FLINT, MI – Gary Burns remembers the moment his life changed forever.
In 1986, his infant daughter died after choking on a plastic ice cube.
Just three and a half months later, he was deployed for military duty – a tour that marked the beginning of a 22-year Army career and a long battle with post-traumatic stress disorder.
Now 64 and retired, Burns is a three-time survivor of suicide and current commander of VFW Post 2777 in Burton.
He credits Hope Network’s behavioral health services, which he has used for the past 15 years, with saving his life.
“The therapy I have received has helped me get away from the dark side,” Burns said. “The therapist I was seeing is the reason why I’m still here.”
Pictured here is Gary Burns, a 64-year-old Flint resident who uses Hope Network’s behavioral services. (Photo provided by Hope Network)Hope Network
Hope Network celebrated the opening of its new 20,000-square-foot behavioral health center on June 20, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and tours for the community.
The facility, located in Flint’s medical district on Beecher Road, aims to improve access to mental health services for both children and adults.
While the new location is smaller than the former site at Baker College, Burns said the space offers more personalized one-on-one care.
The updated layout brings services such as therapy, case management, medication support, parenting classes, and more under one roof – and on a direct bus line.
The facility also includes multiple telehealth rooms equipped with large monitors, cameras, and microphones to support virtual visits with therapists and prescribers.
An on-site pharmacy allows individuals to fill prescriptions immediately after appointments.
Hope Network is a statewide nonprofit organization serving more than 30,000 Michiganders each year through services in mental health care, neuro rehabilitation, autism support, transportation, housing, and workforce development.
Burns said over the years he’s seen slow but meaningful change in the stigma surrounding mental health -especially among men and military veterans.
“As military, we’re trained to handle situations and deal with issues that affect our mental health on our own,” he said. “It’s not that way. I have seen some change with men that I have dealt with. They talk better about what is bothering them. We’re improving, but we’re not fully there yet.”
Hope Network President & CEO Bob Von Kaenel said the new facility is a critical step toward providing better services to the community.
“We’ve been in Flint for over 25 years and we’ve had a really strong and rich tradition serving the people of the greater Flint community,” Kaenel said. “This new outpatient clinic reflects for us not just growth but promise. Promise to be here, present and part of the overall solution.”
Hope Network’s Flint facility currently serves approximately 3,500 clients annually.
Kaenel said Hope Network also currently operates four autism clinics across Michigan.
He added the organization has focused on providing early intervention and individualized support for children and families.
Reflecting on his own healing journey, Burns said the support he’s received at Hope Network helped him move beyond the guilt and grief that nearly consumed him.
“You’re supposed to be by your children, not burying your children,” he said. “When I’m in my own head, I’m in a dangerous situation. Hope Network and my therapist saved my life.”
There are over 125 Hope Network locations across the state of Michigan. Learn more here.