Caleb Adams, Chief Human Services Officer, Peckham joins the Michigan Business Beat to talk about Peckham’s philosophy on Mental Health. Peckham is Capital Area Michigan Works! CAMW! Most Valuable Partner (MVP) for May 2021 and May is Mental Health Awareness Month. Caleb and host Chris Holman discuss mental health from a nonprofit point of view, some common myths or misconceptions when it comes to mental health, and some ways wellness and mental health are incorporated within Peckham.

Watch the full interview now!

Transcript:

Can you give us a quick overview of Peckham?

· Nonprofit VOC rehab that provides jobs and job training opportunities for individuals with disabilities and other barriers

· Train and employ more than 2,500 individuals in five lines of business – empowering them to reach their own goals of self-sufficiency and greater independence

· Various locations in Michigan, also in Kentucky and Arizona

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, tell us about Peckham’s philosophy on Mental Health?

· Peckham views mental health as a dynamic and integral part of employee wellbeing

· We encourage a more expansive and inclusive view of mental health; one that includes people with a diagnosed mental health condition, people experiencing a diminished sense of emotional wellbeing, and those who have a family member, friend, or coworker experiencing a mental health challenge

· Nearly 45% of people we serve are living with one or more mental illnesses

· We focus on trying to minimize the stigma that is associated with mental illness by talking about it openly and freely

· Foster a workplace culture where sharing personal experiences with mental health is safe and encouraged (at all levels, leadership included)

· This sends a clear message that mental and emotional wellbeing is important, mental health challenges are common, and recovery is possible

· Our core value, People Matter to Us A Whole Lot, is about compassion for each individual that comes to work at Peckham, this also drives our philosophy around mental health and caring for the whole person

Tell us about some common myths or misconceptions when it comes to mental health?

· People tend to think that mental illness is much less common than it is, according to World Health Organization:

o Mental illnesses are among the most common health conditions in the United States.

o More than 50% of adults in the U.S. will experience a mental health problem at some point in their lifetime

o Taking the stigma and shame away from that will help people get the help they need when they may be experiencing a mental health problem

· Some businesses may steer away from hiring people who are living with mental illness because of biases or fears

o With almost half of our workforce having some sort of mental illness, Peckham is an example of how an organization can successfully empower individuals living with disabilities such as mental illness, and provide opportunities for them to thrive in work

o It doesn’t cost you more, it costs intention and effort – results are a loyal, engaged, and dedicated employee who can help your organization succeed

What are some ways wellness and mental health are incorporated within the organization?

· Training and programs for staff to participate in such as – Mental Health First Aid Training, which teaches people how to recognize and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges

· For those we serve, certified and trained staff provide supports and resources to help individuals living with mental illness excel at work, including a cognitive-behavior intervention specialist on site

· Promote and help employees connect with external mental health services and programs, such as Encompass – this is where the partnership between organizations and

· Facilities are designed with natural light, colors, accessibility, and comfort to create spaces that promote a greater sense of overall wellbeing when coming to work.

· Wellbeing Team – takes a corporate-wide approach to provides a variety of resources and activities for mental health and overall wellness including Be Well Challenges, Incentives for Physical exercise and getting healthier, Cooking events on improving nutrition, Wellness events like meditation, art, and creative therapy, Music Fridays (now virtual) and even community events such as our upcoming Speaker Series that speak to topics on improving workplace culture and becoming our best selves…

Are there any community opportunities available?

· Upcoming, Spring Speaker Series on Tuesday, May 25, with Nora McInerny

· Award-winning author, Tedx Speaker, and Grief Specialist

· Teaching on grief, loss, trauma, and mental health

· The pandemic has brought collective grief to our society, this event is sure to benefit all who have endured loss.

· FREE, VIRTUAL EVENT- Visit Peckham.org to register

 

· Mental Health First Aid Training for Businesses and Organizations

· In the greater Lansing area, Community Mental Health of Clinton, Eaton and Ingham Counties offers virtual MHFA courses that can be accessed by emailing prevention@ceicmh.org