St. Clair County, September 9, 2025
News Summary
Researchers from Michigan State University have uncovered critical gaps in treatment resources for substance use disorders in St. Clair County. With a specific focus on underserved populations, including pregnant and postpartum women, the research highlighted significant barriers to accessing care. A digital resource directory and a Substance Use Disorder Health Equity Report Card were developed to improve access. Local initiatives, including a mobile overdose response team, have also emerged to address the rising overdose rates in the area.
Port Huron, Michigan – Researchers from Michigan State University (MSU) and local community partners have revealed critical gaps in the treatment resources for substance use disorders in St. Clair County. This research coincides with the observance of September’s National Alcohol and Drug Addiction Recovery Month, aiming to enhance treatment accessibility for individuals struggling with addiction.
The research team, including Amy Drahota, Karren Campbell, and Heatherlun Uphold from MSU, utilized self-reported data gathered from eight substance use treatment organizations across 14 locations in St. Clair County. Their efforts also integrated a review of 20 publicly available social indicators to gain a comprehensive understanding of the health landscape in the community.
Notably, the research highlighted a concerning lack of services for pregnant and postpartum women, with no resources available for single fathers or minor children affected by substance use disorders. The study identified various barriers hindering access to care, including difficulties locating services on organizational websites. The analysis reveals a significant absence of clinical services across different care levels; higher-level clinical care, such as intensive outpatient services, is notably unavailable within the county.
St. Clair County ranks as the 46th most vulnerable county in Michigan concerning substance use issues. Services primarily concentrate within a five-block radius of Port Huron, despite the county’s vast coverage of approximately 721 square miles. Alarmingly, residents in St. Clair County are 4.5 times more likely to succumb to overdose compared to those in Port Huron.
In response to these findings, the research team has developed a digital resource directory and a Substance Use Disorder Health Equity Report Card (SUD-HERC) aimed at enhancing access to treatment. The resource directory serves as a consolidated repository for emergency workers, treatment providers, policymakers, and residents, while the SUD-HERC functions as a data-driven evaluation tool to inform policy development, treatment provision, and resource allocation.
Stakeholders from various counties in Michigan have expressed interest in implementing similar initiatives based on the findings from MSU’s research, reflecting a growing desire for community-focused solutions to substance use issues. This project was backed by an MSU Addiction Consortium on Research and Education Network (ACORN) grant in 2023, supported by the university’s colleges of Human Medicine and Social Science.
In conjunction with this research, the Port Huron Police Department and the Port Huron Odyssey House are set to launch a mobile overdose response team. This initiative, operational since January 1, aims to provide immediate support and education to individuals who have experienced overdoses. The team will proactively reach out to overdose survivors, offering education, Narcan, treatment referrals, and follow-up care.
A surge in overdose deaths was documented in St. Clair County between 2016 and 2019. Project ASSERT, operated by the Odyssey House in collaboration with Lake Huron Medical Center, has been assisting patients requiring treatment after hospital visits for four years. The new mobile response initiative aims to support individuals with substance use disorders who do not access emergency services.
Funding for this overdose response initiative has been secured through a grant provided by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Additionally, local community resources like the Blue Water Recovery and Outreach Center are actively engaged in offering non-clinical recovery support and hosting fundraising events to further bolster their initiatives.
In recent months, there has been a noticeable increase in individuals seeking help for substance addiction in St. Clair County, prompting local mental health services to significantly expand their workforce to meet the rising demand for services.
FAQ
What is the primary goal of the MSU research in St. Clair County?
What significant findings emerged from the research?
What tools were created to improve access to treatment?
What initiatives are being launched to address overdoses in the area?
Key Features Overview
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Research Team | Amy Drahota, Karren Campbell, Heatherlun Uphold |
| Key Issue Addressed | Gaps in substance use disorder treatment resources |
| Findings | Lack of services for specific populations, limited clinical services |
| Tools Developed | Digital resource directory, Substance Use Disorder Health Equity Report Card |
| New Initiatives | Mobile overdose response team by Port Huron Police Department |
| Funding Sources | U.S. CDC, Michigan Department of Health and Human Services |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
New Mental Health Treatment Program for Inmates
Ritter Center Launches Mobile Behavioral Health Van in Marin County
Additional Resources
- The Times Herald: Port Huron Police and Odyssey House Launch Overdose Response Team
- Voice News: Port Huron Run for Recovery to Support Local Nonprofits
- WXYZ: Our Biggest Drug Problem – Police Finding Meth & Fentanyl at Alarming Rates
- Voice News: Port Huron Prowlers to Host Awareness Night for Mental Health
- The Times Herald: Devastating Effects of Substance Use Disorder on Families
- Wikipedia: Substance Use Disorder
- Google Search: Substance Use Disorder Treatment
- Google Scholar: Substance Use Disorder
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Substance Use Disorder
- Google News: Substance Use Disorder Recovery
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