EMU Today

YPSILANTI —  To help destigmatize mental health, Eastern Michigan University’s College of Health and Human Services (CHHS) and the EMU Foundation will host an event featuring Milton Mack, former chief judge of the Wayne County Probate Court. The event is slated for April 6 from 10-11:30 a.m. in Marshall Hall, room 108, and students, faculty, and staff are invited to attend.

"Mental health and treatment is an important topic for our college and across the university for faculty, staff and students alike,” said Jennifer Kellman-Fritz, interim associate dean of the College of Health and Human Services at EMU. "It is critical to destigmatize mental illness and teach people that important tools and services can make this happen, which will stop society from labeling or stereotyping those struggling. We are thrilled to welcome Judge Mack."

Mack’s presentation titled "We Can Stop the Revolving Door...With Early Intervention and Collaboration" will discuss current Michigan legislation and incentives to aid those with mental illness, including assisted outpatient treatment, which has proven to reduce hospitalization and incarceration.

Mack, a member of the EMU Foundation Board, professionally advocated for proper mental health care in Michigan’s judicial system. He currently chairs the Governor's Mental Health Diversion Council.

"Serious mental illness is a chronic condition that is not improved by a short hospital stay," said Mack. "Without a connection to community treatment, persons with serious mental illness are doomed to cycle through the courts, hospitals, and jails repeatedly."

Learning beyond the classroom credit is available for students in attendance.

To learn more about CHHS, visit the webpage. For more information about the EMU Foundation, visit the webpage.
 

About Eastern Michigan University
Founded in 1849, Eastern is the second oldest public university in Michigan. It currently serves more than 14,000 students pursuing undergraduate, graduate, specialist, doctoral and certificate degrees in the arts, sciences and professions. In all, more than 300 majors, minors and concentrations are delivered through the University's Colleges of Arts and Sciences; Business; Education; Engineering and Technology; Health and Human Services; and its graduate school. National publications regularly recognize EMU for its excellence, diversity, and commitment to applied education. Visit the University’s rankings and points of pride websites to learn more. For more information about Eastern Michigan University, visit the University's website. To stay up to date on University news, activities and announcements, visit EMU Today.