Macomb County Community Mental Health Substance Use Engagement Center Marks One Year of Impact:

The 24/7 Engagement Center connects individuals in crisis with recovery support

STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. (Oct. 28, 2026) – Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) is celebrating the one-year anniversary of its Substance Use Engagement Center, a 24/7 short-term crisis intervention facility that provides a safe, supportive environment for individuals experiencing a substance-use-related crisis.

Since opening in 2025, the Engagement Center has served 155 individuals through 284 admissions. During an average 16-hour stay, guests receive stabilization support, meals, showers, and connections to treatment providers and community resources. Notably, 69% of admissions were self-referred, reflecting increased awareness of available recovery services.

“In just one year, the Substance Use Engagement Center has become a lifeline for individuals affected by substance use,” said Nicole Gabriel, Director of Substance Use Services at MCCMH. “We are proud of its impact and remain committed to expanding access to care, reducing stigma, and helping more people find a path to recovery.”

The Engagement Center is staffed by Peer Recovery Coaches and other allied staff through a partnership with CARE of Southeastern Michigan. Drawing from their own lived experience, staff provide support, resources, and encouragement to individuals seeking recovery.

“Substance use can be an incredibly isolating experience, and our peer recovery coaches understand firsthand how difficult that journey can be,” said Susan Styf, President and CEO of CARE of Southeastern Michigan. “Our experience and understanding allow the team to help reduce the isolation that often accompanies substance use. We know how important it is for each person to feel supported and connected as they take their next steps toward recovery.”

The impact of the Engagement Center is reflected in the experiences of those who have accessed its services. One former person served shared:

“The staff were respectful and did a great job helping me out with a very hard transitional time in my life. When it was time for me to leave, they actually sat down to talk to me about things that matter and would help me stay sober instead of just filling in words on a piece of paper. I would recommend this place to anyone.”

To better meet community needs, MCCMH expanded eligibility requirements in June 2026. Individuals who have used substances within the past week, or who are at risk of relapse, are now eligible for services, broadening access to timely, person-centered support.

The Engagement Center also serves as a valuable resource for emergency departments and law enforcement by providing an alternative to emergency room visits for non-medical substance use crises.

“The Substance Use Engagement Center has strengthened our ability to connect community members with the help they need,” said Andrew Satterfield, City of Sterling Heights Chief of Police. “Having a dedicated resource focused on stabilization and recovery helps individuals access support while allowing us to better serve the community.”

Located at 38300 Van Dyke, Suite 101, in Sterling Heights, the Engagement Center is funded through state grants, local funding, and opioid settlement funds. Individuals seeking services must first contact the MCCMH Crisis Line at 586-307-9100, available 24/7, for screening and referral.

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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.