Our History
More Than Five Decades of Service
Meridian Health Services was incorporated as a Michigan nonprofit organization on June 30, 1970, originally operating as Residents Awareness Program (R.A.P.) The organization began by serving Independence, Springfield, Waterford, and White Lake townships. In 1974, federal grant funding supported the expansion of services throughout Oakland County.
From the beginning, our organization understood that effective treatment required both compassionate care and accountability. R.A.P. developed a strong management information system—described as the organization’s operational “nerve center”—to collect information, evaluate services, measure results, identify areas for improvement, and strengthen the quality of care.
As community needs grew, so did our programs, partnerships, and reach. Support from local communities, Oakland County, state and federal sources, donors, and service contracts allowed the organization to serve more individuals and families. Over time, our work expanded through partnerships with healthcare, community, and correctional systems.
Today, Meridian provides a continuum of substance use disorder treatment, behavioral healthcare, and recovery support services. While our name, programs, and reach have evolved, our commitment remains the same:.
To instill hope, restore health and transform lives.
For more than five decades, Meridian has continued to adapt, grow, and strengthen services while helping individuals and families build healthier lives and lasting recovery.
