Oakland Community Health Network assumed responsibility for the Resource and Crisis Center in late January after ending its contract with longtime provider Common Ground. The nonprofit had operated a 24-hour residential crisis center serving the county for decades.

Crisis stabilization and short-term residential services are temporarily paused as the public agency works to fill staffing vacancies and secure a state license to operate the residential program. Officials estimate roughly 50 positions remain open. Nine individuals receiving care were discharged when the transition took effect January 29.

The agency says walk-in crisis services continue around the clock and that local hospitals, including Pontiac General Hospital, are being used as a resource for higher-acuity cases. The hospital previously declared bankruptcy in 2024 and lost federal Medicare funding following safety and quality concerns.

Mental health advocates and hospital leaders say diverting patients to emergency rooms can reduce capacity for medical emergencies and require officers to spend extended time waiting for treatment. The president of the Mental Health Association in Michigan told the Oakland Community Health Network board the change may have broader effects on providers statewide.

The dispute between Oakland Community Health Network and Common Ground developed over several months. Network leadership has said the nonprofit was overpaid under its contract, while Common Ground’s chief executive officer said missed payments created financial strain.

According to reporting by Bridge Michigan, the county expects full crisis center operations to resume by April first.