Oakland Community Health Network

12/20/2025

Coping with the Holiday Season

As the year winds down, the holidays can bring moments of joy — but they can also bring stress, loneliness, disrupted routines, and emotional overwhelm. If you’re experiencing mixed emotions, you’re not alone.

At Oakland Community Health Network, we want you to know that it’s completely normal to feel this way during the holiday season. For many people, this time of year can intensify emotions, increase pressure, and bring reminders of loss. Caring for your mental health is just as important as celebrating. Here are a few gentle reminders:

✨ Take breaks when you need them — Rest and recovery are part of being well.
✨ Set realistic expectations — It’s okay to simplify traditions or adjust plans to meet your needs.
✨ Protect your routine — Consistent sleep, meals, and medication schedules can support stability.
✨ Honor your feelings — Whatever you’re feeling is valid and deserves care.
✨ Ask for help early — Reaching out sooner can help prevent things from becoming overwhelming.

If you or someone you know needs emotional support this holiday season:
Call or text 988 for 24/7 crisis support
Non-emergency mental health support: 248-464-6363
Visit oaklandchn.org for local resources

You deserve peace, support, and connection — during the holidays and beyond.

OCHN leads a provider service network that assists approximately 30,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 400 service sites across the county. OCHN also manages a $300 million budget funded in part by the Michigan Department of Health Human Services, General Fund, grants, and Oakland County.

12/18/2025

Sobriety During the Holidays
Holiday gatherings, traditions, and pressures can feel different when you’re in recovery. For many, this season brings unique challenges — but it can also be an opportunity to stay grounded, prioritize wellness, and honor how far you’ve come.

If your goal is sobriety this holiday season, here are a few ways to support yourself:

🌟 Know your triggers — Understanding what feels difficult helps you plan ahead with confidence.
🌟 Choose environments that support your recovery — It’s okay to say no. Protecting your peace is a priority.
🌟 Have a non-alcoholic drink ready — It makes navigating social situations a little easier.
🌟 Reach out when you need connection — Counselors, meetings, and sober supports are there for you.
🌟 Give yourself credit — Every step you take in recovery is meaningful.

Need support? We're here for you:
988 – 24/7 crisis and emotional support
248-464-6363 – Non-emergency mental health and substance use support
oaklandchn.org – Local behavioral health resources

Your recovery matters — and you deserve a holiday season filled with strength, clarity, and hope.

OCHN leads a provider service network that assists approximately 30,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 400 service sites across the county. OCHN also manages a $300 million budget funded in part by the Michigan Department of Health Human Services, General Fund, grants, and Oakland County.

12/16/2025

Happy Hanukkah from Oakland Community Health Network

As the Festival of Lights continues, we extend warm wishes to everyone celebrating in our community.

May these eight days bring peace, joy, resilience, and connection to you and your loved ones.

Hanukkah reminds us that even in challenging times, light endures — and that hope, community, and togetherness can illuminate the path forward.

OCHN remains committed to supporting the emotional wellness of all Oakland County residents.

If you or someone you know needs support:
Call or text 988 for emotional help, 24/7
Non-emergency support: 248-464-6363
oaklandchn.org

Wishing you a bright and meaningful Hanukkah

12/11/2025

The holidays are nearly here—and there's never been a better time to use Double Up Food Bucks. Through the end of the year, it’s easier than ever to bring home more fruits and veggies:

🍎 Earn and spend your unlimited $1 for $1 match when you buy fruits and veggies with SNAP
❄️ Get frozen fruits & veggies too! Just make sure there's no added salt, sugar, or oil.
💵 Bonus Bucks expire Dec. 31—use them for your holiday grocery list!

Find a location near you where you can Double Up! https://doubleupfoodbucks.org/find-a-location/

12/10/2025

Santa’s Creative Workshop is almost here and spots are filling fast!

Join us for a whimsical, inclusive, and completely FREE Christmas celebration at our Madison Heights location! This event is designed with accessibility in mind and is open to people of all ages who would enjoy a festive visit with Santa. With only 10 time slots remaining, now is the perfect time to reserve your spot. ❤️🎄

Enjoy a magical holiday experience featuring:

🎅 Accessible Santa visits & photos
☕ Build-Your-Own Hot Cocoa Bar
🧸 Stuff-A-Plush station
🎨 Christmas crafts & activities

📆 Monday, December 22
⏰ 10:00 AM – 1:00 PM
📍 The Creative Mobility Group – Detroit East (Madison Heights)

🔔 Registration is required! Please view the comments for the link to register and event details! Don’t wait… Santa can’t wait to see you!
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While visiting Santa’s Creative Workshop, families are invited to explore our Community Partner Village, a cozy holiday marketplace where local disability-focused organizations and service providers will be sharing resources, answering questions, and spreading Christmas cheer. It’s a great opportunity to connect with community partners who support individuals and families throughout the year.

As you visit each table in the village, don’t forget to participate in our festive Cookie Walk! Collect a delicious cookie from every partner you meet and fill your holiday treat bag as you go. It’s a sweet (and fun!) way to learn more about the amazing organizations in our community.

The following organizations will be part of this year’s Community Partner Village:

• A&A Driving School Livonia, MI
• Advanced Healing Solutions
• Back To You Chiropractic and Physical Therapy
• Bridges Development Center
• DMAN Foundation (Danny's Miracle Angel Network)
• Hanger Clinic
• Level Eleven Physical Therapy
• Michigan Alliance for Families
• Michigan Rehabilitation Services
• National Seating & Mobility
• Neuroplastic Rehab
• Oakland Community Health Network
• Oakland County Children's Special Health Care Services
• Oakland County Parks - Adaptive Recreation
• Reimagine Life Foundation
• Strive Recreational Therapy Services
• United Spinal Association of Michigan
• Wayne County Children's Special Health Care Services
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ID: A festive event flyer titled “Santa’s Creative Workshop” featuring cheerful holiday graphics and photos of children and adults visiting Santa in an accessible, welcoming environment. The flyer highlights free activities including Santa visits, a hot cocoa bar, a Stuff-A-Plush station, and crafts. Event details show the date (Monday, December 22), time (10 AM–1 PM), and location (The Creative Mobility Group – Detroit East in Madison Heights, MI). Text notes that registration is required and directs readers to the event website.

12/10/2025

Today, we join communities around the world in recognizing Human Rights Day — a reminder that every person deserves safety, dignity, respect, and the opportunity to thrive.

At Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), we remain committed to promoting equitable access to mental health and substance use services, advocating for inclusive communities, and empowering individuals to live self-directed, meaningful lives.

Human rights include the right to healthcare, connection, community, and support.
Together, we can build a county where every individual is seen, valued, and supported.

12/09/2025

Today’s Drive-Thru event was a powerful reminder of the courage, sacrifice, and strength of the heroes living right here in our community.

A huge thank-you to the veterans who came out — and to every volunteer who showed up with hearts to serve. Your time, warmth, and gratitude made this day truly special.

We honor you. We appreciate you. And we are grateful for your service.

12/08/2025

Change can feel uncertain — but our mission isn’t changing.

OCHN will continue to ensure every person in Oakland County has access to compassionate, quality crisis support when they need it most.

We’re here for you — today, tomorrow, and beyond. 💙

12/04/2025

December is Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD) Awareness Month, a time to recognize how the shorter days and reduced sunlight of winter can deeply affect mood, energy, and overall well-being.

SAD is more than just the “winter blues”—it’s a form of depression that can impact daily life and relationships. Raising awareness helps reduce stigma and encourages people to seek support early.

Simple steps like:
🔆 getting regular daylight exposure
🏋 staying active
👭 connecting with others, and
👨‍⚕️ talking with a healthcare provider about light therapy or counseling
can make a real difference.

This month, let’s shine a light 💡on SAD and support one another through the darker days.

12/04/2025

Did you know?

OCHN coordinates crisis and behavioral health services for thousands of Oakland County residents each year.

As we continue transitioning crisis services, our goal is simple — make access to help faster, more connected, and easier for everyone.

12/03/2025

On International Day of Persons with Disabilities, OCHN reaffirms our commitment to promoting accessibility, equity, and opportunity in our community. Together, we can create spaces where every person can thrive. 💙💚