2016 Mental Health Fair features former Detroit Lions Quarterback Eric Hipple

In its third year, the event is scheduled for Wednesday, May 18, 2016 at Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak in celebration of May as Mental Health Awareness Month. Participating organizations include Easter Seals Michigan, the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, Special Dreams Farm, NAMI Michigan, Therapy Dogs, HAVEN, Kadima, Common Ground and more.

New this year, the event includes a powerful, personal testimonial by Eric Hipple, former NFL Quarterback for the Detroit Lions, which is being made possible by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Southeast Michigan Chapter. In addition, Easter Seals Michigan will present information on substance use prevention and treatment.

Author of the book Real Men Do Cry (2008), about Eric's personal journey, his story includes growing up with undiagnosed depression that manifested during the stresses of adult life; transitioning out of football, alcohol use, and the loss of his own son, Jeff, to suicide at age 15.

The event was conceived in 2014 by the nurses and doctors at Beaumont's Psychiatric department in Royal Oak to help inform, educate and connect people with resources. "Most importantly, the mental health fair continues to break the stigma that prevents people from seeking help when they need it. Through public education, we reinforce the fact that illness can manifest in our brains just as it does in the rest of our body. One in four of us will experience a treatable mental illness in our lifetime," said Ron Samarian, M.D., Chief of Psychiatry at Beaumont Hospital Royal Oak.

Guests will connect with a variety of leading organizations in the mental health and wellness field and find information about autism, bipolar disorder, depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, skill building for developmentally disabled, early intervention for children with trauma, substance use, bullying prevention, suicide prevention and domestic violence.

Eric Hipple - Former NFL Quarterback for the Detroit Lions
presented by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention - Southeast Michigan Chapter

When?

The 2016 Mental Health Fair takes place Wednesday, May 18, 2016

Mental Health Fair is free and open to the public from 8:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.

Eric Hipple & Easter Seals Michigan presentation 10:30 a.m. - 12 Noon (Registration is required for presentation due to limited capacity in auditorium).

After his presentation, Eric Hipple will hold a public "meet and greet" at the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Table in the South Tower Lobby from Noon - 2:00 p.m.

Mandatory RSVP for Eric Hipple and Easter Seals Michigan Presentations:

Individuals must RSVP in advance for the presentation by calling Julie Marion: Phone: (248) 551-9448 or email Julie.Marion@beaumont.org

The presentation begins at 10:30 a.m. and ends at Noon.

Eric Hipple will do a meet and greet in the South Tower Lobby for the general public from Noon - 2:00 p.m. on Wednesday, May 18, 2016.

RSVP

Where?

The 2016 Mental Health Fair is held at Beaumont's Royal Oak Campus in the South Tower Main Lobby. Parking is free and available in the South Tower Parking Garage.

Beaumont Royal Oak | South Tower Lobby

3601 W. Thirteen Mile Road | Royal Oak, Mich. 48073

Beaumont Royal Oak Campus Map

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