Two individuals will share their personal stories about living with mental illness and achieving recovery at the “In Our Own Voice” presentation Feb. 21 on the McNichols campus.
The fifth annual event will take place 7-8:30 p.m. in the Chemistry Building, room 114.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) will provide the speakers, who will share the experiences they and others have faced with mental illness.
The goal is to reduce the stigma about mental illness, said Andrea Kwasky, associate clinical professor at the McAuley School of Nursing.
“Mental illness is a very common health problem,” she said. “Yet most individuals know and understand very little about this pervasive illness and (its) impact … on individuals, families and the community.”
Kwasky said the event will invite frank dialogue, decrease stigma and dissolve barriers to assistance.
“This seminar will help foster an environment in the UDM community that will recognize and promote the spiritual development and sense of justice that is characteristic of a Detroit Mercy community member,” she said. “Participants will gain insight into the social stigma of mental illness and recognize the ethical responsibility that each of us has to promote equity in the care and treatment of all illnesses.”
NAMI Metro is a grassroots, all-volunteer, non-profit organization.
“This event is graciously supported and funded through a university mission micro-grant,” noted Mary Serowoky, an assistant clinical professor.
