Celebrating Champions: Macomb County Community Mental Health Hosts Fourth Annual Mental Health Matters Awards:

MCCMH experiences a record number of nominations across seven categories

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, Mich. (May 26, 2026) – Macomb County Community Mental Health (MCCMH) recognized eight community members and one local organization at its fourth annual Mental Health Matters Awards on Thursday, May 21. Honorees were selected for their measurable impact on mental health and substance use awareness, support and prevention across Macomb County and beyond.

“Mental health is essential to a thriving community. Those recognized today are more than advocates—they are leading the charge to reduce stigma and uplifting others,” said Traci Smith, CEO of MCCMH. “With nominations up 65% this year, our community’s commitment to supporting one another has never been stronger.”

Award recipients were chosen by a judging committee following an open call for nominations. Each winner has been involved with MCCMH in some capacity over the past year.

The 2026 Mental Health Matters Awards Winners:

• Board of Directors Award Winner: State Representative Denise Mentzer
  • A lifelong community member who served nearly a decade on the Mount Clemens City Commission before joining the State Legislature, Representative Mentzer represents the 61^st District and is a strong advocate for mental health and community wellbeing. Representative Mentzer prioritizes policies that enhance access to care and stability for families in Macomb County.
• Community Partner Champion: Macomb County Sheriff’s Office
  • The Macomb County Sheriff’s Office’s focus on mental health and well-being continues to set a new standard. In 2025, the team responded to 700+ mental health-related calls, trained 160 deputies in behavioral health and 40 in crisis intervention, and collaborated with MCCMH’s mobile crisis team and diversion programs to connect individuals to care.
• Advocate Champions: Honorable Jennifer Andary & Katie Donovan
  • Judge Andary, currently serving on Macomb County’s 42^nd District Court, leads a Sobriety Court that focuses on treatment, accountability, and recovery, reflecting her deep understanding of the connections between mental health, substance use, and public safety.
  • Beginning as a mother supporting her daughter through her recovery journey, Katie Donovan’s advocacy has expanded to help families facing similar challenges. Katie co-founded A Mother’s Addiction Journey, a blog dedicated to providing education, support and hope while reducing stigma around addiction and mental health.
• Provider Champion: Tom Quakenbush
  • Tom Quakenbush founded Community Homes with a deep commitment to meeting individuals where they are. Under Tom’s leadership, the organization has emerged as a leading provider in Macomb County, known for its high-quality services, innovative housing solutions, and dedication to overcoming barriers to care.
• Self-Advocate Champion: Matthew Hessburg
  • Matthew Hessburg, founder of Matthew’s Bonfire BBQ Sauce, has achieved international success and stands as a powerful example of what individuals with intellectual disabilities can accomplish. Through his lived experience with Down syndrome, he demonstrates the potential for independence, leadership, and meaningful impact.
• Drita Gjelaj Award Winners: Kendra Casper & Alison Zanella
  • As a dedicated advocate from the MCCMH Office of Recipient Rights, Kendra Casper works tirelessly to ensure individuals receiving MCCMH services are treated with fairness, dignity and respect – empowering them to understand and exercise their rights through education, collaboration, and a person-centered approach.
  • Allison Zanella, a Parent Support Partner in MCCMH’s Children’s Department, leverages her experience as a parent of three children with special needs to guide and support families navigating services and challenges, ensuring they feel heard and supported.

This year’s award ceremony featured opening remarks from Mark Hackel, the County Executive of Macomb County, and was hosted by local storyteller Amyre Makupson.

MCCMH is proud to continue not only putting people first – regardless of income or insurance status – but also to celebrate the people who support that mission every day in Macomb County.

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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.