Macomb County Mayor Mark Hackel speaks to the crowd at the second annual Mental Health Matters Awards ceremony, hosted by the Macomb County Community Mental Health Association. Eight individuals and groups were recognized this year for their outstanding work. Photo courtesy of MCCMH
Macomb County Community Mental Health recognizes individuals and groups who go above and beyond expectations and, starting last year, has been honoring them as local mental health champions.
Eight people were recognised at this year’s Mental Health Matters Awards.
Each honoree was honored for making a difference in the areas of mental health and substance use prevention in their community through selflessness, advocacy and dedication to providing care.
“During the pandemic, mental health and substance use disorders have increased by 33 percent,” MCCMH Interim CEO Tracy Smith said in a statement after the ceremony. “We welcome the community to celebrate the selfless acts of our 2024 Mental Health Champions, who have played a pivotal role in providing services and advocating for themselves and others. We are proud to provide a platform to celebrate those who are committed to breaking down the stigma surrounding mental health, especially during Mental Health Awareness Month.”
The recipients were selected based on nominations made earlier this year. Recipients must be individuals and organizations that have been involved with MCCMH in some way within the past year. The recipients were presented with their awards on May 23 at a ceremony hosted by CBS News Detroit’s Karen Carter.
This year’s 2024 awards and recipients are:
• Advocate Champion – Lisa Lepine, Director of The Arc of Macomb
• Caregiver Champion – Elisha Oakes, parent and advocate
• Provider Champion – Mary Lessard, Belle Meade Residential Home Manager
• Community Partner Champion – Live Rite Structured Recovery Corp
• Self-Advocacy Champion – Kelly Rebolledo, parent and advocate
• Board of Trustees Award – Chaplin, James Freedman, East Point Police Department.
• Dorita Gjokaj Award – Bruce Danton, program supervisor, Crossroads Clubhouse
• Stigma Reduction Award – Kevin’s Song
“All of our 2024 award recipients are committed to making an impact in the local mental health field and support the overall health of Macomb County through their impactful work and everyday lives,” Smith said.
