Recent developments regarding the shuttered Ojibway Correctional Facility in Marenisco have brought renewed hope for local economic revitalization and mental health care. A white paper has been released proposing the conversion of the facility into a state-of-the-art psychiatric hospital, addressing Michigan’s critical shortage of psychiatric care.
Initially established in 1971 as Camp Ojibway and converted into a Level II prison in 2000, the facility ceased operations in 2018, leaving behind 1,180 beds and 203 jobs. The loss of the prison has been felt deeply in Gogebic County, prompting various proposals over the years, including its use for correctional staff training and potential commercial ventures in manufacturing and marijuana production.
In September 2024, Whispering Cedar, LLC expressed interest in transforming the site for marijuana production and processing. Meanwhile, Representative Greg Markkanen has proposed utilizing the facility as an Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) detention center amid federal funding allocations for new detention centers. This suggestion has raised concerns within the community about the long-term viability of such use, considering the fluctuating nature of federal policies.
Amidst these discussions, Katie LaCosse from the Houghton County Democratic Party published a compelling white paper advocating for the creation of a psychiatric hospital at the facility. With Michigan housing only 19 psychiatric beds per 100,000 residents, far below the recommended benchmarks, the proposal aims to address urgent mental health care needs while serving as an economic anchor for the region. LaCosse argues that transforming the facility would not only fulfill a pressing healthcare demand but also create hundreds of jobs for healthcare professionals and administrative staff.
Chris Mapps, a State Senate candidate, has thrown his support behind LaCosse’s initiative, emphasizing its potential for long-term economic stability and essential care for the community. The proposal has garnered significant support during community meetings, especially in light of the opposition to the ICE detention center plan.
Marenisco Township Board Supervisor Bruce Mahler assured residents that the ICE proposal would be abandoned as community support pivots towards establishing the psychiatric hospital. LaCosse has been actively engaging with political leaders and media outlets, urging citizens to contact their State Representatives in support of a feasibility study for the hospital project.
This initiative not only aims to repurpose a former correctional facility into a center for healing but also epitomizes the community’s resilience and commitment to improving mental health services in Michigan. With local institutions of higher learning providing a necessary workforce pipeline, there is optimism that the vision of a psychiatric hospital can become a reality, ultimately benefiting the entire Upper Peninsula.