Title
Resolution to Allocate Funds for Substance Use Disorder Treatment and Intervention Programs
Body
Whereas, Substance use disorder (SUD) continues to be a significant public health issue in Ann Arbor, affecting individuals, families, and our community;
Whereas, the Washtenaw County Health Department reported more than 400 EMS calls related to SUD overdoses in the last year, and nearly 200 SUD-related deaths in the last two years;
Whereas, The Washtenaw County Health Department reported most SUD deaths involve multiple substances, such as stimulants (63%) and xylazine (tranquilizers), complicating treatment and response;
Whereas, The majority of fatalities are men aged 25 to 54, reflecting high-impact years of productivity and family life;
Whereas, Increased demand for emergency medical services, detox, and long-term treatment puts a heavy burden on local hospitals and mental health providers;
Whereas, Premature deaths and chronic SUD contribute to workforce loss, absenteeism, and long-term disability;
Whereas, Taxpayer money supports law enforcement responses, court systems, and emergency care - diverting funds from other critical needs;
Whereas, The City of Ann Arbor has previously demonstrated a commitment to addressing SUD through initiatives such as funding for Michigan Medicine’s Rewrite the Script program;
Whereas, Federal funding cuts have had a profound, negative impact on social service agencies across the country, causing a reduction in services to our most vulnerable populations; and
Whereas, Resolution R-24-449 was approved by City Council on December 16, 2024 that allocated funding for negative impacts at the local level due to change in the federal government administration;
RESOLVED, That City Council approves:
1. Funding Allocation: The City Council allocates $300,000 of the funding allocated under R-24-449 for negative impacts at the local level due to change in the federal government administration be allocated to the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan for Ann Arbor-based SUD treatment and intervention programs, through support of local substance use service providers to respond to federal funding cuts, to ensure services remain available.
2. Partnerships: The City will collaborate with the Community Mental Health Partnership of Southeast Michigan to ensure the effective implementation and monitoring of funded programs.
3. Evaluation and Reporting: The City Administrator is directed to provide an annual report to the City Council detailing the specific outcomes and metrics of funded programs;
RESOLVED, That the City of Ann Arbor reaffirms its commitment to addressing SUD as a public health issue and continues to support initiatives that promote prevention, treatment, and recovery in our community; and
RESOLVED, That the amounts authorized herein may be used without regard to fiscal year.
Sponsored by: Councilmembers Cornell, Briggs, Ghazi Edwin, Watson, Harrison, and Radina