September is National Recovery Month, a time to celebrate the successes of and raise awareness of supports for those in recovery from mental health and substance use issues. If you are an Oakland County resident, you can be a champion for recovery in Michigan by helping Oakland Family Services identify what works — and what doesn’t work — for individuals as they seek to recover.

The public is invited to participate in our research study, Barrier Busting: Uncovering Disparities in Behavioral Health, in two ways:

1. Take our survey

In the first part of our study, we are seeking feedback on a survey about mental health and/or substance use treatment experiences.

We want to hear from you if you:

• live in Oakland County,

• are age 18 or older, AND

• have ever received mental health or substance use treatment.

By taking the survey, you will be entered to win one of 40 $25 Amazon gift cards. All personal information will be kept confidential.

Participate by taking the survey at bit.ly/MHEFsurvey. If you have questions or have trouble with the survey, please call (248) 285-9817.

2. Participate in an interview

In the second part of our study, we want to hear from members of the Black/African American community about their experiences with follow-up care (or lack of follow-up care) for mental health and/or substance use.

People who share their experiences in an interview will receive a $50 gift card for about one hour of their time.

To be eligible, you must:

• be Black/African American,

• live in Oakland County,

• be age 18 or older, AND

• have received mental health or substance use treatment.

All personal information will be kept confidential. To participate, you will need a mobile phone, laptop or tablet with an internet connection to use Zoom.

To sign up, please fill out the short questionnaire at bit.ly/OFSsurvey. If you have questions or have trouble with the questionnaire, please call (248) 285-9817.

More about the project

Barrier Busting is funded by a $225,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The grant is part of a four-county effort to identify the reasons why Black/African American populations are less likely to receive vital follow-up care after a mental health or substance use disorder crisis that involved a visit to an emergency department.

Oakland Family Services is partnering with local community groups, churches, substance use treatment providers and hospitals to gather data and engage Black/African American community members with lived experience in interviews.

“We know, from extensive Health Fund and other data, the disturbing fact that disparities exist in health care for those in the African American community,” said Jaimie Clayton, president and CEO of Oakland Family Services. “These disparities are truly a public health crisis. We are proud to be part of exploring what barriers exist, so we can break them down in order to provide more equitable care for all.”

Oakland Community Health Network, Wayne State University, New Birth International Church of Pontiac and other local partners are assisting with the project.

"Race and ethnicity should never be a reason for which people are unable to access treatment for mental health or substance use disorders," said OCHN Executive Director and CEO Dana Lasenby. "I am optimistic that through our partnership with Oakland Family Services we can work to ensure equitable services are made available to all vulnerable populations in our community."

About Oakland Family Services

Oakland Family Services is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving the community since 1921 and dedicated to providing individuals and families the opportunity to build brighter futures. The agency’s prevention, education and treatment services touch the lives of more than 40,000 individuals throughout southeastern Michigan every year. The agency has offices in Pontiac, Berkley and Walled Lake. For more information, go to www.oaklandfamilyservices.org.

About the Michigan Health Endowment Fund

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. You can find more information about the Health Fund at mihealthfund.org.