NAMI (National Alliance on Mental Illness) Washtenaw County is a non-profit organization and a local affiliate of the national NAMI and NAMI Michigan, that aims to improve the lives of persons affected by mental illness. Individuals with these biological disorders, their families and mental health professionals, and the broader community can all benefit from the organization’s mission.

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If you are seeking community mental health services,  Requests for services can be made 24 hours a day 7 days a week by calling Access at 734.544.3050 or 1.800.440.7548. Access is the central entry point for all Washtenaw County individuals seeking community mental health and/or substance abuse information and services.

Click on the link below for a county wide contact list.

Health Services Access 

Click on the link below for more information on CSTS

Washtenaw County Community Support and Treatment Services

You may receive health information and/or referrals to a variety of community services. If you are seeking mental health or substance abuse services you will receive a clinical screening completed by a licensed behavioral health professional using criteria found in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-IV).

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Chelsea Grace Clinic

A monthly free clinic for the uninsured and underinsured of Western Washtenaw County. The clinic is held in the Faith in Action building, the first Saturday of each month from 9-12, except for holidays, in which case it is held the second Saturday. The clinic is staffed by volunteer doctors from the Chelsea community. Services include routine medical care, assistance with obtaining low-cost or free medications, and referrals to specialists. Please call (888) 331-1174 to schedule an appointment.   Website: http://chelseamich.com/directory/chelsea-grace-clinic/

Governor Establishes Two Mental Health Groups

Governor Rick Snyder established the Mental Health and Wellness Commission and the Mental Health Diversion Council this week, both within the Department of Community Health (DCH).  The Mental Health and Wellness Commission will advise the department on improving the mental health system within the state of Michigan, and consists of DCH Director Haveman, Lt. Governor Calley, Rep Lori (R-St. Joseph County), Rep. Cavanagh (D-Wayne County), and two members yet to be appointed by the Senate Majority Leader.  The Commission will present its recommendations December 20th, 2013.  The Mental Health Diversion Council, made up of 14 members consisting of Lt. Governor Calley, Department of Corrections Director Heyns, Department of Community Health staff, county prosecutors, community mental health, courts, law enforcement, community corrections, and others will look at ways to divert those with mental health issues from jails and prisons.  Members will serve a two-year term expiring January 20, 2015.
AS REPORTED BY THE MICHIGAN ASSOCIATION OF COUNTIES (MAC)

Opinion

Successful and Schizophrenic By ELYN R. SAKS

Published: January 25, 2013 in The New York Times Review Section

THIRTY years ago, I was given a diagnosis of schizophrenia. My prognosis was “grave”: I would never live independently, hold a job, find a loving partner, get married. My home would be a board-and-care facility, my days spent watching TV in a day room with other people debilitated by mental illness. I would work at menial jobs when my symptoms were quiet. Following my last psychiatric hospitalization at the age of 28, I was encouraged by a doctor to work as a cashier making change. If I could handle that, I was told, we would reassess my ability to hold a more demanding position, perhaps even something full-time.

Then I made a decision. I would write the narrative of my life. Today I am a chaired professor at the University of Southern California Gould School of Law. I have an adjunct appointment in the department of psychiatry at the medical school of the University of California, San Diego, and am on the faculty of the New Center for Psychoanalysis. The MacArthur Foundation gave me a genius grant.

Although I fought my diagnosis for many years, I came to accept that I have schizophrenia and will be in treatment the rest of my life. Indeed, excellent psychoanalytic treatment and medication have been critical to my success. What I refused to accept was my prognosis.

Go to:  http://www.nytimes.com/2013/01/27/opinion/sunday/schizophrenic-not-stupid.html

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Click on the link below to read about a remarkable mother’s courage to write her story, comparing it to Newtown, Connecticut

http://anarchistsoccermom.blogspot.com/2012/12/thinking-unthinkable.html?m=1

And for more information on the same subject, click on the link below

http://www.treatmentadvocacycenter.org/

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