Our Mission
In partnership with Ferris State University, CMREN amplifies the rural health perspective in Mecosta, Montcalm, Newaygo, Lake, and Osceola Counties. Our goal is to help these communities reduce the occurrence and impact of substance abuse disorder through education, treatment, and prevention of substance misuse.
Our Partnerships
Our partners work collaboratively to build a sustainable recovery ecosystem in the communities we serve. This ecosystem is founded on the Social Determinants of Health (SDoH), or what any individual needs to sustain a healthy lifestyle. Our initial focus is on Housing, Transportation, and Access to Care, with elements of Criminal Justice and Education incorporated in each area.
Our Initiatives
Increase Access to Care
Barriers to quality care are a major stepping stone for those seeking recovery services. We aim to lower those barriers by addressing the following issues:
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Close gaps in the spectrum of care services offered.
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Address shortage of healthcare professionals.
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Improve care workflow processes.
Enhance Knowledge, Skills, Structures, and Leadership
Across the counties we serve, there is significant variation in the level of knowledge, skill, and leadership in and around recovery services. We're helping close the gap by:
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Developing effective knowledge and skill models.
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Expanding capacity and services offered.
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Cultivating effective structures and leadership models for expanded capacity through integrated care.
Enhance Outcomes
As with all our initiatives, our highest priority is to improve outcomes for recovery services and those for whom they care. We're doing this by:
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Developing our network of services across the region.
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Strengthening the scope and quality of of activities we offer.
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Expanding our reach to enhance interventions across the region.
Ensure Long-Term Sustainability
Creating a sustainable network of recovery care providers can be challenging. We're ensuring longevity by:
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Diversifying our funding through grants, donations, and earned income.
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Building strong partnerships and engaging with our community
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Measuring our impact to demonstrate success and adapt as needed
Our Story
2016
​In 2016, two deans from Ferris State University discussed the importance of collaboration in addressing opioid prescription practices. As the opioid crisis worsened, the dialogue gained momentum throughout the university and extended to organizations like Spectrum Health.
2023
In 2023, a four-year grant was awarded to develop a Rural Health Network for Mecosta, Montclam, Osceloa, and Newaygo counties. Through this grant, CMREN and FSU work to connect organizations and the communities they serve with resources to support those impacted by substance and opioid abuse disorder.
2017–2022
In the years that followed, collaboration among Ferris student groups resulted in the Rural Opioid Task Force, which aimed to make Naloxone kits accessible on campus. The task force’s efforts led to several grants for community planning and eventually expanded to include organizations that offer recovery services, counseling, and more.
2016
​In 2016, two deans from Ferris State University discussed the importance of collaboration in addressing opioid prescription practices. As the opioid crisis worsened, the dialogue gained momentum throughout the university and extended to organizations like Spectrum Health.
Our Values
Our Organization
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Individuals impacted by SUD/OUD who we serve in our communities
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Core team members, including Project Director, Network Director, Principal Investigator, Project Dean, Graduate Student Workers, Grant Evaluators
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Governance Council that provides guidance on our activity progress
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Associate Partners engaged in SUD/OUD work in our communities
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Affiliates willing to share information about CMREN in our communities
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Greater community of people who live, work, and play alongside people impacted by SUD/OUD or who are affected by SUD/OUD themselves
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Dr. Gail Bullard
Meet Gail Bullard, Project Director for our program. Gail is an experienced healthcare administrator and currently serves as a tenured professor and Program Coordinator for Master of Healthcare Administration Program at Ferris State University. Gail is dedicated to supporting recovery through education, advocacy, and accessible care throughout the communities we serve.
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Contact the CMREN team →
Jessica Wimmer
Network Director
Dr. Adam London
Principal Investigator
Wendy Stapp
Grants Administrator
Dr. Mark Young
Pharmacy Liaison
Michele Niles
Evaluator
CJ Crabtree
Student Worker