Northville residents, Leon and Mary Ellen Judd, were presented with the prestigious September Hero Award by Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) during the organization’s monthly Board meeting on Tuesday, September 24, 2013.
In honor of its 50th Anniversary, OCCMHA is presenting monthly Hero Awards throughout 2013 to individuals who: champion for change, inspire and support others, lead anti-stigma efforts, advocate for equality and independence, and give back to their community.
The Judds have been supporting and advocating for persons with mental illness for nearly 20 years. They are two of the original founders of National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Metro, a grassroots, all volunteer, non-profit organization, dedicated to improving the quality of life for persons with serious mental illness and their families through advocacy, support, and education.
Leon currently serves as NAMI Metro’s president and Mary Ellen is the treasurer and education chair responsible for the Families in Action and In Our Own Voice programs. They lead one of the largest Annual NAMI Walk teams, known for their bright, yellow t-shirts that read: “Stigma Stinks!”
In addition to the impressive work the Judds do through NAMI Metro, they are also well respected for their warmth and consideration toward parents who are struggling with a loved one’s illness. They respond to many calls, listen with a compassionate ear, and share their personal experiences.
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Nominations for OCCMHA 50th Anniversary Hero Awards are due the 1st of every month and are available online at www.occmha.org. Email completed forms to registerme@occmha.org or send completed forms to Debbie Wisser at 2011 Executive Hills Blvd., Auburn Hills, MI 48326.
About OCCMHA
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Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority is the public mental health system responsible for identifying, influencing, and delivering services and supports to approximately 22,000 Oakland County residents, including adults and children with developmental disabilities; adults with serious mental illness or substance use disorders; and children with serious emotional disturbance.
OCCMHA’s network of service providers include: Common Ground, Community Housing Network, Community Living Services, Community Network Services, Easter Seals Michigan, Macomb-Oakland Regional Center, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatment Innovations. For more information about OCCMHA call (800) 341-2003 or visit www.occmha.org.
