Griffin Forums

Spring 2023 Griffin Forum

Can Policy Break the Stigma? Mental Health Policy in Michigan

Tuesday, March 14, 2023
6:00 p.m. in the Park Library, Opperman Auditorium

Join us for a panel discussion featuring experts and advocates who will address mental health policy in Michigan, including a current assessment of mental health/well-being, anti-Stigma efforts, legislative policy initiatives, available resources, and improving access.

Livestream: Visit the CM Life website or the CM Life Facebook page to view a livestream of the Griffin Forum.

Panelists

Stacy Bare

Stacy Bare is a husband, father, former National Geographic Adventurer of the Year, filmmaker, and Military veteran who served in Iraq, Afghanistan, Bosnia and Georgia. He is Executive Director of the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks and a member of the National Parks Conservation Association (NPCA) Veterans Council. Bare blends his personal experiences with his passion for the outdoors to advocate for transformative healing and improved mental health through adventure and connection to nature.

State Representative Felicia Brabec

State Representative Felicia Brabec is serving her second term representing the 33rd House District, which encompasses portions of Washtenaw County, including parts of the city of Ann Arbor (parts of wards 3, 4, and 5), Scio Township, York Township, and Pittsfield Charter Township, and all of Bridgewater Township, Lodi Township,  Saline Township, and Saline City. Dr. Brabec is a practicing clinical psychologist with a master’s degree in clinical social work and more than two decades of experience. As a practicing psychologist, she sees up close how decisions made by our state government affect people's everyday lives and has pledged to bring the full breadth of her experience with clients to the bargaining table every day.

Dr. Sarah E. Domoff

Central Michigan University Psychology Professor Sarah E. Domoff is an expert on children's media use and problematic media use in adolescents. Dr. Domoff joined Central Michigan University in Fall 2016 and directs the Family Health Lab in the Department of Psychology. In 2015, Dr. Domoff received a Ruth L. Kirschstein National Research Service Award (F32HD085684) from the NICHD to examine low-income mothers’ beliefs about media and family mealtime practices as predictors of childhood obesity risk. Broadly, Dr. Domoff’s research program seeks to promote the health and well-being of diverse, underserved children and families, with a specific focus on childhood obesity prevention and healthy media use.

Rob Vallentine

Rob Vallentine is a Steering Team Member of the Great Lakes Bay Region Mental Health Partnership and is an Executive in Residence at Saginaw Valley State University. He works closely with the President’s staff, University Communications, the SVSU Foundation and Alumni Relations to further advance the SVSU experience on campus and in the community. He also works with various departments and student organizations in an effort to reduce the stigma of mental health and strengthen access to resources within the university and the community.

State Representative Mary Whiteford

Former State Representative Mary Whiteford (2016-2022, District 80) introduced a comprehensive bipartisan plan aimed to redesign the state’s behavioral health system to take a more person-centered approach. She also sponsored legislation aimed to attract mental health professionals to rural and underserved urban areas in Michigan. While in office, she served as a member of the Health Policy Committee.

Reception and open house

We invite you to visit us in the Park Library Strosacker Room from 4:30 - 6:00 p.m. for our forum reception and an open house to learn more about the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service.

Event sponsors

The Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government organizes two policy forums each year that address social, political-economic, environmental, and other current and important issues. The forums are hosted twice yearly by the Robert and Marjorie Griffin Endowed Chair in American Government within the School of Politics, Society, Justice and Public Service and the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences at Central Michigan University.

Past forums

  • Ballot Breakdown (10/25/2022)
  • Cannabis Policy: Hashing it Out (3/15/2022)
  • Reporting from Washington: A Conversation with Political Correspondents (4/12/2021)
  • Building Better Communities Through Passion, Power, Politics and Purpose (2/18/2019)
  • The Redistricting Dilemma: How the Political Map Determines Elections (4/9/2018)
  • Off the Record, On the Road: Borders, Boundaries, and Migration (10/30/2017)
  • Civility, Engagement and Polarized Politics: How Can I Make a Difference? Five Perspectives from Distinguished Michigan Leaders (4/17/2017)
  • HUMAN TRAFFICKING! Not in my neighborhood? (3/20/2017)
  • Michigan's Democratic and Republican Parties: In a State of Evolution or Revolution? (9/26/2016)
  • Emergency Financial Managers . . . Do They Have a Legitimate Place in Michigan Government? (3/21/2016)
  • Highway Tax Proposal (4/20/2015)
  • The Future of Healthcare in Michigan: Availability, Affordability, and Quality (4/7/2014)
  • ​​Justice Elizabeth Weaver (10/21/2013)
  • The Future of Labor Unions in Michigan (4/8/2013
  • Predictions for the November Elections (4/2/2012)
  • The Future of Higher Education in Michigan (10/10/2011)
  • And Justice for All? Should Michigan Change the Way We Select Judges? (4/4/2011)
  • Making Public Management Work in the Global Economy (9/23/2010)
  • Changing Michigan's Mitten: How Many Cities, Townships and School Districts Do We Need? (4/14/2010)
  • Michigan's Economic Future: Is There a Light at the End of the Assembly Line? (10/27/2009)
  • Election 2008: What will happen on November 4th and how will the results impact Michigan? (10/22/2008)
  • Can Climate Change Heat Up Michigan's Economy? (4/9/2008)
  • Now What? Managing the Budget Crisis (11/6/2007)
  • Does Michigan Need a New Constitution? (4/11/2007)
  • November 7: What Will Happen? (10/25/2006)
  • Affirmative Action/Racial Preferences: Should They Be Banned? (3/29/2006)
  • Michigan's Economy: Can it be Saved? (10/26/2005)
  • Multiple Threats to Michigan's Water (4/19/2005)
  • Campaign 2004: What Will Happen? (10/19/2004)
  • Future of Gambling in Michigan (4/14/2004)
  • Is the Michigan Judiciary Being Corrupted by Money & Elections? (11/20/2003)
  • Women in Power in Lansing (3/26/2003)
  • Investing in Higher Education in Michigan (11/20/2002)
  • Term Limits (4/18/2002)
  • Political Civility (4/12/2001)