Cherry Health, along with state and community officials, celebrated the opening of its new Community Recovery Center, located inside Cherry Health Southside Health Center, 2303 Kalamazoo Ave SE, in Grand Rapids, with a ribbon cutting on Wednesday, Oct. 8.
The new 5,000 square-foot Community Recovery Center is Cherry Health’s most robust location for substance use disorder services in West Michigan, offering a weekly outpatient psychotherapy recovery maintenance group, behavioral health screenings, access to community health workers, individual outpatient therapy and substance use disorders counseling, family engagement therapy and recovery management. It allows Cherry Health to expand its partnership with Grand Rapids Red Project’s Harm Reduction services, including its Safe Syringe program. The center also includes a multipurpose space with internet access and a community closet and pantry.
“We’ve christened this new space as our Recovery Center, and I think it sends a really hopeful message to our patients and to the community that recovery is possible, and we’re here for you,” said Bill Joure, Cherry Health COO. “We are expanding our community-based programs, Family Engagement Therapy and Recovery Management. We’ve initiated easy access to behavioral health screenings and the ability to connect patient with a community health worker. And in the coming weeks, we’ll launch group therapy offerings and access to our community closet resource pantry. It has been well over a year in the making and represents the work and support of many individuals and organizations.”
Cherry Health received a $500,000 grant from the City of Grand Rapids opioid settlement funds to expand space and services at its Southside Health Center location. The opioid settlements are the result of over 2,000 federal lawsuits filed by government entities against opioid-related defendants, including manufacturers and distributors. The settlement funds can be used for treatment, support, connection, prevention, harm reduction, and planning, training and research.
“The City of Grand Rapids is committed to working with nonprofits and other community organizations to really address the opioid crisis. This is a perfect example of how those funds are being put to good use in our community,” said Connie Bohatch, City of Grand Rapids, senior managing director of Community Services. “We are really grateful for the work Cherry Health does overall and we are really excited about this space and the access it will provide for recovery and compassionate treatment.”
During the event, Ann Colbert from Rep. Hillary Scholten’s office, presented a Congressional certificate of special recognition to Cherry Health “for its new Community Recovery Center, providing essential medical assistance, behavioral health screening, and substance use disorders counseling for the West Michigan community.”
“Thank you to everyone at Cherry Health and to everyone who was involved in opening up this wonderful facility,” said Colbert.
“Cherry Health’s Community Recovery Center allows us to expand our addiction and recovery services to the community,” said Anna Gerard, director of Behavioral Health Clinical Services at Cherry Health. “It provides a safe space and allows those struggling with addiction and substance use disorders to connect with compassionate healthcare professionals and get the support and care they need all under one roof. Cherry Health meets patients where they are, no matter where they are on their journey. We want to thank the City of Grand Rapids for awarding us this generous grant that will benefit many in our community who need support and hope on their road to recovery.”
The Cherry Health Southside Health Center provides comprehensive family and primary care services, along with behavioral health services, including outpatient therapy, recovery groups, and opioid treatment programs. Cherry Health accepts all Medicaid and Healthy Michigan plans, Medicare, and many other insurance plans.