Telehealth Safety Net Grant Received!

Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMHA) has been awarded a 2020 Rapid Response: Safety Net Telehealth Initiative Grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund for $37,140. Funds will be used to purchase equipment to provide virtual behavioral health services in response to public health risks of in-person care due to COVID-19.

Karl V. Kovacs, Chief Executive Officer at NLCMHA, said, “We are fortunate to have been making investments in our infrastructure and capacity to answer the call during community emergencies such as one in which we find ourselves today. We deeply appreciate ongoing support of the Michigan Health Endowment Fund and its partners in this special endeavor to help us to assist and support some of the most vulnerable of our Michigan citizens. The special funding will allow us to increase our capacity to serve even more people via telehealth. We believe the benefits will be experienced long after this initial crisis has passed.”

Currently most of our staff is working off-site and providing services and support by telephone and video as much as possible and, when clinically or medically indicated, with a face-to-face visit.

Anyone who is experiencing a mental health crisis may call the NLCMHA Crisis Line 24/7 at 1-833-295-0616. The mobile FAST Team is operating as usual (with new safety protocols).

NLCMHA has also deployed its Access Line to serve as a Warm Help Line during the COVID-19 crisis for anyone in the community who is experiencing increased stress, anxiety, or depression. Individuals may contact the NLCMHA Warm Help Line at 1-800-492-5742 during business hours.

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.