OCHN partners with Genoa Healthcare

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (February 28, 2022) – In response to a recent report highlighted by the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) is expanding its COVID-19 vaccination efforts to include onsite clinics at its residential, substance use service settings.

OCHN is partnering with Genoa Healthcare and its substance use provider network to lead this this proactive initiative starting in March 2022.

According to the NIDA:

• People with a substance use disorder (SUD) at any time in their lives are 1.5 times more likely to contract COVID-19 than those without an SUD.
• People with opioid use disorder (OUD) and African Americans are at particularly high risk for COVID-19.
• COVID-19 patients with SUDs are more likely to require hospitalization and to die from COVID-19 than those without SUD, with patients with OUD and African American patients at greatest risk. (Link to NIDA)

The clinics will offer COVID-19 vaccination or booster vaccines to people receiving services through OCHN’s substance use residential treatment sites. Scheduled dates and times of vaccine clinics will vary by network provider.

People receiving services through OCHN’s substance use providers are being emailed a link to an online registration form to schedule their vaccination appointment. Additionally, each participating provider is distributing flyers with event dates, times, and clinic registration information.

About OCHN

OCHN leads a provider service network that assists approximately 23,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 300 service sites across the county. People who receive public mental health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health challenge, or substance use disorder. The majority of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.

OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

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