Michigan’s Addiction Treatment Locator Tool Faces Criticism for Accessibility Issues

LANSING, MICHIGAN — Addiction treatment advocates are urging the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to revamp its online treatment location tool, citing issues with accessibility and data accuracy that hinder individuals from finding necessary help.

Members of the Opioid Policy Institute and the Michigan Society of Addiction Medicine shared their concerns with the Michigan House Oversight Subcommittee on Public Health and Food Safety in February. Jonathan Stoltman, director of the Opioid Policy Institute, continues to question the platform’s quality and the state’s decision to promote the flawed tool.

Since the Substance Use Disorder mapping tool’s release in November 2024, Stoltman and other advocates have repeatedly urged the state to improve the system without success.

Mobile Accessibility Problems Identified

“An essential part of any government website or application is accessibility,” Stoltman said. He told Michigan Advance that the platform does not function in a way that allows peer navigators or individuals seeking treatment to find the information they need.

A review of the tool on mobile devices revealed significant usability issues. The platform displays only a partial map on mobile, and the “full screen” option opens an even smaller view. While the interface includes filters, a central map and a results table, navigation proves difficult because mobile controls interfere with zooming and selection.

“If I’m a community member or if I’m a peer navigator that’s working with someone in the community, pull it up on my phone, it’s like, I don’t even know how you would use that to find the information that you need,” Stoltman said.

Technical Issues Persist Despite State Promotion

The state has promoted the tool through social media channels, despite the ongoing technical problems. Attempts to use various features can shift the display, pushing critical treatment information offscreen and making the tool virtually unusable for people seeking addiction treatment services.

The accessibility problems particularly impact peer navigators, who work directly with individuals seeking addiction treatment and often rely on mobile devices to help clients find appropriate services in real-time situations.

Calls for Complete System Overhaul

The criticism comes as Michigan continues to grapple with substance use disorders across the state. Advocates argue that a functioning, accessible treatment locator is essential for connecting people with life-saving services.

The advocacy groups want the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to redesign the platform to ensure it works properly on all devices and provides accurate, up-to-date information about available treatment options.

The state has not yet responded to the specific accessibility concerns raised by the addiction treatment advocates. The tool remains available on the state’s website despite the documented technical problems that limit its effectiveness for people seeking help.