Honoring Mental Health Activists Awards Dinner
Oct 16, 2025

Start time:

06:00 PM

End time:

08:30 PM
Register

 

Join us for an evening of gratitude and inspiration as we honor four extraordinary individuals who are making a remarkable impact for those diagnosed with mental illness and substance use disorders.

 

The night will kick off with a delightful array of appetizers paired with beverages, setting the perfect atmosphere for mingling and connections. Guests will enjoy lively conversations while overlooking the breathtaking skyline of Detroit in the beautiful Iridescence Room.

 

Honoring Our Activists

During the formal dinner program in the Amnesia Room, we will honor:

 

  • Andrea M. Cole, President and Chief Executive Officer of the Ethel & James Flinn Foundation in Detroit. Under Andrea Cole’s leadership, the foundation has given millions of dollars over the years to improve youth and adult mental health services in southeast Michigan. Its goal is to learn through evidence-based projects what works.
     
  • Robin Erb, Senior Health Reporter, Bridge Michigan. Robin Erb’s reporting has brought to light problems with children’s mental health services, including those at the heart of the KB v. Lyon lawsuit settled only recently after years of litigation. She has also focused attention on the state’s shortage of inpatient psychiatric beds.
     
  • Heather Catallo, Investigative Reporter, WXYZ-TV 7 News Detroit. Heather Catallo’s work has exposed civil and patients’ rights abuses in Michigan’s psychiatric treatment and recipient rights systems. She has received awards from the Michigan Association of Broadcasters, including Best Investigation, and an Emmy.
     
  • Ross Jones, Investigative Reporter, WXYZ-TV 7 News Detroit. Ross Jones revealed the state’s years-long failure to oversee psychiatric hospitals, including nearly 150 sudden or suspicious deaths of psychiatric patients. His reports ultimately changed how hospitals are regulated by the state.


Each honoree will share their journey, reflecting on their motivations and the importance of raising awareness in their fields reminding us all the importance of empathy, understanding, and action.

 

As we celebrate these trailblazers, together we can create new paths for those facing challenges related to mental health and addiction. This evening is not just about recognition; it’s about igniting momentum for change within our communities. We hope you will gather with us to celebrate those paving the way for change.

 

Location
MotorCity Casino Hotel
Amnesia Room - 16th Floor
2901 Grand River Ave.
Detroit, MI 48201

 

Tickets
MHAM Member | $100
Non-Member | $150
*if you would like to donate a ticket, please email office@mha-mi.com.

 

Parking
Self-park in connected structure or complimentary valet available.

 

Overnight Accommodations
This room block is closed, though there may still be availability. Please call the hotel directly at (313) 237-7711 and refer to the MHAM Honoring Mental Health Advocates event.

Overnight accommodations include COMPLIMENTARY:

  • Parking
  • Starbucks coffee and bottled waters in each rom
  • Use of the 24-hour business and fitness center
  • Wired and wireless internet in each room
  • Multiple desktop power outlets and ethernet ports

 

SPONSORSHIPS AVAILABLE!
CLICK HERE or button below for sponsorship opportunities.


 

                         IN-KIND SPONSOR

    
 

                ACTIVIST DINNER SPONSOR
 

              
 

                         TABLE SPONSOR

 

                       TRIBUTE SPONSORS
 

   
 

                               EXIBITOR
 

                    

 

 

 

*There are no refunds for individual registrations, but it can be transferred to another person. For more information, please contact Kristen Taylor at kristen@mha-mi.com.