May 22, 2017
FEATURED NEWS

Auto Pioneer's Family Helps U-M Turn Tragedy into Discovery with Promise to Match Donations up to $5M
Bipolar disorder research program newly named for Heinz C. Prechter seeks to build on a decade's worth of scientific advances

Fifty years ago this spring, entrepreneur Heinz Prechter moved his company to Detroit, to answer car buyers' fast-growing demand for sunroofs. But even as his products brought light into more than a million vehicles, he fought darkness in his own life. This week, U-M named its entire bipolar disorder research program for Heinz Prechter, in honor of a new gift commitment of up to $5 million by the World Heritage Foundation - Prechter Family Fund. [ Press Release ] | [ Ann Arbor News ]
Peer-to-Peer Year-End Presentations 
 

Last week, we were delighted to hear year end presentations from our Peer-to-Peer depression awareness groups. Peer-to-Peer depression awareness groups were designed to educate high school students about depression and depressive illnesses, and to support them in finding creative ways to convey this knowledge to their peers in order to reduce stigma, raise awareness, encourage help-seeking when needed, and ultimately, help to promote the early detection of depression, bipolar disorder, and related illnesses. Eight schools and just over 100 students participated in the program this year.

Congrats to these amazing students for the contributions you have made to your community! [ Learn More ]
FEATURED EVENTS

Bright Nights Community Forum:  Understanding Bipolar Disorder
May 25, 2017

Join us for a Bright Nights forum titled, "Understanding Bipolar Disorder," led by experts from the Heinz C. Prechter Bipolar Research Fund. This even twill be hosted at the Grosse Ile Golf & Country Club in Grosse Ile, Michigan, on Thursday, May 25, 2017 (6-8 p.m.). [ Learn More ]

Register for the Firecracker 5K and Mile Fun Run benefiting the U-M Addiction Center
July 4, 2017

Kick off your Fourth of July in downtown Ann Arbor on Tuesday, July 4, 2017 for the Firecracker 5K! This 3.1-mile course gets underway at a perfectly patriotic locale: the intersection of Fourth and Liberty. This race benefits the U-M Addiction Center [ Learn More ]
MICHIGAN MEDICINE NEWS


A popular yet controversial Netflix show highlights a serious issue. A Michigan Medicine clinical social worker offers advice to help identify a person at risk. 


Mental health advocacy groups have shared warning signs and risk factors for suicide. Here's what to look for in a loved one.


A heart attack can lead to depression, but the reverse is also true. Why the ties between mental and cardiovascular health matter.


Understanding the brain's role in addiction can help break the stigma surrounding the illness - and encourage individuals to seek help.

FEATURED IN THE NEWS
  • Dr. Michelle Riba was interviewed by U.S. News & World Report for an article about professions that are more prone to depression. Dr. Riba said, "We see significant incidence of depression in medical students, interns and residents, and a fair amount of burnout in doctors, which is correlated to depression." 
  • Dr. Donovan Maust was interviewed by U.S. News & World Report about ways to tell the difference between Alzheimer's, dementia, and normal aging. Dr. Maust said, "If you're concerned about your memory and you're going to see a doctor, take along a family member who knows you really well."
  • Dr. Greden was also interviewed for a podcast with Lawyers with Depression
  • Dr. Monica Starkman, professor emerita, published a new piece for Psychology Today titled, "When Childhood Trauma Meets Healing Relationships."
M-SPAN UPDATES
  • In 2016, the Buddy-to-Buddy program's 130 Volunteer Veterans assisted 878 service members and veterans in Michigan, staffed 579 outreach events, and provided 5,420 hours of service.
  • Peer Advisors for Veteran Education (PAVE), a peer-to-peer program for student veterans, is now fully operating on 40 partner campuses across the country. Since the program's inception, over 600 Peer Advisors have been trained and over 4,000 student veterans have been assisted.
  • HomeFront Strong, an 8-week program to help Post-9/11 military or veteran spouses/partners build resilience and positive coping skills, is recruiting for upcoming groups in Grand Rapids, Lansing, Southfield, and Ann Arbor. For more information, email Rebecca Couch or call (734) 998-2206.
PRECHTER CORNER