In bad weather, confirm meeting by calling the Information and Referral Line (248-706-0591).
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Previous meetings are listed, below
Date: Thursday, February 27 (4th Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (Open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Topic: New Tool for Evaluation of Level of Care
Speaker: Coletta Thomas, Common Ground
Common Ground is now using a new evaluation tool (standard state-wide criteria) for determination of the level of need of a person in need of services. Ms. Thomas will describe the tool and how it is used to determine the need for appropriate mental health services. This is important for all of us since this is a tool adopted by Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) that will be used for evaluation of current recipients of services as well as new persons in need of services.
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Date: Thursday, January 23 (4th Thursday), 7:30PM
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation
Topic: Portable Supports, Independent Living Program for Persons with Mental Illness (rescheduled from December)
Speaker: Bruce Dunton, Macomb Community Mental Health
Mr. Dunton is the developer and implementer of the Portable Supports Program in Macomb County. The program has received widespread acclaim, including our members whose son experienced dramatic recovery in this program. A fundamental principle of the program is dignity and respect for the persons served, along with adaptive supports. The approach can substantially improve the lives of many people who suffer from a mental illness and their families. People become more independent, more sociable, with lower risk of hospitalization. This is an important program for families, professionals and advocates.
Also, a brief update on State administration plans for reform of the
Michigan public mental health system: “A New Approach.
Support meeting: Monday,February 3, 2020, at 7:00 PM
Beaumont Hospital Adminstration Bldg, Royal Oak, Room AB1-W
For more information, call 248-706-0591
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Date: Thursday, December 12, 2019 (2nd Thursday), 7:30PM
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation
Topic: Portable Supports, Independent Living Program for Persons with Mental Illness
Speaker: Bruce Dunton, Macomb Community Mental Health
Mr. Dunton is the developer and implementer of the Portable Supports Program in Macomb County. The program has received widespread acclaim, including our members whose son experienced dramatic recovery in this program. A fundamental principle of the program is dignity and respect for the persons served, along with adaptive supports. The approach can substantially improve the lives of many people who suffer from a mental illness and their families. People become more independent, more sociable, with lower risk of hospitalization. This is an important program for families, professionals and advocates.
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Date: Thursday, October 24, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: State-Level Activities Affecting Mental Health Services
Speaker: Tim Greimel, Legislative Director for AFSCME and Former Michigan House Minority Leader
You may have heard about the Governor’s many line-item vetoes. Some of those vetoes were to protect Michigan mental health services. As the former House Minority Leader, and now Legislative Director for AFSCME, Tim Greimel is aware of and understands the workings of state government, and particularly budget negotiations that affect Michigan mental health services. In addition, MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) is renovating the Caro state hospital and has initiated transformation of the Lakeshore Region mental health services to bid out (privatize) the management of mental health services in that region. The budget, access to state hospital services and the Lakeshore Region transformation are key subjects affecting the future of mental health services state-wide. Mr. Greimel has joined our advocacy efforts. He will discuss the dynamics of these issues and help concerned citizens understand how they can get involved.
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Date: Thursday, September 26, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: Common Ground and Its Services for Persons with a Mental Illness
Speaker: Jeff Kapuscinski, Director, Business Development for Common Ground
Common Ground is a nonprofit agency serving runaway and homeless youth, victims of crime, people with mental illness and others in critical situations. Common Ground has been serving the community for more than 48 years.
Jeff’s presentation will highlight the programming at Common Ground and introduce recent changes designed to improve the timeliness of service and wait times.
Common Ground provides crisis response and intervention services for persons suffering from a mental illness, as the primary point of entry for services of Oakland Community Health Network (community mental health) and for access to psychiatric hospitalization. It is an important agency for persons who suffer from a mental illness and their families..
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Date: Thursday, August 22, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
No Meeting This Month
Next Meeting, September 26, 7:30 PM (Fourth Thursday)
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Date: Thursday, July 25, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: Treatment of Depression and Bipolar Disorders
Speaker: Dr. Alan Rosenbaum, M.D., Psychiatrist, Psychopharmacologist
Doctor Rosenbaum is a psychiatrist, recognized as an expert in medications for psychiatric disorders. He follows and applies advances research, in particular psychiatric medications, and he understands medication side effects and interactions with other medications. In this meeting he will focus on treatment of depression and bipolar disorders.
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Attention
The June 27, 2019, meeting, featuring Dr Alan Rosenbaum, was rescheduled for July 25, 2019, due to a conflict with the Presidential candidates debate. Time and place are unchanged.
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Date: Thursday, May 23, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: The Clubhouse Program
Speaker: Nancy Heinz, staff member, Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse and Clubhouse Members
Persons with mental illness are often isolated and have limited financial resources. Clubhouses are community mental health programs where people can be productive adults, participate in recreational activities and develop friendships. The clubhouse provides an environment of support, acceptance, and commitment to help people with mental illness stay out of hospitals while achieving social, financial, educational and vocational goals. Ms Heinz will describe the operation and benefits of a clubhouse for persons with a mental illness, and clubhouse members will describe their experiences and the benefits of the program. ------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, April 25, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Topic: Person Centered Planning: A Family and Client Perspective
Facilitator: Fred Cummins with a Family and Client Panel
Person Centered Planning is a discipline required by Michigan law for planning and delivery of individualized mental health services in the public mental health system. The client can choose an independent facilitator who has no financial interest in the outcome. The goal of the process is to create a plan for adequate and appropriate services for the client to be delivered in the least restrictive environment. The plan must define appropriate community living services that allow the client to live in the least restrictive setting possible.
We will review the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) policy, have an interactive discussion of family participation, issues, concerns to develop an appropriate IPOS with their family member.
The IPOS defines duties for oversight and delivery of services. Non-compliance can be the basis of a recipient rights investigation.
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In bad weather, please confirm meeting by calling the Information and Referral Line (248-706-0591).
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Date: Thursday, March 28, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Speaker: Marjorie Mitchell, Executive Director, MICHUHCAN
Program: What’s Happening with Healthcare
Marge Mitchell has been an advocate for universal healthcare for many years. She continually maintains her knowledge and speaks about the various programs, initiatives and political movements.
You have likely heard of “Medicare for All” in the current political campaigns. You have also heard about national efforts to cut or kill the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare), Medicare, Medicaid and Social Security. In Michigan, we adopted Healthy Michigan as the Michigan version of extended Medicaid under the Affordable Care Act. States are to implement a work requirement under Medicaid. These are of concern to all of us.
Marge will bring us up to date on the status and potential consequences of these and other proposals.
In bad weather, please confirm meeting by calling the Information and Referral Line (248-706-0591).
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Date: Thursday, February 28, 2019 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Program Topic: Assertive Community Treatment - ACT (Video)
ACT is an intensive treatment program in which a multidisplinary CMH team monitors and provides a variety of supports for multiple persons with menatal illness ACT was a landmark program developed by Dr. Leonard Stein in Wisconsin in the 70s as a program that drastically reduced psychiatric hospitalization and increased client quality oflife. ACT has since been adopted nationwide. We will view two videos. One is an interview with Dr. Leonard Stein, the developer of ACT and a former consultant to Oakland AMI in the 90s regarding our lawsuit agianst the state and the county for improved mental health services. The second video is a presentation on the ACT daily team meetings along with brief observations of an actual daily meeting. The videos will help you understand how ACT, done right, can have a significant impact on imroving the quality of life of clients. We will also provide written Oakland CMH treatment protocols which will help clients and their families understand who qualifies for the services and how they may secure these services.
See links to the documents and videos discussed in this meeting under the Advocacy tab.
In bad weather, please confirm meeting by calling the Information and Referral Line (248-706-0591).
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Date: Thursday, January 24, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Program Topic: Matt Owens, MA, LLP, LLPC, Chief Network Officer, OCHN
Mr. Owens will discuss how persons with mental illness and their friends and families experience their interactions with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) to obtain and maintain mental health services. This includes crisis intervention, evaluation of symptoms, admission, treatment planning, authorizations, choices, and oversight of services and support for persons with mental illness. Understanding of these interactions and the responsible persons and agencies will help current and future recipients and their friends and families better navigate the system to obtain and maintain adequate and appropriate services. Also it will reduce the uncertainty and stress of trying to get appropriate services so individuals can reach their best recovery.
Click here to access Matt Owens PowerPoint presentation.
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No Meeting in December Due to Holidays
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November Meeting Cancelled Due to Bad Weather
Date: Thursday, November15, 2018 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Program Topic: Matt Owens, MA, LLP, LLPC, Chief Network Officer, OCHN
Mr. Owens will discuss how persons with mental illness and their friends and families experience their interactions with the Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) to obtain and maintain mental health services. This includes crisis intervention, evaluation of symptoms, admission, treatment planning, authorizations, choices, and oversight of services and support for persons with mental illness. Understanding of these interactions and the responsible persons and agencies will help current and future recipients and their friends and families better navigate the system to obtain and maintain adequate and appropriate services. Also it will reduce the uncertainty and stress of trying to get appropriate services so individuals can reach their best recovery.
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Date: Thursday, October 25, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Program Topic: V.S. Ramachandran's Lecture on Anosognosia (Video)
Anosognosia is a common syndrome of persons with a mental illness when they are unable to recognize that they suffer from a mental illness. This video presentation is a lecture by Dr. Ramachandran in which he discusses anosognosia as a neurological syndrome. He describes its occurrence in people suffering from a stroke. V.S. Ramachandran is Director of the Center for Brain and Cognition and Distinguished Professor with the Psychology Department and Neurosciences Program at the University of California, San Diego, and Adjunct Professor of Biology at the Salk Institute. This lecture will help you understand the reality of anosognosia as it occurs independent of a mental illness.
Please update your November calendar for an OCHN presentation on Navigating the OCHN Mental Health System: Date: Thursday, November 15, 2018 (Third Thursday), Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
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Date: Thursday, September 27, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Program Topic: Improving the Lives of Persons with Disabilities and Their Families in Oakland County
Speakers:
Malkia Newman, Member, Board of Directors, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN)
Annette Downey, Executive Director and CEO, Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN)
Malkia Newman is a leader in campaigning for anti-stigma to improve the acceptance and opportunities of persons with needs for mental health services. Her team has developed a video presentation to fight stigma, and she would like to show and discuss that presentation and obtain our feedback.
Annette Downey is the recently appointed Executive Director and CEO of OCHN. Ms. Downey will discuss her background and her vision for improving the lives of persons in need of mental health services and their families in Oakland County.
We continue to have budget challenges, the threat of privatization is still alive in Lansing, and changes to the management of OCHN direct care service providers will begin October 1. We have advocated for major changes to the Michigan mental health system in opposition to privatization. ----------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, August 23, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM, open at 7:00 PM
Program Topic: Challenges of the Mental Health System:
Open Discussion with Representative Debbie Dingell
Speaker: U.S. Representative Debbie Dingell
The purpose of this meeting is to have an open discussion with Representative Dingell regarding concerns and needs for change in the mental health system. The Representative has family experience with mental illness and is sympathetic to family concerns.
In addition to the challenges of the mental health system in Oakland County and across Michigan, there are budgets, legislation and administrative operations at the Federal level that have a significant impact on mental health services across the country. It is important that Representative Dingell has insights on how the system is affecting persons with mental illness and their families in Michigan.
See “Key Objectives for Transformation
of the Michigan Mental Health System” at
key Objectives for Change .
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Date: Thursday, July 26, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Changes to the Management of Oakland Mental Health Services
Speaker: Matt Owen, MA, LLP, LLPC, Chief Network Officer, OCHN
Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN), previously Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) is implementing changes to the management of Oakland County mental health services effective October 1, 2018.
Direct care services previously under contract to the core providers (Training and Treatment Innovations, Community Network Service and Easter Seals) will now be under contract directly with OCHN. In addition, OCHN will be applying uniform contract terms, program specifications and service rates that may affect the staffing and services currently received by persons receiving mental health services.
Treatment planning and access to services will likely be affected by the separation of case management provided by core agencies and direct care services under contract with OCHN. It is important to understand these changes since current services to individuals may be affected or need changes in the future.
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Date: Thursday, May 24, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Estate Planning for Families of a Person with a Disability
Speaker: Lisa P. Lepine, J.D., Executive Director, ARC Macomb
Ms. Lepine is an attorney who has specialized in estate planning for families who have a person with a disability. A significant inheritance could disqualify a disabled person for continued disability income or Medicaid coverage. Ms Lepine is familiar with various circumstances and appropriate measures to protect assets and sustain services. This is an important topic for families with a person with mental illness even if they have done estate planning in the past since state laws occasionally change.
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Date: Thursday, April 26, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: Medications for Mental Illness
Speaker: Steven Cincotta, PharmD, Pharmacy Site Manager, Genoa Healthcare
Mr. Cincotta is a Pharmacist with Genoa Healthcare. He works with Community Network Services, one of the Oakland County Health Network (OCHN—CMH) core providers, so he is familiar with the needs and challenges of services to persons with a mental illness, in particular problems with medication compliance. He will discuss various techniques that are being used to assist and encourage medication compliance. He will also respond to questions regarding common psychoactive medications, the use of generic medications and the role of the pharmacist in assisting patients and families in resolving medication problems.
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Date: Thursday, March 22, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: Kevin's Law--Court Ordered Outpatient Treatment
Speaker: Malcolm Hohmann, LMSW, Court Liaison, Common Ground
Kevin's Law provides for court-ordered outpatient treatment for persons who are seriously mentally ill but do not accept their need for treatment. Kevin's law was originally adopted several years ago, but was underutilized. Last year it was revised, making it easier to obtain the court order for persons in need of treatment. Mr. Hohmann is responsible for helping with the court petition and coordination of treatment with the community mental health agencies. In addition to explaining the law, he can provide insights on how the law is applied in Oakland County. This talk is essential for families with a family member who refuses or stops complying with needed mental health treatment.
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Date: Thursday, February 22, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM (open at 7:00 for coffee and conversation)
Program Topic: The Clubhouse Program
Speaker: Joyce Rupp, Program Manager, Dreams Unlimited Clubhouse
Persons with mental illness are often isolated and have limited financial resources. Clubhouses are community mental health programs where people can be productive adults, participate in recreational activities and develop friendships. The clubhouse provides an environment of support, acceptance, and commitment to help people with mental illness stay out of hospitals while achieving social, financial, educational and vocational goals. Ms Rupp will describe the operation and benefits of a clubhouse for persons with a mental illness.
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Date: Thursday, January 25, 2018 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Coping with the Public Mental Health System
Speaker: Fred Cummins, President, Alliance for the Mentally ill of Oakland County
In order to obtain and retain appropriate mental health services, you need to understand how the mental health system works. The system is designed to control costs, and budget limitations have restricted the scope and quality of services. Mr. Cummins will discuss the structure and challenges of the current system, and the potential changes that may improve the system or create new problems.
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Date: Thursday, December 21, 2017 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM *** Please Note Earlier Date ***
Program Topic: The Brain: What Makes Me?
Speaker: Dr. David Eagleton
This video presentation is from the PBS series, The Brain. It describes the development of the human brain, changes that occur throughout life and the real-life effects of the changes.
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Date: Thursday, November 16, 2017 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM *** Please Note Earlier Date ***
Program Topic: Understanding the Opioid Epidemic and the Consequences
Speaker: Randy O'Brien, Director, Office of Substance Abuse, Macomb County Community Mental Health
Randy O'Brien will discuss the nature of opioid addiction, its causes and treatment, and the consequences to persons addicted, their families and the community. Many persons have become addicted as a result of legitimate use of prescribed opioids for pain. The risks were not well understood, and, for many people, use has ended in tragedy. This is of particular interest to us because many people with a mental illness also suffer from or are at risk of a substance abuse disorder.
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Date: Thursday, October 26, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM *** Please Note Earlier Start Time ( open at 6:30) ***
Program Topic: Mental Health Town Hall: Learn Issues & Make Your Voice Heard
Speakers and Panel : A Panel of Oakland County Legislators to Hear Public Comments and Brief Remarks by Advocates
Purpose:
- To express to policy makers your personal concerns that we properly fund, govern and manage, more and better mental health services, and
- To advocate for a publicly managed and accountable mental health system that
promptly and effectively responds to persons in need of services, ensures that persons can meet their basic needs for housing, food, clothing, transportation and social relationships, and promotes and sustains recovery that enables recipients of services to be the best they can be.
Persons wishing to share their stories are encouraged to bring written statements which will be collected and shared with other policy makers following the event. Public comments will be limited to 5 minutes each to enable many people to express their concerns. If you choose not to speak or you can’t attend, you may e-mail your comments to fred.a.cummins@gmail.com
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Date: Thursday, September 28, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic : Assisted Outpatient Treatment (AOT) Training
for Families of Persons with Serious Mental Illness
Speaker:
Mark Reinstein, President & CEO, Mental Health Assn. in Michigan
AOT (also known as “Kevin’s Law”) is designed to connect persons with untreated serious mental illness to outpatient services and supports. An individual does not have to be judged in immediate crisis for AOT services to be provided.
Michigan AOT law began in 2005. In February 2017, revisions to the law (adopted in 2016) took effect. Dr. Reinstein was significantly involved with Michigan’s first AOT law in 2005 and the revisions enacted by the Legislature in 2016.
What is the rationale for AOT? How did the law initially work? What changes did the Legislature make in 2016? How can you access AOT for your loved ones? What does an AOT order cover? What can you do if an AOT order isn’t being followed?
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Date: Thursday, August 24, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic : Housing Options in Oakland County
Speakers: Marc Craig, Executive Director, Community Housing Network, and
Sandy Bower, Volunteer Executive Director and Founder, Vets Returning Home
It is difficult to find safe, affordable and appropriate housing in Oakland County for persons with with disabilies. Marc Craig will discuss housing options and assistance programs, for persons with disabilities in Oakland County. Sandy Bower will discuss her work to develop housing for homeless veterans. .
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Date: Thursday, July 27, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time:
Program Topic : No meeting this month
Speaker:
Please join us next month, the fourth Thursday in August, for a presentation on housing.
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Date: Thursday, June22, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic : 45-th District, Mental Health Court
Speaker: Judge David Gubow
Judge Gubow has seen the need for alternatives to incarceration for persons with a serious mental illness, serious emotional disability or developmental disorder, and/or a co-occurring disorder. Consequently, he is establishing a Mental Health Court in the 45-th District in Oakland County. The court will coordinate the rehabilitation of persons with mental health disorders who have been arrested for criminal behavior. This involves a coordinated effort with multiple community agencies. He will describe the goals, the individualized programs, the participation of other agencies and the status of this new mental health court.
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Date: Thursday, June22, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic : 45-th District, Mental Health Court
Speaker: Judge David Gubow
Judge Gubow has seen the need for alternatives to incarceration for persons with a serious mental illness, serious emotional disability or developmental disorder, and/or a co-occurring disorder. Consequently, he is establishing a Mental Health Court in the 45-th District in Oakland County. The court will coordinate the rehabilitation of persons with mental health disorders who have been arrested for criminal behavior. This involves a coordinated effort with multiple community agencies. He will describe the goals, the individualized programs, the participation of other agencies and the status of this new mental health court.
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Date: Thursday, May 25, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic : Michigan Legislative Action to Privatize the Mental Health System
Speaker: Mark Reinstein, PhD, CEO of the Mental Health Association in Michigan
Mark has been heavily involved with advocacy, analysis and development of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services report to the legislature as a response to the proposed Section 298 of the Appropriation boilerplate in February 2016. Section 298 would have allowed the governor to shift all Medicaid mental health funding, $2.4 billion, to HMOs. Over the past year there has been much stakeholder and public input to the March, 2017, MDHHS final report that was in strong opposition to privatization.
In spite of the public input, the legislature is developing plans for a transition to privatization. Mark will bring us up to date on the current situation, legislative activities and advocacy efforts to avert privatization and promote improvement of the public system.
See more about our advocacy efforts under the Advocacy tab of this web site.
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Date: Thursday, April 27, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic : Perspectives on Psychiatric Hospitalization Experiences
Speakers: Mark Juras, Currently Managing Bipolar Disorder, and Judy McReavy, Parent of a Son Who Has Had Multiple Psychiatric Hospitalizations
Mark has been hospitalized a number of times for bipolar disorder but has not been hospitalized for the past 8 years. He reflects on those experiences and how they could have been more beneficial. Judy's son has been hospitalized a number of times and is currently recovering from several recent hospitalizations. Following the presentations, we will open up discussion with members of the audience to share their experiences and comments. The purpose of the meeting is to gain perspective on beneficial and not-so-beneficial treatment, therapy, activities and environment.
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Date: Thursday, March 23, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Speaker: Marjorie Mitchell, Executive Director, MICHUHCAN
Program Topic : Recent Developments in State and Federal Healthcare Reform
Marjorie Mitchell is a long-time advocate for persons with disabilities and for healthcare reform. She is currently Executive Director of MICHUHCAN, an organization advocating for universal heatlh care, and she is a past Executive Director of ARC Michigan She is a frequent speaker on healthcare reform initiatives.
First she will presenet on the recent (March 15) proposal of MDHHS to the State Legislature regarding reform of the Michigan mental health system.This is the result of year-long hearings and analysis in response to the Governor's proposal to privatize the Michigan mental health system. See the MDHHS report and further information under to Advocacy tab on this web site.
Second, she will outline concerns about the US House of Representatives bill for the American Healthcare Reform Act. This is the President Trump proposal to repeal and replace the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). This will likely impact all of us, not just persons with mental illnesses,
It is important that you are aware of these changes and have the information you need to advocate with your State and Federal Senators and Representatives.
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Date: Thursday, February 23, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Estate Planning for Families of a (erson with a Disability
Speaker: Lisa P. Lepine, B.A., J.D., Executive Director, ARC Macomb
Ms. Lepine is an attorney who has specialized in estate planning for families who have a person with a disability whose healthcare depends on sustained, low income. She is familiar with various circustances and appropriate measures to protect assets and sustain services. This is an important topic for families with a person with mental illness even if they have done estate planning in the past since state laws occasionally change..
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Date: Thursday, January 26, 2017 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: On considering mental illnesses as illnesses of the brain:
Implications for Diagnosis and Treatment
Speaker: Dr. Vaibhav Diwadkar, PhD., Professor, Dept. of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences and Co-Director, Brain Imaging Research, Wayne State University School of Medicine
Dr Diwadkar will discuss current research related to understanding the biological bases of mental illness. His own research has focused on neuroimaging techniques designed to explore brain dysfunction in mental illnesses. This research provides insights on how we should think of mental illnesses as biological in their bases, and consequently can advance diagnosis and treatment. The approach also holds the promise of early detection of clinical impairments in young individuals at risk for psychiatric illness.
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Date: Thursday, December 15, 2016 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Marjorie Mitchell, Executive Director, MICHUHCAN
Speakers: Implications of Obamacare Repeal and Medicare Privatization
Marjorie Mitchell is a long-time advocate for persons with disabilities and for healthcare reform. Several years ago, she spoke to us about the introduction of the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). She will discuss the potential implications of the next Presidential administration plans for Obamacare and Medicare. President-Elect Trump has pledged to repeal Obamacare, and his Health and Human Services Secretary appointee, Georgia Representative, Tom Price, worked with Paul Ryan to develop Ryan’s proposal to privatize Medicare. Mrs. Mitchell will help us understand the implications of these proposed changes to our healthcare system.
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Date: Thursday, November 17, 2016 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Perspectives on Mental Illness
Speakers: Several Short Videos
We will view and discuss the following short video presentations: Elyn Saks, “A Tale of Mental Illness—from the Inside,” Joshua Walters, “On Being Just Crazy Enough,” Kevin Briggs, “The Bridge Between Suicide and Life,” Oliver Sacks, “What Hallucinations Reveal About our Minds,” Thomas Insel, MD, “Toward a New Understanding of Mental Illness,” and Vikram Patel, MD, “Mental Health for All by Involving All.” -----------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, October 27, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Your Input to Michigan Mental Health System Reform
Facilitator: Fred Cummins, President, Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Oakland County
Last February, the governor set off a major controversy when he proposed Section 298 of the state budget to transfer responsibility for the Michigan mental health system to private insurance companies (privatization). This sparked major opposition in a legislative hearing, followed by a committee of “298 Stakeholders" and then an MDHHS (Michigan Department of Health and Human Services) committee to make recommendations to the legislature in January, 2017. We (AMI Oakland and others) have held several town hall meetings as input to legislators, and MDHHS is holding “Affinity Group” meetings around the state to receive public input. This will likely result in a major change that could involve privatization. That could result in major disruption of current services.
The reform of the mental health system must be driven by the needs of citizens, not the interests of politicians and insurance companies. You need to be involved so the legislature hears the voice of the people as they determine the future of public mental health services in Michigan.
At this meeting, we will discuss the questions being raised in the MDHHS Affinity Group meetings so you can communicate concerns to your legislators and so you can prepare your answers to be submitted by you at one of the MDHHS Affinity Group meetings or by mail.
See MDHHS Affinity Group web page for meeting locations, questionnaires and other information. Attend an Affinity Group meeting and participate in discussion, or, if you can't, fill out a questionnaire from the web page and mail it as instructed on the web page..
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Date: Thursday, September 22, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:00 PM to 9:30 PM Note Early Start (doors open at 6:30--come early)
Program Topic: Mental Health System Reform Town Meeting
Panel: Legislators and legislative candidates to hear citizen concerns
The mental heatlh system is crippled by inadequate funding. The governor proposes to replace it with Medicaid HMOs (privatization). We believe the system should be reformed and have proposed some fundamental changes in Building a Better Mental Health System
The Michigan legislature must decide the appropriae funding and transformatoin of the mental health system. The purpose of this town hall meeting is for citizens to speak to current and future legislators regarding their experiences and concerns. First you will hear introductions of Oakland County legislators and legislative candidates, followed by brief statements by representatives of advocacy groups and community mental health.
We then invite you as a concerned citizen to share your experiences and concerns. Please limit your comments to 5 minutes or less to allow time for many people to comment. Whether you choose to speak or not, we encourage you to bring written statements to be collected and shared with policy makers. If you cannot attend, please send your comments to Fred Cummins, AMI Oakland President at fred.a.cummins@gmail.com or to the AMI Oakland office.
This town hall will be followed by town halls in Macomb and Wayne Counties. Additional information is available on the Advocacy page of this web site.
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Date: Thursday, August 25, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Medicare Benefits with Emphasis on Mental Illness
Speaker: Rich Eusani, Volunteer Counselor, Medicare, Medicaid Assistance Program (MMAP)
Mr. Eusani will discuss Medicare benefits with an emphasis on issues for persons with mental illness and its relationship to Medicaid and Healthy Michigan. This meeting should be important to anyone currently on Medicare or who may be on Medicare in the near future.
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Date: Thursday, July 28, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Services of the Community Housing Network
Speakers: Marc Craig, President, Community Housing Network
The Community Housing Network (CHN) is a non-profit organization dedicated to finding and developing affordable housing for people with disabilities in Oakland and Macomb counties. CHN is the largest permanent supportive housing provider in Oakland and Macomb counties, and, over the years, has developed 689 units of affordable housing. Marc Craig has been the leader in formation and development of CHN. He will describe the various services provided by CHN to assist people in obtaining appropriate, affordable housing..
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Date: Thursday, June 23, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: What's Happening In Lansing
Speakers: Representative Christine Greig, Michigan Legislature, Farminington and Farmington Hills
Representative Greig is an active and well-informed legislator who understands many of the issues that are competing for legislators' time and Michigan tax dollars in this time of limited state funds. She supports our advocacy to improve the mental health system. She will present an overview of a number of current legislative issues and debates.
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Date: Thursday, May 26, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Overview of the Clubhouse Model and Testimonials
Speakers: Clubhouse managers and members
Clubhouse is a psychosocial rehabilitation program available through local community mental health services programs to consumers with severe mental illness. It is a nationally recognized model. Clubhouse provides consumers with an ongoing support network of staff, other Clubhouse members and the community. The program includes a work-ordered day, pre-vocational training, supported employment and education, advocacy, peer support and community involvement.
There are four clubhouses in Oakland County. At this meeting, all four will be represented by the clubhouse managers who will describe the program, and by members who will describe the benefit they have derived from participation.
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Date: Thursday, April 28, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Perspectives on the Current Mental Health System Crisis
Speaker: Tom Watkins, CEO, Detroit-Wayne Mental Health Authority
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Mr. Watkins was the Director of the Department of Mental Health under Governor Blanchard. The Department of Mental Health was later incorporated into the Department of Community Health which now has been incorporated into the Department of Health and Human Services. Since the Blanchard administration, Mr. Watkins has been the State Superintendent of Schools, and President of TDW Associates, trusted advisor to not-for-profit, education, healthcare and business clients. Since August, 2013, he is the CEO of the largest mental health authority in Michigan.
The recent budget proposal to privatize the Michigan public mental health system has exposed many of the current problems that would only get worse with privatization. The public mental health system is already in crisis as a result of inadequate funding. Many people in need of services are losing their services, and many potential, new recipients are denied access.
Mr. Watkins will meet and dialog with us to bring his perspective on the current mental health system crisis and how we might address it. From his diversity of experience, he brings unique insights on the politics and challenges of mental health services
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Date: Thursday, March 17, 2016 (Third Thursday) Rescheduled from February
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Michigan Budget and Implications to Mental Health Services
Speaker: Senator James Marleau (R), Chair, Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health
Senator Marleau will talk about the Governor's proposed budget and it's implications to mental health services. There is increased competition for funding. Millions have already been devoted to roads, and now we are faced with millions to resolve the problems of mismanagement of the Detroit Public Schools and the Flint poisonous water system. In addition, the Governor's budget proposes privatization of the public mental health system diverting money to profits and creating new barriers to resolving problems with the system. We should have a dialogue with the Senator to help him understand the challenges faced by persons with mental illness and their families, particularly with a tight mental helath budget.
Senator Marleau represents Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Village of Beverly Hills, Village of Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Village of Franklin, Independence Township, Keego Harbor, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Pontiac, Southfield Township, Sylvan Lake, and Village of Clarkston.
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Meeting was rescheduled for March 17 (Third Thursday) due to bad weather.
Date: Thursday, February 25, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Michigan Budget and Implications to Mental Health Services
Speaker: Senator James Marleau (R), Chair, Michigan Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Community Health
Senator Marleau will talk about the Governor's proposed budget and it's implications to mental health services. There is increased competition for funding. Millions have already been devoted to roads, and now we are faced with millions to resolve the problems of mismanagement of the Detroit Public Schools and the Flint poisonous water system. In addition, the Governor's budget proposes privatization of the public mental health system diverting money to profits and creating new barriers to resolving problems with the system. We should have a dialogue with the Senator to help him understand the challenges faced by persons with mental illness and their families, particularly with a tight mental helath budget.
Senator Marleau represents
Addison Township, Auburn Hills, Village of Beverly Hills, Village of Bingham Farms, Bloomfield Township, Village of Franklin, Independence Township, Keego Harbor, Oakland Township, Orion Township, Oxford Township, Pontiac, Southfield Township, Sylvan Lake, and Village of Clarkston.
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Date: Thursday, January 28, 2016 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: A New Opportunity for Mental Health Services for Uninsured and Under-insured: Certified Community Behavioral Health Centers (CCBHC)
Speaker: Nicole Lawson, PhD., Manager, OCCMHA Clinical Practice and Health care Innovation
State funding cuts are driving cuts to commumity mental health services and the discharge of CMH clients without Medicaid or on Medicaid spend0down. This month's program will present a new model that may be a future source of services. Dr. Lawson will talk about plans for development of a CCBHC under the Federal Excellence in Mental Health Act, co-sponsored by Senator Debbie Stabenow. A CCBHC is a federally funded mental health clinic for low-income, uninsured people and under-insured people Fees are based on ability to pay. Initial funding will be for demonstration programs . OCCMHA plans to propose a demonstration project. Willie Brooks, CEO of OCCMHA plans to attend the meeting.
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Date: Thursday, November 19, 2015 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Changes to Housing Assistance Opportunities
Speaker: Chuck Bratton, Housing Resource Manager, Community Housing Network
Mr. Bratton will discuss recent changes and opportunities for housing supports. Appropriate housing for persons with a mental illness continues to be a challenge. This may create new housing opportunities, but, with recent mental health budget cuts, persons who currently have appropriate housing may face new challenges. It is important to remain up to date on the opportunities and challenges.
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Date: Thursday, October 22, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Update on Important Mental Health Policy Issues
Speaker: Dr. Mark Reinstein, PhD, Mental Health Advocate and Retired President and CEO of the Mental Health Association in Michigan
Mark remains an active advocate for changes in the Michigan mental health system. He will bring us up to date on such topics as changes to Kevin’s Law (outpatient commitment), Medicaid managed care medication formulary, guardianship issues, confidentiality of commitment proceedings, congressional activity in response to mass shootings, and the Federal waiver required to continue the Medicaid expansion under the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). -------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, September 24, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Scientific Advances in the Diagnosis and Treatment of Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorders
Speaker: Dr Leonard J. Rosen, Medical Director, Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority
Doctor Rosen will discuss advances in medical and computer technology and research leading to improvement in medical treatment and new insights into brain function. These advances clearly demonstrate the biological basis for mental illness and substance use disorders. He believes there is potential for significant improvements in treatment and recovery in the next few years. We need to advocate for more research to bring these advances to medical practice.
Copy this link into your web browser to download the presentation to your computer. http://www.amioakland.org/documents/LeonardRosenAdvancesinMentalIllnessResearch2015.pdf
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Date: Thursday, August 27, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Increasing Challenges to Publically Funded Health Insurance Programs
Speaker: Marjorie Mitchell, Executive Director, MICHUHCAN
Marjorie Mitchell is a long-time advocate for disability rights and access to health insurance for Michigan families. She is very knowledgeable about Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). There are considerable changes being explored both in the Federal government and in Michigan. This talk is not only important regarding care for persons with mental illness, but also for those getting health care under the Medicaid expansion or the healthcare exchange under the Affordable Care Act and all of us who rely on Medicare and/or Medicaid for health care in our senior years. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, July 23, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time:
Program Topic: No Meeting This Month
Please join us next month, August 27, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
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Meeting Re-Scheduled for August
Date: Thursday, June 25, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Increasing Challenges to Publically Funded Health Insurance Programs
Speaker: Marjorie Mitchell, Executive Director, MICHUHCAN
Marjorie Mitchell is a long-time advocate for disability rights and access to health insurance for Michigan families. She is very knowledgeable about Medicaid, Medicare and the Affordable Care Act (Obamacare). There are considerable changes being explored both in the Federal government and in Michigan. This talk is not only important regarding care for persons with mental illness, but also for those getting health care under the Medicaid expansion or the healthcare exchange under the Affordable Care Act and all of us who rely on Medicare and/or Medicaid for health care in our senior years..
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Date: Thursday, May 28, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Court-Ordered Treatment Compliance under Kevin's Law
Speaker: Mack Hohmann, Court Liaison, Common Ground
Kevin’s Law is the Michigan statute for court ordered outpatient treatment for persons who are mentally ill and have multiple hospitalizations and/or involvement with criminal justice. We have seen it produce good results. Mack will tell us about the application of Kevin’s Law in Oakland County and his role in the process. .
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Date: Thursday, April 23, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Advocate for Incentives to Drive a Better Mental Health System
Speaker: Fred Cummins, President, Alliance for the Mentally Ill of Oakland County
Most of the people working in the Michigan mental health system became involved to help people with mental illness or developmental disabilities and their families. Many are themselves family members. However, when people need help from the mental health system, then timely, adequate and appropriate care may not be forthcoming.
Why don’t mental health leaders and professionals just do the right thing? That question was considered in a work group formed as part of Governor Snyder’s Mental Health Commission. The work group was one formed by Representative Phil Cavanagh who chaired the committee on Mental/Physical Health Integration and Service Delivery. While the proposal did not meet the required unanimous support of the Commission, we should advocate for these changes. Mr. Cummins will discuss the recommendations of the work group that would help mental health leaders and professionals do the right thing, and drive a better mental health system. -----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Date: Thursday, March 26, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Oakland County's Adult Treatment Court and the Mental Health Component
Speaker: Heather Willis, M.A. LPC, Adult Treatment Court, Mental Health Liaison, Common Ground
Ms Willis will describe the court program available as a sentence for a criminal conviction of a person with a mental illness and substance abuse in Oakland County. We should be aware of this program in case our family member with mental illness becomes involved with criminal justice. While the program focuses on persons with substance abuse, we should consider advocating for broader application to persons with mental illness.
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Date: Thursday, February 26, 2015 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Legislative Perspectives on the Public Mental Health System
Facilitator: State Senator Vincent Gregory, lead Democrat on the Senate Appropriations Committee
Senator Gregory will bring us up to date on budgeting activity and other initiatives related to the mental health system. This is our opportunity to express our concerns about budget cuts and other problems with mental health services experienced by persons with mental illness and their families. Senator Gregory will help us understand the legislative process and priorities, and how we might advocate for improvements to the mental health system.
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Date: Thursday, December 18, 2014 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Advocacy Planning for Adequate and Appropriate Mental Health Care Funding
Facilitator: Fred Cummins, President, AMI Oakland
The recent budget reductions experienced by Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) as well as the CMH organizations of Wayne and Macomb counties have drawn attention to the unmet needs of persons with mental illnesses. The budget cuts are putting the welfare of some people at risk, and are undermining the quality of life of others. At the same time, we have many people with mental illnesses who are receiving no mental health services and are living with their families, homeless or in our jails and prisons.
We need to educate legislators and the public regarding the unmet needs for mental health services as well as the potential for persons receiving services to improve their level of functioning and realize a better quality of life. While some of us may be satisfied with current services, there is a significant risk that those services will be reduced. In addition, the current quality of our services is very dependent on the specific individuals we happen to have providing those services.
Please join us to clarify our issues and goals, and to discuss strategies for improving the public mental health system and thus the quality of lives of persons with mental illness and their families.
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Date: Thursday, November 20, 2014 (Third Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Oakland County Community Mental Health in Crisis
Moderator: Fred Cummins, President, AMI Oakland
We need your input. Some of you are aware that Oakland County Community Mental Health is suffering from budget cuts. Some of you have experienced reductions in services. These cuts will get bigger and are a danger to recipients of mental health services.
Macomb and Wayne County CMHs are suffering from similar cuts. The consequences of these cuts started in the Fall of 2013, but the initial impact was reduced when OCCMHA used reserve funds to compensate. Nevertheless, most of the service providers were directed to reduce costs. You may have seen some of the consequences ranging from reduced staffing and fewer case management visits to discharge of some people from some services. These reductions in service may have been “justified” as a response to improvement of a person receiving services.
The reductions in 2014 are only the beginning. The reserve funds are nearly depleted and the budget reductions remain in effect for fiscal year 2015 (starting October 1, 2014). In addition to the budget cuts, there is an increase in recipients of services due to Medicaid Expansion. While the Federal government will pay 100% of the Medicaid Expansion, the funding is delayed resulting in an additional, short-term deficit. Furthermore, the recent increase in the minimum wage has increased the costs of direct care providers without increased funding. Some group home providers are closing group homes because they cannot survive the funding shortfall.
This is an immediate problem for a number of persons with developmental disabilities because they have received notice that their group homes will be closed effective November 1, and they don’t know where they will go. Some of them have relied on these services for decades.
The full impact of this reduced funding will hit in the 2016 fiscal year, beginning October 1, 2015. I have given public comment to the OCCMHA Board several times. I have asked that they provide information on how providers are implementing the funding reductions. We only hear about some of the consequences since many of our members believe this is only happening to them. Willie Brooks, the new Executive Director, asserts that he is aware of the cuts and implies that they are not adversely affecting recipients. We are aware of some significant consequences. We still don’t know what the specific cuts are and how many people are affected.
We need to hear about the impact from the front lines—that is you who are experiencing service reductions. Please attend this meeting. We will try to put together a picture of how these budget cuts are affecting persons with a mental illness and what you can do. We will try to identify the scope of the changes and those with the most serious consequences as a basis for advocacy with legislators and the Department of Community Health.
We need your input. We also would like you to join in the advocacy.
In the meantime, I encourage you to attend the next OCCMHA Board meeting, November 18, 6:00 pm; at the Resource and Crisis Center (Common Ground), in Building 12E in the County Complex. Just listen or give public comment to express your concerns.
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Date: Thursday, October 23, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Channel 7 TV Series on the Michigan Mental Health System
Speaker: Ross Jones, Investigative Reporter for Channel 7 News
Mr. Jones has presented a series of Channel 7, TV interviews providing insights on the state of the Michigan public mental health system and the recent budget cuts. He has held excellent interviews with both government leaders and families coping with the mental illness of a family member. He will share his insights and is interested in hearing experiences and concerns from the audience. This is an opportunity to share your experiences and concerns for attention in future news coverage.
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Date: Thursday, September 25, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: An Overview of Medicaid and Spend-Downs
Speakers: Belinda Arbogast, Department of Human Services (DHS) District Manager for Oakland County, Walled Lake Office, and Sallie Kuhne, DHS Program Manager for Oakland County Madison Heights Office
Our speakers have extensive knowledge in the area of Medicaid and spend-downs. Ms. Arbogast has been with the Department of Human Services for 32 years. Ms. Kuhne has been with the department for 15 years. Since Medicaid is the primary funder of mental health services in Michigan, this meeting is important to gain an understanding of qualifications for Medicaid, Medicaid-covered services, the changes that have recently occurred and what might be coming. Bring your questions.
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Date: Thursday, August 28, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: Legislative and Administrative Issues Affecting Persons with Mental Illness
Speaker: Mark Reinstein, PhD, President and CEO, Mental Health Association in Michigan)
Dr. Reinstein is active in a number of state-wide advocacy initiatives. He will discuss current state and national legislation and administrative issues of concern to persons with mental illness and their families. For example, many people are being affected by budget cuts, some recommendations of Governor Snyder’s mental health commission have been implemented and others have not, and the commission recently completed recommendations on diversion of persons with mental illness from criminal justice. It is important to understand these issues, particularly in an election year. Candidates should be challenged to take positions on these issues, and you should consider their answers when you vote.
------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- Date: Thursday, July 24, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: : Oakland County Community Mental Health Moving Forward
Speaker: Willie Brooks, New Executive Director, Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA)
Mr. Brooks was recently appointed Executive Director of OCCMHA. As the previous Chief Financial Officer, he comes withan understanding of OCCMHA. He will speak about the challenges he sees in this new position, current issues that will affect persons with mental illness served by OCCMHA, and his vision for OCCMHA in the future. Tis will also be an opportunity for you to express your concerns.
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Date: Thursday, June 26, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: : Minds on the Edge: Facing Mental Illness
Speaker: PBS Video and Open Discussion
This video describes the state of the United States mental health system through a dialog with a number of experts on different aspects of mental illness in the United States. We will view the video followed by an open discussion of current problems facing persons with mental illness and their families in Oakland County.
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Date: Thursday, May 22, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: : Navigating and understanding mental health issues and care in Michigan's prisons
Speaker: Natalie Holbrook, Program Director, American Friends Service Committee, Michigan Criminal Justice Program
Natalie Holbrook, Program Director, is a prisoner rights advocate. She has worked for the American Friends Service Committee¹s Michigan Criminal Justice program for eleven years advocating for and with people held in Michigan¹s prisons around a myriad of issues including access to adequate health care and mental health care, conditions of confinement, parole related issues, and solitary confinement. She has co-authored various reports for public education on prison related issues and self-help information for people in prison. Natalie has an MA in Social Foundations of Education from Eastern Michigan University.
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Date: Thursday, April 28, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: : State Legislative Issues in Health Care and Services for Persons with Mental Illness
Speaker: State Representative Ellen Cogen Lipton, 27-th District
Representative Lipton will discuss changes in Michigan health care and the impact on services for persons with mental illness. The Medicaid expansion will put added demand on Community Mental Health (CMH) at the same time that CMH is experiencing budget cuts. There is discussion in Lansing of reducing or eliminating general fund dollars for CMH. Close to half of the individuals with mental illness that CMH are not on Medicaid and are served by general fund dollars. Cutting these funds will be catastrophic to these people. This will also violate the mental health code which requires CMH to serve people with mental illness regardless of their ability to pay for services or their Medicaid status.
Representative Lipton represents Berkley, Huntington Woods, Oak Park, Royal Oak Township, Ferndale and Hazel Park.
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Location: OCCMHA Resource and Crisis Center
Conference room at 1200 N. Telegraph Road (county complex), Building 32E
Date: Thursday, March 27, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic: : Common Ground Overview and New Facility Tour
Speaker: Heather Rae, MA, LLP, Vice President, Programs and Services, Common Ground
Common Ground provides mental heatth crisis intervention and is the gateway to community mental health hospital and community services for persons with mental illness in Oakland County. Common Ground recently moved to a new, modern facility in the Oakland County complex. Persons in need of services may be admitted for services at a CMH core agency, they may be admitted for psychiatric hospitalization, or they may be provided intensive services with medical supervision at the new Common Ground site. Ms Rae will present an overview of Common Ground services and then take participants on a tour of the new facility.
To get to Common Ground, take Telegraph Road to the North intersection of County Center Drive and turn East. Take the second right, Hospital Drive, to the right. Building 32E is on the right and parking is on the left.
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Date: Thursday, February 27, 2014 (Fourth Thursday)
Time: 7:30 PM to 9:30 PM
Program Topic:
: Social Capital: What Is it and Why Do I Care?
Speaker: Amy Smolski, Commonwealth Administrator, Macomb County Community Mental Health
Social capital is the value people obtain from personal relationships with others. Persons with a mental illness tend to be somewhat isolated, and it is important that we understand their need for relationships and the importance of relationships to a person’s well-being, including their physical and mental health. Ms Smolski will discuss the nature of social capital, the potential benefits to individuals, and her efforts to incorporate these concepts to improve the lives of persons served by Macomb County Community Mental Health.
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Regular General Meetings are held at Beaumont Hospital Administration Building, Auditorium, 3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road, Royal Oak, Michigan. Free parking is in the lot west of the building or south of the building in the Dr's lot or in the parking deck (entered from the East side). See map.
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