Since 2011, the Mental Health Foundation of Western Michigan (MHFWM) has promoted mental health awareness and suicide prevention through “be nice.” 4-step mental health action plan: nending, IInvite me, charenge, and epower. What started as an anti-bullying program for schools has now become a book and a mental health program implemented not only in educational institutions but also in businesses, sports teams, faith groups, and communities across Michigan and as far as Alaska. curriculum has grown.
A three-year, evidence-based study from Grand Valley State University concludes that’s a good thing. This program increases his mental health awareness by 60%, develops a positive culture focused on understanding and awareness of compassion, and increases behaviors that prevent suicide.
“Be Kind. There’s been a lot of movement in schools, as many school districts have had to implement anti-bullying plans,” says Kristy Buck, executive director of MHFWM. “After that, we started to see presentations of action plans from small to medium-sized enterprises to very large companies, and as the movement became more active, we decided to create a business program.”
Mr. Buck shared that 56,860 people have taken the pledge and learned an action plan to support mental health and suicide prevention in their communities. The four of us will have a wonderful time this spring. Events in April and May will equip individuals with the knowledge to recognize, understand, accept and take action regarding mental health and ending stigma.
Business training at the University of Michigan HealthWest.
workplace health
On April 24th, a half-day symposium will be held to strengthen be nice, with approximately 50 companies participating. Programming at work. This year’s theme is “Empowering employees to be kind.” To yourself: self-care at work. ” This event welcomes companies interested in learning about the Action Plan and incorporating it into their workplaces.
“The Business Symposium will make us more kind. It’s a business-oriented program,” says Buck. “This event will remind companies of previous materials and give them new materials and new tools they can use to educate their employees on how to utilize action plans. They will also be reminded. 
Christy BuckIt’s also great to make connections at foundations and meet other people and companies that are doing the same thing. In their company, to show that they have support and that they are not alone. ”
The event will feature a screening of the new film, which includes four episodes depicting diverse young people between the ages of 18 and 25. Each uses his or her own story to teach his four steps of the action plan.
It’s great to see companies using it.I want to program and participate in events. RSVP. Interested companies should not use it.If you want to learn more about programming or attend the event, you can buy tickets here.
lean on me
On April 27th at 9am, MHFWM will launch the Love and Lean Walk/Run in Zeeland. This walk honors Zeeland East High School sophomore Zach Kroll, who committed suicide in 2015 at the age of 15. Participants can create memorial signs to honor their loved ones and place them along the walk. The walk will help “reduce the shame and secrecy surrounding mental illness, reduce the number of people who struggle in silence and increase the number of people who seek help.” Last year, the walk raised $25,000 to “be nice.” programming.
“The Kroll family became very passionate about continuing mental health education and suicide prevention in schools,” Buck says. “Lori, Zach’s mother, spreads her love and she was given this name because she believes in allowing people to rely on her loved ones.”
People with disabilities often reported experiencing poor mental health.
disability and mental health
MHFWM will also be holding a Disability and Mental Health Symposium on May 8th from 12:30pm to 3:30pm in its offices. This event will focus on the impact of disability on mental health and vice versa. The panel discussion will feature personal stories and insights from people with disabilities who will share first-hand how disability impacts their mental health.
Jocelyn Detloff, a wheelchair tennis player, motivational speaker and author from Michigan, will speak to advocate for people with spinal cord injuries.
“Mental illness is the most disabling illness,” says Buck. “Look at people with physical disabilities and developmental disabilities. If they also suffer from depression, it’s a double whammy. Now they’re at increased risk of mental illness and suicide. We will use the event to dispel stigma and educate people about being kind. We will explain our action plan and how certain terms affect people with disabilities and mental illness. .”
Community members of all ages are walking to end the stigma.
trample on the stigma
Sounds good. His 22nd Annual 5k Stomp Out Stigma Walk for Mental Health will be held May 18th and will start in the Seward parking lot at Grand Valley State University in Grand Rapids. Proceeds from the walk will be used to make things nicer. A program to further spread awareness throughout the community.
“Reducing stigma is a challenge for everyone when working in the mental health field, because stigma is the biggest barrier to people seeking help and treatment,” says Buck. “It’s like any other disease, if you don’t treat it, it gets worse. If you broke your leg, you would go for treatment, but your mental health should be treated the same way.”
Along the walking route, people can pay tribute to loved ones who have died from mental illness by placing placards, signs and photos on ‘Memorial Hill’. Last year, 1,000 people participated in the walk.
“This year, I want to increase the number of lives I positively impact through be nice,” says Buck. “We want to increase the number of people who understand this action plan and show them how easy it is to be kind.”
If you or someone you know is struggling with their mental health and need urgent help, call 988 or text “like” to 741741.
Monique Bedford is an aspiring journalist currently working as a freelancer for Issue Media Group publications. She graduated from Oakland University in fall 2022 with a bachelor’s degree in journalism and a minor in Spanish. Monique has experience in journalism, media design, and radio show hosting. When she’s not writing, she enjoys studying different cultures and languages, reading her favorite newspaper, the New York Times, and spending quality time with her friends and family. can be viewed at any time.
Photography of people with disabilities by Tommy Allen.
Other photos courtesy of West Michigan Mental Health Foundation.
The MI Mental Health Series focuses on opportunities for Michigan children, teens, and adults of all ages to find the mental health help they need, when and where they need it. This is made possible with funding from. Michigan Community Mental Health Association, Health and Research Transformation CenterLifeways; West Michigan Mental Health Foundation, Northern Lakes CMH Station, on point, Sanilac County CMH, St. Clair County CMH, summit pointand Washtenaw County CMH.
