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OCHN Celebrates Minority Mental Health Month

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Suzanne Weinert • weinerts@oaklandchn.org • 248-758-1991

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI (July 10, 2024) – Oakland Community Health Network (OCHN) hosted a Minority Mental Health Month Event on Tuesday, July 9, 2024, at their administrative offices in Troy to celebrate Minority Mental Health Month.


Minority Mental Health Month is celebrated each July in honor of Bebe Moore Campell’s efforts to address the mental health needs of minority communities. To learn more about Minority Mental Health, visit Minority Mental Health CDC.


The theme for this years’ event was “The Universal Language of Healing Trauma in Minority Mental Health Care.” OCHN’s Executive Director and CEO, Dana Lasenby kicked off the event with welcoming remarks and a conversation surrounding the importance of celebrating Minority Mental Health during the month of July. The event featured keynote speaker, Richard Plowden of Heroes Circle, a drama therapy demonstration with Sarah Bilodeau from Nature's Playhouse, an art therapy activity with Sydney Tremont from Paradise Art Therapy Center, and a dance performance by Michigan Manzat.


OCHN’s Cheryl Myers spoke on the barriers often experienced by the Deaf and hard of hearing community and how to address them. The event also served as a time for networking and closing comments were provided by OCHN’s Menachem Hojda.


For non-emergency Access services, call (248) 464-6363. If you or someone you know needs immediate assistance, call or text the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988. For more information on OCHN, visit www.oaklandchn.org.

Pictured (back row left to right): Sarah Bilodeau, Nature’s Playhouse; Sydney Tremont, Paradise Art Therapy Center; Nida Kahn, OCHN Service Network Analyst; Richard Plowden, Heroes Circle; Menachem Hojda, OCHN Recipient Rights Trainer; Dana Lasenby, OCHN’s Executive Director and CEO.

Pictured (front row): Cheryl Myers, OCHN Training Team Clerical

Pictured (left to right): Sonali Pawa and Abhinav Suresh from Michigan Manzat.

Pictured: Stars of Hope art therapy activity piece lead by Sydney Tremont from Paradise Art Therapy Center. 

About OCHN

OCHN is contracted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services to lead a provider service network and manage care for approximately 29,000 Oakland County citizens at more than 400 service sites across the county. People who receive public behavioral health services through OCHN's provider network include those who have an intellectual or developmental disability, mental health concerns, or substance use disorder. Most of these individuals have Medicaid insurance coverage.


OCHN's goal is to ensure these individuals are aware of and have access to services and supports that will improve their health and quality of life, as well as ensure their engagement in full community participation. Its mission to “inspire hope, empower people, and strengthen communities” reflects an unyielding belief in a "Valuable System for Valued People." Programs and supports provided by OCHN's service network are available at www.oaklandchn.org.

OCHN Celebrates Minority Mental Health Month - PDF

Oakland Community Health Network | www.oaklandchn.org
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