MSU event to highlight community advocacy on mental health awareness

Michigan State University’s Mental Health Research Connect is an organization in the Department of Psychology composed of faculty and students who are working to increase engagement around mental health research and to bridge the gap between researchers and those impacted by mental health.

To recognize Mental Illness Awareness Week, Mental Health Research Connect will partner with NAMI Lansing, the local affiliate of the National Alliance on Mental Illness, to host a special event bringing awareness to mental health and the importance of collective support.

The event will feature Vikram Patel, a professor of global health and social medicine at Harvard Medical School, who will deliver a virtual keynote. The talk will be followed by a live panel discussion featuring a peer support specialist, a psychiatrist as well as community activists. They will share insights on how connection and belonging can serve as critical foundations for recovery from and prevention of mental health conditions.

“This event is about rethinking how we approach mental health — not just through services, but through relationships, community and a sense of belonging. We’re thrilled to bring so many mental health experts, including the global voice of Dr. Patel, together to imagine what accessible, rights-based mental health support can look like in practice,” said Katharine Thakkar, director of MSU’s Mental Health Research Connect.

Date/time: The event will be held Thursday, Oct. 9. Local organizations will be available at 6:30 p.m. with the program starting at 7:00 p.m.

Address/parking: The event will take place at the Facility for Rare Isotope Beams in the 1300 Auditorium on MSU’s campus (640 S. Shaw Lane, East Lansing). Parking is available in Ramp 1 at 592 N. Shaw Lane.

Attendee RSVP: While the event is free, registration is required.

Interviews: The following individuals will be available for media interviews. Media are encouraged to arrive by 6:30 p.m. to conduct interviews prior to the program’s start.

• Katharine Thakkar, associate professor of psychology at the College of Social Science and director of MSU’s Mental Health Research Connect
• Katreva Bisbee, president, NAMI Lansing
• Additional community partners

Media RSVP: If you are planning to attend, please email Jack Harrison or call 517-939-9378 by 5 p.m. Wednesday, Oct. 8.

MSU Mental Health Research Connect welcomes any adult over the age of 18 to join the program, whether they have experienced mental health challenges themselves, have loved ones who struggle with mental health, or just want to get involved. Submit this form if you want to get involved or seek support.