Click on the image to access this episode! In this episode, we introduce you to the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, a NETWORK OF HOPE. Through this wonderful, non-profit organization, people throughout Michigan who are facing a wide range of mental and physical health issues are connected with resources and providers who can help.  From suicide prevention to cognitive disabilities to substance abuse disorder and other mental health challenges, the DWIHN is right there within reach of every community in the state for out-patient, residential, and in-home services, for as long as it takes to get well. Eric Doeh, CEO of the DWIHN, explains not only the range of resources available, free of charge to anyone who needs them but talks about where and how to find these resources and how these services offer a second—or third, or fourth—chance to anyone struggling to overcome their mental or physical challenges.  As he explains, “My number one job is to help people…get better.”

Mr. Doeh also introduces us to Michael Squirewell, with his harrowing story of survival, rescue, and redemption from a life of poverty, crime, substance abuse, and cognitive as well as other severe mental health challenges—all through connecting with DWIHN.  After long commitment and a lot of hard work, Mr. Squirewell has not only triumphed over his mental and cognitive health challenges, he has gone to on advocate for people just like him, as a Mental Health Ambassador for DWIHN—who he says, “…have become more than friends; they’ve become FAMILY”.

Squirewell defies us all to, “Name me one person who doesn’t have a mental challenge!”  With the help of DWIHN, he—like so many others—has found a network of hope to overcome those challenges and live a better, more joyful life.