NAMI Michigan

07/11/2026

What an honor to celebrate my friend, Mr. Jeffrey Wilson Patton as he retired as CEO of Integrated Services of Kalamazoo yesterday. Jeff has dedicated his life to serving Michiganders living with mental illness with unmatched knowledge, strength, style and compassion. Jeff "invests" in people! I am forever grateful for his investment in me, specifically when I was new to behavioral health advocacy and he took the time to help me understand the history and trajectory of behavioral healthcare in Michigan. 10 years ago I had the honor of recognizing him as the first recipient of the NAMI Michigan/Ismail B. Sendi Lifetime Achievement Award. I sincerely wish him and his wife Margaret good health, prosperity and longevity in retirement 🙏! Godspeed, my friend!

05/18/2026

05/18/2026

🌅 As we prepare to kick off the NAMI Michigan Annual Conference, we are thrilled to spotlight speaker Krista Hausermann from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS).

Krista’s work at the state level is essential to bridging the gap between mental health policy and real-world, community-focused care. Having a leader from MDHHS at the table means discussing tangible ways we can strengthen support systems across all of Michigan.

See you soon Lansing!

05/17/2026

05/15/2026

🕊️ There is a unique strength found in Broken Spirits.

As the founder of Broken People, Joseph Reid has dedicated his life to that strength with the power of peer support. He understands that healing doesn't happen alone—it happens through connection, shared stories, and the lived experience of those who have walked the path before us. His work provides a vital bridge for those seeking hope in the midst of the struggle, proving that our broken pieces are often where the light gets in.

It is often in our most vulnerable moments that we find our greatest resilience. At NAMI Michigan, we believe that no one should have to navigate those moments alone. That is why we are so incredibly excited to welcome Joseph Reid as a keynote speaker for our Annual Conference this coming Monday!

Why should you join us?
This conference isn't just a series of presentations; it’s a gathering of minds and hearts dedicated to changing the landscape of mental health in Michigan. By attending, you’ll gain:
• Firsthand insights from leaders
• Tangible tools for peer and community support
• A network of individuals who truly understand

Don't wait until Monday morning. Spaces are filling up fast, and we want you at the table.

Click the link below to register now and secure your spot for a day of growth, recovery, and connection.
https://namimi.org/nami-michigan-annual-conference-2026

We’ll see you in Lansing! 🌿✨

Kevin Fischer

05/13/2026

We are proud to feature an essential session at the 2026 NAMI MI Annual Conference led by two experts of adolescent mental health and safety, Dr. Alyse Ley and Danielle Murphy.

Dr. Ley is a NAMI MI Board Member and MSU Psychiatry Associate Professor, and Danielle Murphy is MSU Psychiatry Project Manager. Next week they are joining forces to discuss a critical issue: The Management of Adolescent Targeted Violence.

Effective prevention doesn't happen in a vacuum. It requires a cross-systems approach, bringing together schools, mental health professionals, law enforcement, and families, to create a net that catches at-risk youth before a crisis occurs.

Why this session is vital:
- Collaborative Safety: Understanding how different community systems can share information and resources effectively.
- Early Intervention: Identifying the behavioral markers of targeted violence and how to respond with clinical support.
- Evidence-Based Strategies: Moving beyond guesswork to implement proven management protocols from MSU’s leading research.
- A Safer Michigan: Learning how these frameworks can be applied in our own local districts and organizations.

This is a high-priority session for school administrators, mental health clinicians, policy-makers, and anyone dedicated to the safety and well-being of our students.

🎟️ Join the conversation on May 18 & 19. Secure your spot:
https://namimi.org/nami-michigan-annual-conference-2026
We hope to see you there!

Fischer

05/11/2026

Sometimes, using the right words at the right time can change everything!

We are excited to announce another phenomenal speaker, Yarden Blumstein, the Executive Director of Conflict Resolutions.

Yarden will be leading a vital session on the Tools of De-escalation at this year’s NAMI MI Annual Conference. You won't want to miss this!

In a world where tensions can run high, knowing how to navigate conflict with empathy and composure is more than just a skill, it’s a necessity. Yarden brings years of experience in youth crisis intervention and community support to help us understand how to "lower the temperature" in difficult moments.

These tools are designed for:
- a parent,
- a first responder,
- a teacher,
- a concerned neighbor,
- helping YOU lead with compassion when it matters most.

You will learn:
- The De-escalation Toolkit: Practical, proven techniques to diffuse high-tension situations.
- The Power of Presence: How your body language and tone can signal safety to someone in crisis.
- Empathy in Action: Moving past "fixing" a problem to truly hearing the person behind it.
- Safe Boundaries: Strategies to keep both yourself and others safe during intense interactions.

This is a must-see session for anyone looking to build a more peaceful and supportive environment in their home or workplace.

https://namimi.org/nami-michigan-annual-conference-2026
🎟️ Grab your tickets today ^

Kevin Fischer

05/09/2026

Valeo Corporation. Benefits Fair. As always a well attended event with much interest and participation from the employees!