DETROIT, MI – November 3, 2025 — In light of the uncertainties caused by the prolonged federal government shutdown, the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) has mobilized support from staff and providers to collect non-perishable goods for families in need.

The food drive began Monday, November 3 to Thursday, November 13th. Staff from DWIHN and the provider organization, Team Wellness, are gathering their spare boxed and canned food items to offer relief to people who receive care within our network.

“For the next two weeks, we are coming together to offer help to those who may be impacted,” said James E. White, President and CEO of DWIHN.  

In late October, concerns arose that the Federal Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) would not receive funding due to the ongoing government shutdown. Although federal courts have mandated that the program continue, the fear remains that families would suffer from delayed funding.

“Whether or not SNAP or other benefits are safe, it is the right thing to do,” said White. “Every can, box, and bag makes a difference.”

Throughout the drive, DWIHN and Team Wellness will have collection boxes at each of their locations:

DWIHN Administration Building – 8726 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202
Team Wellness Center – Visit the Team Wellness Center site for location information: https://teamwellnesscenter.com/

Each site will receive the following items:

• Canned fruits and vegetables
• Soups, stews, and chilis
• Pasta and rice
• Boxed meals
• Peanut butter
• Shelf-stable milk

“We ask that the community join us as we help the most vulnerable of us,” said White. “Especially as we draw closer to the holidays.”

MEDIA NOTE: On Thursday, November 6, from 4p to 6p at the DWIHN Administration Building, located at 8726 Woodward Ave, Detroit, MI 48202, staff will box the items in preparation to deliver to those in need.

DETROIT, MI – October 8, 2025—In a pioneering move to revolutionize crisis response and mental health care in Wayne County, the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN), the Detroit Police Department (DPD), and the City of Detroit launched a pilot program, in August, designed to directly transfer nonviolent mental health calls from 911 to behavioral health professionals in real time.

"We identified a great and urgent need for a smarter, more humane approach to crisis calls — and we knew we could step in and provide that support," said James E. White, President and CEO of DWIHN. “We know 911 works, but together, we can make it work more efficiently for the people of Detroit while freeing up officers to respond to other incidents.”

This innovative partnership marks a critical milestone in public safety and mental health collaboration, while continuing the vital relationship between DWIHN and DPD to better serve Detroit residents. The need for this initiative became increasingly clear this year between January and May, DPD received 368 “mental health nonviolent” calls and 227 “suicide threat” calls during the overnight hours of midnight to 7 a.m. when the need for assistance for these types of calls tends to increase.

The first month's operations resulted in 250 calls transferred to the DWIHN Crisis Call Center, that’s 250 less times a DPD officer had to get engaged.

After extensive planning and collaboration with DPD’s Communications Section and the Mayor’s Office, DWIHN helped develop new, well-organized protocols to ensure that those experiencing a behavioral health crisis are connected immediately with the help they need.

Phase 1 of the program launched over a month ago. During the overnight hours, 911 operators now conduct a “warm transfer” — staying on the line until the caller is safely connected to DWIHN’s 24/7 Crisis Line at 844-IN-CRISIS. This not only ensures a smoother handoff but also begins the de-escalation process earlier, when it matters most.

“This system is about more than just reducing the strain on 911 — it’s about saving lives and ensuring the right care at the right time,” said Grace Wolf, DWIHN Vice President of Crisis Services. “Our professionals are highly trained, and if needed, we will dispatch mobile crisis teams directly to the scene.”

In tandem with the new protocol, DWIHN continues to expand its Crisis Intervention Team (CIT) training for both 911 operators and DPD officers, strengthening a full continuum of crisis care.

“This isn’t just a pilot program — it’s a model for the future of public safety and mental health collaboration,” White added. “It reflects our shared commitment to building a safer, more compassionate Detroit.” 

DWIHN Advocates to Protect Medicaid for Vulnerable Individuals Statewide

The bill, known as the One Big Beautiful Bill Act, narrowly passed the Senate and is scheduled for consideration by the House of Representatives. The bill was approved yesterday in the House with a narrow 50/50 vote, with Vice President Vance casting the tie-breaking vote in favor. Now it is headed back to the house for approval Friday, July 4th. Recent changes to the bill would cut approximately $1.1 trillion in healthcare spending over the next decade, according to estimates from the nonpartisan Congressional Budget Office. More than $1 trillion of those cuts would come from Medicaid. According to the State of Michigan, 1 in 4 Michiganders—more than 2.6 million people, rely on Medicaid for essential healthcare. If Congress implements these Medicaid cuts, Michigan could face:

• A loss of $2.2 billion in federal funding in 2026
• An economic impact of $4.9 billion
• 2.2B in federal funding in 2026
• 4.9B economic impact
• 2.9B drop in state GDP

Such cuts would mean fewer services for our children, seniors, and persons with disabilities.

What You Can Do:
Contact your local representatives and senators to urge them to oppose any Medicaid cuts and to support protections for these vital programs. Let them know how important Medicaid is for you, your family, and your community. Ask them to take action to ensure the bill does not pass in its current form.

Get Involved – Act Now: https://protectmicare.org/

In addition to the proposed policy changes, another barrier impacting Medicaid recipients in Michigan is the current income threshold. Currently, individuals with income above the Federal Poverty Level (FPL) of $1,325 per month must allocate around $375 of their income for living expenses, with the remainder going toward healthcare, before qualifying for Medicaid assistance. Michigan legislators are considering a “spend-down” proposal that would allow people to retain 100% of the FPL amount, easing this burden. (www.meji.org)

We know that affordable healthcare leads to better health outcomes, reduces hospitalizations, and lowers overall healthcare costs. Please join us in advocating for increased protections for Medicaid services and working with your legislators to set the spending threshold at 100% of the Federal Poverty Level. This adjustment would provide vital support to low-income individuals who struggle to access the healthcare they need. Together, we can protect Medicaid and ensure everyone has access to the healthcare they deserve.

Sincerely,
James E. White, President & CEO
Dr. Cynthia Taueg, Board Chair

DETROIT, MI – June 11, 2025 – The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) is proud to celebrate its 707 Crisis Care Center’s first anniversary this Friday, June 13th, with an 11:30 AM press briefing.

Our Crisis Care Services team is to be commended for their hard work, blazing a trail for crisis stabilization services in Detroit and Wayne County,” said James E. White, DWIHN President and CEO. “Their dedication enables us to expand care to those who need help during critical times in their lives.”

Since opening, the 707 Crisis Care Center has served over 2,380 individuals, providing access to quality, person-focused services for crisis calls and walk-ins 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

The first of its kind facility in the State is located in the heart of Detroit. It provides direct specialized care for individuals in crisis, easing the burden on local first responder agencies, which are not always equipped to offer appropriate mental health support.

“In my previous role, I have seen firsthand how it enhances and supports emergency services,” added White. “It is a major asset to public safety and the overall system of care.”

The Center is unique because all the services are under one roof: Crisis Walk-In, Adult Crisis Stabilization, Youth and Family Crisis Unit, and a special peer-led program called B.E.S.T (Building Empowered Supportive Transition) Unit, which is setting a new standard in the industry.

Most notably, the facility recently received the Gold Seal of Approval from the Joint Commission. This accreditation proves the team’s dedication to continuous compliance and quality performance standards.

The 707 Crisis Care Center evaluates adults and adolescents in behavioral health crises to determine their medical necessity for crisis-level services. It offers 32 beds to DWIHN’s Crisis Continuum of Care for individuals needing help.

Anyone who needs services can call 313-989-9444, or people can walk in, and they will be assisted by staff.

"With a population of approximately 1.6 million people in Wayne County, we are working to build on this model and expand the crisis bed count by opening additional centers to serve individuals in need, from Western Wayne to Downriver,” said White. “We strive to provide access to quality behavioral healthcare services, no matter zip code, age, or race.”