Oakland County CMH Exec Receives Prestigious State Honor

OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich., Oct. 15, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority (OCCMHA) is proud to announce that its executive director, Jeffrey L. Brown, received the Michigan Association of Community Mental Health Boards' Hal Madden Outstanding Service Award at the MACMHB Conference in Traverse City on Monday, October 15, 2012.

This distinguished honor recognizes the personal and professional conduct of an individual from within the public mental health system whose lifetime achievements have improved the understanding of mental health disorders, as well as enhance the lives of those who receive services.

"The Hal Madden Award is MACMHB's highest honor, named after a founding member of our organizations who was a champion of services to persons with mental illnesses and developmental disabilities," said Michael Vizena, MACMHB executive director.  "Jeff is a worthy recipient of this award for not only his contributions in Oakland County, but his advocacy and support for recovery-oriented, person-centered systems of care across the state."

Recognized as a prominent leader of Oakland County's highly respected public mental health system, Brown is passionate about serving and supporting people who have mental health illnesses, substance use disorders, developmental disabilities or serious emotional disturbances.  His allegiance to their independence and achievement serve as pillars of inspiration for Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority's organized network of service providers.

"Jeff leads with compassion, insight, and understanding," says OCCMHA Board Member Lois Shulman. "He is in fact viewed by the community as an advocate with exemplary integrity and sincerity."

Brown's past and present community contributions continue to dismantle stigma toward people living with a mental health illness by manifesting positive, public understanding about mental health services.

About OCCMHA

Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority is a public mental health system that provides services and supports to approximately 21,000 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, MORC, Oakland Family Services, Inc., and Training and Treatments Innovations. For more information about OCCMHA call (800) 341-2003 or visit www.occmha.org.  

SOURCE Oakland County Community Mental Health Authority