Medicaid, State of
Michigan General Fund
, and
Newaygo
County
funds, and grants from the Department of the Community Health and the Fremont
Area Community Foundation. Newaygo
County Mental Health works collaboratively with various county organizations
including Newaygo County Courts, DHS, NCRESA and other fine agencies in
Newaygo
County
.
According to accrediting
agencies, Newaygo County Mental Health is considered to be in the top 10
percent in quality service for all mental health centers in the nation.
The agency provides over 30 different services and continues to grow because
of strong community support.
What
Is Community Mental Health?