4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS RECOVERY On Tuesday, April 1, an email went out to all Home of New Vision staff stating that the Engagement Center would be closing immediately. It was no April Fool’s joke. A similar email was sent to Dawn Farm employees stating that the organization received "a ‘stop-work order’ to discontinue any American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funded programs immediately.” This directly impacted their Strong Roots family recovery program which provides housing and supportive services to families with parents in recovery. The Trump Administration federal Department of Health and Human Services sent out a memo that certain federal grants, including Block Grant funds allocated to states and LINDSAY CALKA Publisher communities, appropriated under the American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) of 2021 (H.R. 1319), were purportedly being terminated immediately. This termination of funding purported to take effect the same day. The ARPA grants had been scheduled to continue through the fiscal year. Nintety-one percent of the Engagement Center’s budget was funded by ARPA. According to CEO Heather Williams, Home of New Vision does not have any unrestricted funding so the organization would need to raise over $300,000 in private donations to keep the center open in 2025, not to mention 2026 and beyond. A Facebook post created by a community member broke the news to the public. It stated, the “Engagement Center in Ypsilanti served as a crisis intervention facility, offering a supervised and supportive environment for individuals struggling with substance use and co-occurring disorders … especially those ready to enter substance use treatment but facing waitlists for an available bed. The Center APRIL 18, 2025 Budget cuts cause abrupt Engagement Center closure provided a crucial space where individuals could stay, receive support, and be connected to treatment facilities and recovery resources. “Now, without this ‘bridge,’ the gap in care becomes even wider. Patients seeking treatment often wait days, if not weeks, for an open bed. Without the Engagement Center, those who detox in the hospital will now be discharged home — or to the streets if they have no home — left to wait with little to no support. “This closure is more than just the loss of a facility; it’s the loss of a critical lifeline for some of the most vulnerable members of our community.” Gary Jackson, a former Engagement see ENGAGEMENT page 7 From overdose to opportunity: How Home of New Vision's ROOT team is saving lives ROBERT COLLEY Home of New Vision The Recovery Opioid Overdose Team (ROOT) at Home of New Vision plays a critical role in addressing opioid use disorders in Washtenaw County. The team focuses on overdose prevention, harm reduction and peer-based recovery support to individuals in crisis situations. ROOT team members perform various duties, including updating client files, preparing outreach bags, attending community events and responding to overdose alerts. A key responsibility is direct engagement with individuals who have experienced an overdose. When an alert indicates that Narcan has been administered, ROOT dispatches its Quick Response Team to connect with the individual, offering treatment resources and follow-up care for up to six months. The ROOT crisis phone is available 24/7 and provides immediate assistance to anyone experiencing or witnessing an overdose. ROOT’s services are delivered by Certified Peer Recovery Coaches, individuals with lived experience of substance use who are in sustained recovery. CPRCs must have at least two years of recovery and a demonstrated commitment to helping others. Their lived experience allows them to connect with clients on a level that enhances trust and relatability. ROOT works closely with the Washtenaw Recovery Advocacy Project (WRAP), sharing office space and collaborating on events such as Soberbowl and community college outreach. These events aim to raise awareness, reduce stigma and connect individuals with resources. ROOT and WRAP also direct outreach in urban areas, distributing backpacks containing Narcan, hygiene supplies and recovery literature. These efforts provide tangible support and open doors for conversation about treatment and recovery. Home of New Vision supports multiple recovery pathways, including SMART Recovery, Alcoholics Anonymous, Narcotics Anonymous, Recovery Dharma, Recovery Yoga and Christian-based options like Celebrate Recovery. This approach ensures that individuals can choose the recovery model that resonates most with them. Impact and Michigan Overdose Trends Michigan continues to face the challenges of the opioid crisis, but recent data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) show signs of progress: • 2020: 2,738 overdose deaths • 2021: 3,096 overdose deaths (peak year) • 2022: 2,998 overdose deaths • 2023: 2,826 overdose deaths (provisional) • January–July 2024: 1,200 deaths (provisional) According to MDHHS, the overall Free Narcan Locations ROOT is committed to harm reduction practices, including the distribution of clean syringes, fentanyl/ xylazine/nitazene testing strips and Narcan. These initiatives are designed to reduce the spread of disease and prevent fatal overdoses. Harm reduction builds rapport and trust, especially with individuals who may not yet be ready for treatment. Free Narcan kits are available at overdose death rate dropped from 31.1 per 100,000 in 2021 to 28.2 in 2023 — a 5.7% reduction. This decline in Michigan is nearly five times greater than the national average over the same period. This progress is credited to statewide harm reduction efforts, including the Naloxone Direct Portal, which has distributed over 1 million naloxone kits and contributed to more than 21,000 documented overdose reversals. Other significant initiatives include the expansion of Medicaid Substance Use Disorder provider capacity, access to medications for opioid use disorder and transportation services for treatment access. Despite improvements, disparities remain. In 2023, the likelihood of dying from an overdose was 2.8 times greater for Black residents and 2.2 times greater for American Indian/Alaska Native than for white residents. MDHHS addresses these inequities through targeted interventions and community-based support services. multiple sites throughout Ann Arbor, Ypsilanti and surrounding areas. Locations include libraries, community centers, health departments and pharmacies. The ROOT team stocks and maintains these resources which are accessible to the public — some even 24/7. To find a location near you or to learn more, scan the QR code on page 12. Moving Forward ROOT continues its mission of engaging individuals before and after overdose, promoting recovery and providing essential harm reduction tools. As Michigan leads the nation in opioid response strategies, local efforts like ROOT remain vital to ensuring recovery resources are accessible and equitable for all. If you or someone you know is seeking support for substance use, Home of New Vision can help. Services are available for individuals at any stage of recovery, including those not yet ready for treatment. 24/7 Crisis Line: 734-417-6363 Phone: 734-975-1602 Main Office: 3115 Professional Dr, Ann Arbor, MI 48104 Walk-ins: Mon.–Fri., 9 a.m.-5 p.m. Whether you are looking for treatment or peer support or want to learn more about recovery pathways, the Home of New Vision team is ready to support you. Learn more about our other programs online at: https://homeofnewvision.org/
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