Community Foundation hosts mental health resource event | News

On Oct. 22, the Oceana Community Foundation hosted a “Free Dive” event focused on mental health. The event was led by Hannah Naples of the foundation and featured presentations from Amy Van Gust of The Fountain Hill Center, Philip Santellan of Oceana LEADS, Jesse Burke of Shelby Adolescent Health Center, Alicia Harmon of Northwest Michigan Health Services, and Julie Rupp of West Michigan Community Mental Health.

Attendees included representatives from local organizations and businesses, all gathered to learn about mental health resources available in Oceana County.

Santellan opened the event by asking attendees to raise their hands if they or someone they know had been affected by mental health issues. Every hand went up. Presenters emphasized the importance of reducing stigma and encouraging people to seek help.

Speaking on behalf of Oceana LEADS, a substance use prevention coalition, Santellan shared local data: About 40% of middle and high school students in Oceana County reported feeling depressed. Smaller—but still concerning—percentages reported suicidal thoughts, attempts, or self-harm. Rates were higher among girls, with 46% reporting depression in the past year.

Each presenter discussed their organization’s services. Below are the resources shared:

Dhd #10 Adolescent Health Centers

Shelby phone: 231-902-8550

Hart phone: 231-873-6327

Pentwater phone: 231-368-1057

• Shelby Adolescent Health Center offers primary care and mental health services for youth ages 10–21 who live in or attend school in Oceana County.
• Hart Wellness Center provides mental health services for Hart Public Schools students through age 21.
• Falcon Wellness Center provides mental health services for Pentwater Schools students ages 5–21.
• Services include individual and family outpatient counseling, both in-person and via telehealth.
• Sliding fee scale available; no one is turned away due to inability to pay.
• More info: dhd10.org

Northwest Michigan Health Services – Shelby

Phone: 231-947-0351

• Offers medical, dental and behavioral health services to all, regardless of income, insurance, age, ethnicity or country of origin.
• Walk-in and same-day appointments available, plus telehealth, extended hours and 24/7 after-hours call service.
• Sliding fee scale based on income and household size.
• Interpreter services, transportation assistance and help with Medicaid/Medicare enrollment available.
• More info: nmhsi.org

West Michigan Community Mental Health – Oceana

Phone: 231-873-2108

• Provides mental health and psychiatric care, substance use prevention and treatment, mobile crisis response.
• Serves individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, emotional impairments or substance use disorders who meet medical need criteria.
• Services available regardless of insurance or county of residence.
• Sliding fee scale and Medicaid accepted.
• Crisis response available 24/7/365.
• More info: wmcmhs.org

The Fountain Hill Center – New Era Location

Phone: 231-861-2501 ext. 304

• A nonprofit collective of therapists based in Grand Rapids offering mental health services for children (ages 4 and up), teens and adults.
• Services include individual counseling, relationship counseling and court-ordered services.
• Currently seeking a bilingual therapist to expand access.
• More info: fountainhillcenter.org

If you or someone you know is experiencing a mental health crisis, call 911.