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Office of Recipient Rights

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Rights Are Everybody's Business

Every person who receives services in the public mental health system has additional rights. Those rights, specific to mental health and intellectual/developmental disability services, are identified in the Michigan Mental Health Code.

Your rights include:

  • The right to be free from abuse and neglect
  • The right to privacy of your information
  • The right to be treated with dignity and respect
  • The right to receive services that meet your needs
  • The right to receive your services in a safe, sanitary and humane environment
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The Office of Recipient Rights

The Office of Recipient Rights, in accordance with the Michigan Mental Health Code, is responsible for ensuring the provision of recipient rights protections throughout the DWIHN System of Care. The Rights Office is open between 8:00 AM and 4:30 PM Monday through Friday excluding holidays. You may file a Recipient Rights complaint any time you think staff has violated your rights or someone else’s rights.

If you receive public mental health or substance abuse services, you are free to exercise your rights, and to use the rights protection system, without fear of retaliation, harassment, or discrimination. Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network staff and contractors will not take action against you if you use the Office of Recipient Rights. You do not need permission from anyone to use the Office of Recipient Rights or to take other action(s) about a concern. You may do so at any time.

Office of Recipient Rights

Call Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Office of Recipient Rights to talk with a Recipient Rights staff with any questions you may have about your rights or to get help to file a complaint. Your call to the Office of Recipient Rights is confidential. You may also fax your complaint directly to DWIHN ORR's secure fax line.

SUD Services Rights

If you receive Substance Use Disorder (SUD) services, you have rights protected by the Public Health Code. These rights will also be explained to you when you start services and then once again every year. If you have an SUD rights complaint, contact Gregory Lindsey at 313-694-8520

Making a Rights Complaint

You can make a rights complaint by telephone, letter, email, or on a Recipient Rights complaint form. Also, for your convenience there are several drop boxes for you to submit a Recipient Rights complaint. The 1st is located at 8726 Woodward, Detroit MI., on the 1st floor, the 2nd & 3rd are located at 707 W. Milwaukee, Detroit, MI on the 1st near the Care Center and the 3rd floor in the lobby of the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC).

Fax: (313) 833-2043

TDD/TTY: (888) 339-5588

Toll-free: (888) 339-5595

Phone: 313-344-9099 ext. 3249