OCHN Recognizes February as Black History Month

Contact: Suzanne Weinert • weinerts@oaklandchn.org • 248-758-1991

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (January 30, 2025) – The 2025 theme for Black History month is “African Americans and labor” which encourages us to look upon the broad and significant contributions black people have made across various industries in the U.S. From the first enslaved African Americans whose agricultural labor shaped the rich landscape of the South to the first Black men paid five dollars a day at the Ford Model T plant. Black people have made an undeniable imprint on American industry and culture. Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) honors the rich history and heritage of African Americans and their influence on every economic sector in the nation.

This year’s Black History Month theme reminds us of the diverse roles black people have played from voluntary to unvoluntary labor, skilled to unskilled labor, politicians, civil leaders, educators, and major contributors in every intersection in society. OCHN joins the movement to highlight the transformational effect of Black people throughout the U.S. and within our own communities. OCHN is proud to recognize Black History Month and will continue to address the persistent social injustices and inequalities that are still an unfortunate reality today.
As Oakland County's public behavioral health system, OCHN is committed to serving individuals, families, and the broader community by promoting holistic well-being. We focus on mental and physical health, as well as social, economic, and spiritual wellness, particularly within underserved communities. While we celebrate the remarkable accomplishments and contributions during February, our commitment to these efforts extends beyond Black History Month.
"Our goal is to recognize and address racial trauma in order to inspire meaningful conversations that drive change, foster healing, and create pathways for improved mental health outcomes," said OCHN's CEO and Executive Director, Dana Lasenby.
Additionally, physical, emotional, psychological, and racial trauma can affect anyone, regardless of age, education, or gender. To address racial trauma, it is important to create a safe space to talk about race and address your own biases and experiences. OCHN provides Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) trainings and educational opportunities for its employees and service provider network. The goal is to cultivate a culturally competent and sensitive service delivery system that promotes dignity and protects the rights of all people including marginalized populations. Learn more about OCHN’s IDEA initiatives at www.oaklandchn.org/IDEA.

Below are informational resources to learn more about African American mental health and wellness:

• The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) highlights their Black/African American Mental Health page with stories, resources, and statistics related to mental health and the African American community, including ways to find help. Learn more here.

• Mental Health America (MHA) offers various resources for communities of African Descent, including information on racial trauma, Depression in Black Americans, stories on Black pioneers in mental health, and more. Learn more here.

• View 28+ ways to celebrate Black History Month developed by OCHN’s Inclusion, Diversity, Equity, and Accessibility (IDEA) Committee here.

To learn more about OCHN, visit www.oaklandchn.org. Non-emergency Access services can be reached at (248) 464-6363. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline on 988.

About OCHN
OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network and manage care for approximately 30,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns, or substance use disorder. Most 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.
Contact: Suzanne Weinert • weinerts@oaklandchn.org • 248-758-1991