Local VA to conduct mental health summit for veterans, service members

The Detroit VA Healthcare System Mental Health Service will hold its annual Mental Health Summit on Thursday, August 13, on the campus of Macomb Community College.

This year, organizers from the medical center are taking a slightly different approach to the event.

"Often, we hold these types of gatherings and our target audience is professionals, doctors, nurses and others in the community who care for Veterans living with conditions and illnesses," said Dr. Pamela Reeves, Medical Center director, Detroit VA. "This year, we wanted to plan an event for veterans, service members and family members of those who live with these challenges. So many have questions and concerns as they try to understand mental health illness in veterans, and we want to be there for them."

This year's summit will consist of a panel of mental health professionals from the community along with breakout sessions related to various mental health issues.

"One of the more exciting parts of this year's event will be a keynote address during lunch from Dr. Fred Frese, former director of Psychology at Western Reserve Psychiatric Hospital and Coordinator of the Summit County, Ohio Recovery Project. Dr. Frese is an incredible speaker, having treated conditions such as schizophrenia for more than 40 years," said Dr. Bella Schanzer, associate chief of staff, Mental Health. "There's so much we can learn from him and we are delighted to have him present at the conference."

The Mental Health Summit will take place from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. at the Macomb Community College, South Campus, K Building, in Warren. Continental breakfast and lunch will be available to all registered participants. The event is free but all participants must register to attend. To register, send email to allen.warrick@va.gov for registration. For additional information, call 313-576-2400.

For additional information on Mental Health Services at the Detroit VA, visit http://www.detroit.va.gov/services/MH_Mental_Health.asp.

Published: Thu, Aug 06, 2015