11th Annual "Walk-A-Mile in My Shoes" Rally Gathers Thousands to Highlight May as Mental Health Awareness Month

Thousands of advocates from community mental health agencies throughout the state will gather at Noon on Wednesday, May 6, 2015 to celebrate the 11th Annual “Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes” Rally at the State Capitol in Lansing. Approximately 300 advocates from Oakland County will join the rally, which educates the public and Michigan legislators about mental illness and developmental disabilities, and helps to combat the stigmas and prejudices associated with these issues.

Royal Oak resident, Cole Gluklick, and Rochester Hills resident, Jennifer Dishner-Ladd, will represent Oakland County in the ceremonial march by caring the County flag and reading a statement to the rally participants. The event will also feature a speech by Anthony Ianni, a former MSU basketball player with autism.

“Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes is a significant opportunity for Oakland County residents who have a mental illness, developmental disability, and substance use disorder to have their voices heard in Lansing,” said Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority Executive Director and CEO, Willie Brooks. “People from throughout the state come together at the rally to combat the stigma that surrounds mental health and other disabilities.”

The Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards (MACMHB) – the advocacy organization for CMHs in the state – expects approximately 3,000 people to attend the event, including individuals who use Community Mental Health (CMH) services and those who work within the CMH system. Last year’s event attracted roughly 2,500 participants despite poor weather conditions.

MACMHB and the 46 community mental health agencies hold the “Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes” Rally annually to help end negative perceptions and to educate the public on using respectful language, focusing on abilities and not limitations, and allowing everyone to participate and feel included.

Another major component of the rally is to influence the Michigan legislature to support parity legislation. Mental health does not receive the same priority and insurance coverage as physical health in Michigan, despite the known benefits of receiving treatment.

“The Walk-a-Mile in My Shoes Rally serves as a tremendous opportunity to celebrate Michigan’s mental illness and developmental disabilities community and to advocate on their behalf,” said Michael Vizena, executive director of MACMHB. “Raising awareness about stigma and other issues ensures these individuals have the support they need to lead productive and fulfilling lives.”

One in five adults in Michigan will experience a mental health disorder at some point in their life, yet many do not get the treatment they need. One goal of OCCMHA is to ensure everyone who needs treatment for mental illness and developmental disabilities in Michigan is able to receive the services they need.

The 11th annual rally is sponsored by MACMHB, CMH boards from across the state, and mental health and developmental disabilities advocacy organizations. Together, these organizations work to promote a higher awareness of mental health issues among the public, media and legislators.

The event is slated to run until 3 p.m., after which attendees are encouraged to visit the offices of state legislators to share their thoughts.

About OCCMHA

Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority is the public mental health system responsible for identifying, influencing, and delivering services and supports to approximately 27,000 Oakland County residents, including adults and children with developmental disabilities or substance use disorders; adults with serious mental illness; and children with serious emotional disturbance.

OCCMHA’s current network of service providers include: Common Ground, Community Housing Network, Community Living Services, Community Network Services, Easter Seals Michigan, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatment Innovations. A complete list of substance use service providers is available on OCCMHA’s website. For more information about OCCMHA call (800) 341-2003 or visit www.occmha.org.