“Participate, Be Counted” is a health and wellness campaign inviting African American adults living in Oakland County to take part in a community health survey. The survey is anonymous and takes only 5 minutes to complete.

Visit bit.ly/OFSSurvey2 or click the button to fill out the survey. It takes about 5 minutes to complete, and you will automatically be entered into a raffle for a $25 Meijer gift card. You will need to provide an email address for the raffle. If you have any questions, please call (248) 285-9817.

More about the project

“Participate, Be Counted” is funded by a $225,000 grant from the Michigan Health Endowment Fund. The grant is part of a four-county effort to identify the reasons why Black/African American populations are less likely to receive vital follow-up care after a mental health or substance use disorder crisis that involved a visit to an emergency department.

Oakland Family Services is partnering with local community groups, churches, substance use treatment providers and hospitals to engage Black/African American community members with lived experience in interviews and focus groups.

“We know, from extensive Health Fund and other data, the disturbing fact that disparities exist in health care for those in the African American community,” said Jaimie Clayton, president and CEO of Oakland Family Services. “These disparities are truly a public health crisis. We are proud to be part of exploring what barriers exist, so we can break them down in order to provide more equitable care for all.”

As part of the grant, Oakland Family Services is hiring a dedicated liaison to conduct interviews and collect data. Oakland Community Health Network, Wayne State University, New Birth International Church of Pontiac and other local partners will also assist with the project. Organizations that would like information about getting involved can contact Natalie Marchione, Oakland Family Services vice president of quality and planning, at (248) 858-7766 ext. 1217 or nmarchione@ofsfamily.org.

"Race and ethnicity should never be a reason for which people are unable to access treatment for mental health or substance use disorders," said OCHN Executive Director and CEO Dana Lasenby. "I am optimistic that through our partnership with Oakland Family Services, we can work to ensure equitable services are made available to all vulnerable populations in our community."

About Oakland Family Services

Oakland Family Services is a private, nonprofit 501(c)(3) serving the community since 1921 and dedicated to providing individuals and families the opportunity to build brighter futures. The agency’s prevention, education and treatment services touch the lives of more than 40,000 individuals throughout southeastern Michigan every year. The agency has offices in Pontiac, Berkley and Walled Lake. For more information, go to www.oaklandfamilyservices.org.

About the Michigan Health Endowment Fund

The Michigan Health Endowment Fund works to improve the health and wellness of Michigan residents and reduce the cost of healthcare, with a special focus on children and seniors. You can find more information about the Health Fund at mihealthfund.org.