Local Mental Health Champions Honored at Macomb County Community Mental Health’s Mental Health Matters Awards:

Honorees selected in nine categories for the third year 

Macomb, MI – Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) honored nine Macomb County-based mental health champions and organizations at its third annual Mental Health Matters Awards on Thursday, May 15. Awardees have made a significant impact on mental well-being and substance use prevention in the county. 

“Our honorees inspire communities through their selflessness, advocacy, and commitment to delivering quality care. It’s an honor to recognize them during Mental Health Awareness Month,” said Traci Smith, CEO of MCCMH. “Macomb County is a better place with these individuals and organizations in it. Today and every day, we thank you.”  

Honorees were selected from an open call for nominations. Each individual or organization has been involved with MCCMH in some capacity within the past year.  

The 2025 honorees are: 

• Advocate Champion – Samia Yousif 
• Caregiver Champion – Shelley Petty 
• Provider Champion – Life Enrichment Academy – New Haven 
• Community Partner Champion – Anita Pillai, Pharmacist, Genoa Healthcare 
• Self-Advocate Champion – Angel Vice 
• Board of Directors Award – City of Sterling Heights 
• Drita Gjelaj Award – Adam Wright, Network Operations Coordinator, MCCMH 
• Putting People First Award – Amy Strick, Case Manager, MCCMH 
• Reducing the Stigma Award – Tati Amare, Host, WDIV 

“We’re truly honored to receive a Mental Health Matters Award from MCCMH,” said Sterling Heights Mayor Michael C. Taylor. “This really speaks to the hard work of our two social workers who support our residents with compassion and care every day. It also underscores the importance of our community-wide mental health survey and strategic plan, which helps us better understand and respond to the mental wellness needs of Sterling Heights. Together, we are building a stronger, healthier, and more resilient community.” 

“We look forward to continuing to elevate the activists, caregivers, and providers that make a difference in Macomb County,” Smith concluded.  

Amyre Makupson – local mental health advocate, storyteller, and past Reducing the Stigma award winner – hosted the ceremony. 

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About MCCMH:  

Macomb County Community Mental Health is guided by the values, strengths, and informed choices of the people we serve. The organization provides quality services to meet behavioral, mental, physical, and medical health needs — which promote recovery, community participation, self-sufficiency, and independence to individuals in Macomb County regardless of financial status.