CMH

Florida Shooting Op-Ed

Need to boldly face the causes of gun violence rather than scapegoating those with mental illness

By Robert Sheehan

The recent mass shooting in Florida is a tragedy, especially when preceded by the shooting in Sutherland Springs, Texas, only a few months ago. The continual, devastating tragedies call us to examine and take action on the real causes of gun violence in America, as these tragedies continue to arise. Together, we must bravely discuss the real actions needed to dramatically reduce gun-related violence in our country.  

To be clear, my call for such a clear-eyed examination is not an argument for or against gun control. That is a different topic for a different day.  In the wake of the Florida school shooting, I am calling, as are many others in the mental health and public safety arenas across the country, that we stop derailing this difficult but sorely needed examination by scapegoating, in the wake of tragic mass shootings, those with mental illness, while doing nothing to address this nation’s gun violence nor its mental health needs.

Attempts to connect every violent act to mental illness represent an inaccurate and simplistic analysis to a complex problem. Study after study has shown that persons with mental illness are more likely to be victims of violence than perpetrators. A comprehensive study of gun violence in America found that only 4% of American gun deaths are related to mental illness. The bulk of these are suicides and do not involved violence to others.¹

Additionally, if mental illness were truly the cause of gun violence, then other developed countries with comparable mental health spending, and mental health practitioners per capita would have similar levels of gun violence.  None of them do.  

While there are 33 gun deaths in the U.S. per year, per million people, there were only 5 per year, per million in Canada and 0.7 per million in Britain.²

Ironically, while repeatedly calling, after nearly every mass shooting, for the examination of a person’s mental stability as part of gun purchase, Congress passed and President Donald Trump recently signed a bill eliminating rules, which would limit gun access for those with mental illness. While these prohibitions are controversial, given the delicate balance between civil liberties and public safety, eliminating this rule instead of refining it was a missed opportunity and sadly ironic.

Equally ironic is the contrast of the call, in the wake of a mass shooting, for improved access, by all Americans, to mental health services, while those sounding that call are also working to cut Medicaid and Affordable Healthcare Act (ACA)-supported health insurance which are among the chief tools for ensuring such access to mental health and substance use disorder treatment.

I mourn the victims of this senseless violence in Florida, as we have mourned for the victims so many high-profile killings, and those that do not make the press, over the past several years.  I grieve for the families who have lost loved ones.

I, along with many across the country, want to ignite a conversation. A conversation around the real causes of gun violence and around the need to stop scapegoating those working so hard to live with and recover from mental illness.

Robert Sheehan is the chief executive officer of the Community Mental Health Association of Michigan (formerly, the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards).

For connection to local behavioral health information, advocacy, and initiatives follow Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties on Facebook. www.facebook.com/ceicmh

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Sources:

¹Swanson, J. W., McGinty, E. E., Fazel, S., & Mays, V. M. (2015). Mental illness and reduction of gun violence and suicide: bringing epidemiologic research to policy. Annals of epidemiology, 25(5), 366-376.

²Zimring, F. E., & Hawkins, G. (1999). Crime is not the problem: Lethal violence in America. Oxford University Press.

Post Oak Academy students concerned about Mental Health and those who suffer from disabilities

As part of an exhibition research project, four 6th grade students at Post Oak Academy, an authorized International Baccalaureate World School in Lansing, decided to hold a can drive at the school to raise money for mental health and those who suffer from disabilities.  It is their hope that by donating the money to Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMHA-CEI), those who are suffering will be able to get the help they need.

On Monday, June 5, Sara Lurie, CMHA-CEI, Chief Executive Officer visited with the students and was presented with a check in the amount of $60.10, which she proudly accepted.  These funds have been allocated to the Project Starfish fund. Project Starfish is a special fund that provides financial assistance to people who receive services at CMHA-CEI, that have a financial need that cannot be filled by any other sources.

CMHA-CEI serves over 12,000 in Clinton, Eaton, Ingham Counties.

Names of the students in photo from left to right:  Isabelle Theusch, Camille McCord, Giselle Blue, Kaitlynn Nguyen

CMHA-CEI Begins Major Expansion of Facility

Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties (CMHA-CEI) announced today that it will begin the expansion of its current location at 812 E. Jolly Road on June 12th, 2017. The project is focused on adding space to the current facility; This added space will streamline the delivery of service to consumers, relocate offsite programs and staff, and better integrate services.

The expansion will add a three story, 42,600 square-foot addition to the current facility and will include a new lobby, new offices, and new clinical space. The expansion will also allow some of the programs that are currently housed at other locations to be relocated to centralize services for consumers.

The total costs related to the expansion will account for less than 1% of CMHA-CEI annual budget. Funding for this expansion is through a 10-million-dollar bond from Ingham County. Centralizing services will reduce current costs associated with rental of office space in other locations. These cost savings will be applied to the building expansion costs.

While CMHA-CEI has seen cuts to General Fund dollars from the State of Michigan, the agency has seen increases in funding from Federal Medicaid and Healthy Michigan dollars which has resulted in increased enrollments and services for consumers. Due to the current uncertainty healthcare funding faces, CMHA-CEI needs to expand the current facility. The expansion will not only accommodate continued growth, but if necessary it will also prepare CMHA-CEI for any potential funding reductions by allowing programs that are currently housed at leased locations to move back to the main facility.

“We are excited about bringing some programs back into the building and the benefits our consumers and employees will experience with more programs in one place. The additional space also offers us important options for the future.” - Sara Lurie, CEO.

During the expansion all programs and services will remain in place. A temporary main entrance will be located to the west side of the building. Additional security will be on site to direct consumers and visitors.

Construction on the expansion is expected to take about one year and will be completed Summer 2018. Renovations of the existing building will also be ongoing throughout the building phase and will be completed by Winter 2019.

Be sure to watch www.ceicmh.org and www.facebook.com/ceicmh for construction updates and information. 

 You can also see a list of FAQ about the project by clicking here. 

Birch Health Center featured in The Center for Health Design Magazine

The health care environment, always in flux, has been changing even more rapidly over the past several years, with a focus on improved integration between physical and behavioral health care.  In an effort to shape and respond to these changes, the Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMH) has, for the past several years, embarked on a number of initiatives, spanning many dimensions of the organization’s operations.  A recent article in The Center for Health Design Magazine highlights The Ingham Community Health Center's BIRCH Center, housed within our main campus. Click HERE to view the article.

Through collaborative efforts between Community Mental Health, Michigan State University, the Sparrow Family Medicine Residency Program and the Ingham County Health Department’s Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHC), a primary care health center housed within CMH became fully operational in July of 2013. This health center is designed to focus on serving the chronic, acute, and well-check needs of CMH consumers who have little or no access to primary care. Between its official launch in April 2013, and the most recent count in June 2014, BIRCH Center has a total of 491 patients.

Our collaborative workgroup began looking at the barriers to accessing primary care for those diagnosed with serious mental illness, developmental disabilities and substance use disorders.  The common barriers were issues of stigma, cost of treatment, transportation and problems with appointment scheduling.  In creating BIRCH (Building Inter-professional Relationships for Community Health) we hope to bridge these and other gaps in obtaining healthcare for many in our community.  

View the full article from The Center for Health Design Magazine.

Basic Points of Recovery

1. Pre-Recovery (basic needs come first)

• A person needs the basic essentials of life, including food, shelter, clothing, and medical care before they can begin their “Recovery” journey

2.  Treatment for Symptoms of Mental Illness

•  Accepting one’s mental illness and the need for treatment
•  Understanding a diagnosis and what it means
•  Understanding the purpose and side-effects of medication
•  Understanding, choosing and utilizing treatment and supports
•  All of the above are important for “Recovery”

Read more: Basic Points of Recovery

CMHA-CEI Announces Distinguished Service Award Recipient, Releases New Video and 2019 Annual Report to Community

August 6, 2020

PRESS RELEASE

LANSING – Community Mental Health Authority of Clinton, Eaton, and Ingham Counties (CMHA-CEI) is pleased to announce the release of their 2019 annual report and a new video, as well as honor the recipient of this year’s Distinguished Service Award – McLaren Greater Lansing of Michigan.

"McLaren is proud to be able to work hand-in-hand with Community Mental Health to provide efficient access to mental health care," said Deborah Leblanc, McLaren Greater Lansing Chief Nursing Officer. "Since 2017 our relationship has linked countless people to services that help them live happier, healthier lives through finding care.”

This release was originally planned for CMHA-CEI’s annual Community Breakfast event, which was cancelled for this year due to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. CMHA-CEI extends their thanks to the exhibitors and sponsors of this year’s Community Breakfast, adding that they look forward to their continued partnership at next year’s event.

Additionally slated for release at the Community Breakfast event was a new video highlighting Adult Mental Health Services at CMHA-CEI, as well as CMHA-CEI’s 2019 annual report.

The annual report captures the successes and challenges of the agency over the course of 2019. The full report is available for members of the community to view or download here; and the AMHS Program Overview video can be viewed at http://ceicmh.org/services/amhs.

The 2021 Community Breakfast event is scheduled for March 25, 2021 from 8:00 AM-11:30 AM. Those planning to attend can register here.  

Ideas to Help Seniors Maintain Social Connections

Older adults may face a higher risk of finding themselves isolated from friends and family even when they were once very social. Children and grandchildren grow up and move away. When we retire, we are cut off from daily interactions we once had. Disabilities can make it even more challenging to keep up the same level of activity we once knew. It is important to maintain social connections in these situations. Interactions with others has been shown to have both physical and mental health benefits.

Social Apps and Technology

Sometimes distance is the biggest factor in keeping us from seeing our loved ones as often as we would like. Consider using social media platforms such as Facebook or Instagram to stay in touch with friends and family from across the world. Skype is another way great way to connect with people as it is very intuitive, and it allows you to make connections with a system similar to a phone call with the added benefit of video and messaging.

Volunteer in Your Community

Retirement does not need to leave you feeling restless and without a way to spend your time. Stay active in your community by volunteering at your local animal shelter, food charity, or library. Organizations such as Senior Corp offer people 55 and up with training and connections to charities that are tailored to your interests. Senior Corp recognizes that retirees have a lot of skills and knowledge that make them very valuable to charities that are in need of help.

Get a Pet to Keep You Company

Studies have shown that the presence of a dog or cat can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. Dogs can also open the door to social interactions when you take your pet for a walk around the neighborhood or to the dog park. If you have a disability that might make it more difficult to give your dog walks yourself, finding a reliable dog walker or sitter will enable you to have the benefits of pet ownership without the responsibility of having to provide exercise or full-time care.

Join a Club

A club is a great way to connect with other people who share your interests such as hobbies, reading, or cooking. If you can’t find a club or group in your area that fits what you are looking for, look into starting one yourself. There is often free meeting space in your community at your local library, a church, or public school.  You can also host a smaller group in your home.

Assisted Living

Most facilities provide activities that encourage socialization among its residents. While the transition to a care facility may take some adjustment time, be sure to take advantage of these programs when they are available. You may initially feel cut off from the people you are close to, but you are also around others that may feel the same way you do. Take the time to meet new people and participate in gatherings and outings when they become available.

Photo by StevePB via Pixabay

Charter House 38th Year Anniversary Party

Charter House 38^th Year Anniversary Party

Charter House opened its doors on April 14^th 1978.  It was the first clubhouse in Michigan.  We celebrated this event at the club house this year.  Over 60 people attended (even the Channel 10 News) and it was a great event!  What is a Clubhouse?  It is a place where we come to learn how to work together. We work every day as a team to make us better people.  It is a place where we recover from things we are struggling with.  It is a place where we get back on our feet.  You might be wondering how to get involved.  You need to be 18 years old and have lived with or are currently living with a mental illness. You also need to have Healthy Michigan or Medicaid.  If this sounds like you then come check us out

Below is the link to the story about Charter House which was on the news

http://www.fox47news.com/news/local-news/helping-those-with-mental-illnesses

Mental Health Court: a 55th District Court and CMHA-CEI Collaborative Initiative

The City Pulse profiles a grant funded program that was developed and implemented in the Fall of 2013 to provide specialized probation and integrated behavioral health services to individuals with non-violent legal charges and mental health treatment needs.  The goals of this program are to support individuals in successfully completing probation, to avoid unnecessary jail time and associated costs, to address a range of health care needs, to reduce court recidivism, and to identify meaningful short and long term objectives for themselves to pursue during and after program involvement.  

Click here to read the full City Pulse article.

A Personal Story of Recovery

As part of its May, 2014 media coverage of Mental Health Awareness Month, Joe Linstroth with WKAR Radio interviewed Ms. Jerri Nicole Wright for its Current State program about her experiences living with and managing  a serious and persistent mental illness.  From encountering stigma to overcoming obstacles to her well being, Ms. Wright bravely conveys the complexities and challenges people with mental health issues often face.  You can hear her personal, moving story by clicking here for the original article on WKAR's website, or clicking play below.