Why We Care
MENTAL HEALTH: 20% of the U.S. population reported a behavioral health disorder did not receive treatment 3, 4
DEPRESSION: 1 OUT OF 20 Americans report current depression 1
SUBSTANCE ABUSE: 2.3 MILLION Americans report current depression 1
SUICIDE: 9.4 MILLION Adults had serious thoughts of suicide in the past year 2
First Endowed Chair for Behavioral Mental Health Nursing Education
Michigan has a serious shortage of mental health professionals to address the behavioral health needs of our families, friends, and neighbors. Recognizing this problem, McLaren Greater Lansing made a $1.5 million gift to Michigan State University to establish the College of Nursing’s first endowed chair position.
The donation is the second largest gift ever given to the College of Nursing.
The Endowed Chair for Behavioral Mental Health Nursing Education will support the development of nursing competencies in this priority area related to evidence-based care and improved patient outcomes among undergraduate and graduate students, as well as McLaren nursing staff.
The goal: more and better-trained nurses in this vital area of healthcare.
“As a hospital provider, we could sit back and continue to lament the lack of mental health providers,” said Tom Mee, RN, BSN, MBA, President and CEO at McLaren Greater Lansing. “Or we could choose to take action to address it. We chose the latter. This endowment is a commitment to collectively work together to break down the single greatest barrier to mental healthcare services—access to providers.”
Endowed chair and professorship positions provide top scholars with stable support to actively engage in leading-edge work. The support from an endowment provides a dependable, perpetual source of funding to sustain the position, as well as the ability to conduct research and scholarship as new opportunities arise.
“The individual who fills this position will bridge MSU faculty and students with the McLaren Greater Lansing nursing team by improving mental health in the community,” said Dean Randolph Rasch. “Together, we will work on the frontlines with patients, addressing the ongoing education needs of nurses, developing their behavioral health nursing skills and building a healthier community.”
The College of Nursing is committed to creating a healthier tomorrow.
To have a lasting impact through
your philanthropic gift to the College,
contact Eric L. Sturdy, Jr.
eric.sturdy@hc.msu.edu or
(517) 432-1187.
References:
1. Pratt LA, Brody DJ. Depression in the United States household population, 2005–2006. NCHS Data Brief. 2008(7):1–8.
2. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. Behavioral Health Barometer: United States, 2015.
HHS Publication No. SMA–16–Baro–2015. Rockville, MD: Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, 2015.
3. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2014.
Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Mental Health Findings, NSDUH Series H-49,
HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14–4887. Rockville, MD.
4. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. 2014.
Results from the 2013 National Survey on Drug Use and Health: Summary of National Findings, NSDUH Series H-48,
HHS Publication No. (SMA) 14–4863. Rockville, MD.
