WSU SSW Dean Sheryl Kubiak, CBHJ staff raise funds for NAMI-MI, attend NAMI Walks Detroit event on Detroit's Belle Isle
On Saturday, September 28th, 2019, the Wayne State University (WSU) School of Social Work (SSW) Dean Shery Kubiak and staff from the WSU SSW Center for Behavioral Health and Justice (CBHJ) joined the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Michigan organization for the 15th Annual NAMI Walks event. The event, held on Detroit's Belle Isle, was one of over 100 walks taking place throughout the county--a movement for mental health awareness. NAMI Walks is the largest fundraiser for mental illness in the state of Michigan.
The NAMIWalks 5k event that raises awareness and funds for local NAMI organizations. Thi
s year, the SSW and CBHJ teamed up to fundraise and participate in the 5k. Ninety percent of the funds raised goes back to NAMI-MI, and is reinvested in Michigan's local communities. In an interview with Fox2Detroit, NAMI Executive Director Kevin Fisher stated that 300,000 people across the state receive mental health treatment. Many of those treatment providers were represented at the walk, including Detroit Wayne Mental Health Authority (DWMHA) and Oakland County Health Network (OCHN). In addition, walkers and runners warmed up to music and line dancing and the WSU Warriors Cheerleaders cheered on walkers and runners at the start of the walk.
The CBHJ is excited to collaborate with NAMI-MI by welcoming Mr. Kevin Fisher to our Advisory Board. The Advisory Board infuses the Center with the expertise and experience of leaders in the mental and health system and the criminal/legal system. Fisher will provide the invaluable perspective of NAMI-MI and its connection to behavioral health service providers across the state.
Check out NAMI Michigan's Facebook page to see more photos and videos from the walk. Donations are still being accepted to the WSU SSW CBHJ team, and the movement is continuing to the west side of the state, with the NAMIWalks Grand Rapids event happening on Saturday, October 12th, 2019. If you would like to join the movement, sign up to walk in Grand Rapids or make a donation today!
About the National Alliance on Mental Illness - Michigan: NAMI Michigan and its affiliates are dedicated to the improvement of the quality of life for persons, families and others, who are affected by mental illness, including children with serious emotional disorders, through support, education, advocacy and research. Learn more
About the Center for Behavioral Health and Justice: The Center for Behavioral Health and Justice and Wayne State University's School of Social Work envisions communities in which research, data, and best practices are used by multiple stakeholders to enhance the optimal well-being of individuals with mental illness and/or substance use disorders who come into contact with the criminal/legal system. Learn more