Macomb County Community Mental Health Opens Substance Use Engagement Center for Short-Term Crisis Intervention:

Facility offers 24/7 support and services as alternative to emergency room care or jail

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (November 5, 2025) – Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) has opened its Substance Use Engagement Center, which provides 24/7 short-term crisis intervention to community members experiencing a substance use crisis – allowing them a safe space to stabilize and connect with Peer Recovery Coaches as an alternative to emergency room care or jail.

A ribbon cutting was hosted on November 5, 2025, with opening remarks from the County Executive of Macomb County, Mark Hackel, alongside attendance from community partners such as Macomb County, the City of Sterling Heights, CARE of Southeastern Michigan and local law enforcement.

“Macomb County is committed to strengthening the systems supporting people in need,” said Macomb County Executive Mark Hackel. “This new Engagement Center is an important addition to our network of care, offering individuals in crisis a safe, supportive environment that promotes recovery and reduces reliance on emergency rooms or the criminal justice system.”

“The Engagement Center is intended to serve as the first step on the recovery journey,” said Nicole Gabriel, director of substance use at MCCMH. “Rather than these individuals being arrested or taken to a medical facility, we’re hoping to connect them with impactful, substance use treatment and recovery services in a safe and understanding environment.”

Once arrived at the 8-capacity facility, after being referred via MCCMH’s 24/7 Crisis Line, individuals can stabilize – whether with a shower, meal or connecting with staff onsite – then access a variety of services including physical, behavioral and housing-related referrals. Trained Peer Recovery Coaches with lived experience will help individuals develop a recovery plan and connect them to the broader recovery community, as well.

Individuals are welcome to remain at the center for up to 23 hours.

“When we say, ‘putting people first,’ that means more than just helping people and sending them on their way. We’re connecting them to effective, proven resources that are rooted in long-lasting solutions,” said Traci Smith, chief executive officer at MCCMH. “The Engagement Center is no different. Our team is eager to hit the ground running.”

The MCCMH Substance Use Engagement Center is located at 38300 VanDyke, Suite 101, Sterling Heights, MI 48312, and is made possible by state grant and local funding, as well as opioid settlement funds.

Individuals must contact the MCCMH Crisis Center for a screening and referral to the Engagement Center. The MCCMH Crisis Line can be reached at (586) 307-9100.

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ABOUT MCCMH:

Macomb County Community Mental Health is guided by the values, strengths, and informed choices of the people we serve. The organization provides quality services to meet behavioral, mental, physical, and medical health needs — which promote recovery, community participation, self-sufficiency, and independence to individuals in Macomb County regardless of financial status.