Monday, December 9, 2013

Common Ground to get new Pontiac home for crisis center


PONTIAC -- A ribbon cutting-grand opening ceremony is scheduled for 1 p.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 17 at 1200 Telegraph, 32East for the new home of Common Ground's Resource & Crisis Center.
 
The event will also include a program, lunch, and a self-guided tour.

The facility, which was renovated by the Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority will address a community need for increased public resources for individuals who have a mental illness, developmental disability, serious emotional disturbance, or substance use disorder, and are in need of immediate support.  The facility is conveniently situated near a community bus line route and is adjacent to the Health Department and WIC services.

Common Ground’s crisis related services will relocate to the building, making access to the agency’s expertise more convenient for those seeking help. These services include the 24-hour Resource and Crisis Helpline (800-231-1127), Emergency Psychiatric Services and ACCESS services, currently located at Doctors’ Hospital in Pontiac; and the Crisis Residential Unit, currently located on Hendrie Street in Royal Oak.  The scheduled move date is Jan. 10.
 
The 48,000-square-foot building will also be occupied by PACE (Prior Authorization and Central Evaluations for the Office of Substance Abuse Services), a pharmacy and X-ray lab services. The project was financed by a $14.5 million bond, which was approved by the Oakland County Building Authority. The building will be subleased by OCCMHA from Oakland County, which is leasing the property from the Oakland County Building Authority.

Jerry Wolffe is the Writer-in-Residence, Advocate-at-Large at the Macomb-Oakland Regional Center. He can be reached at 586 263 8750.