Michigan Prevents Prodromal Progression Update

Michigan Prevents Prodromal Progression (M3P) has a mission to reduce the incidence of mental illness (such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder) in Washtenaw County through early detection. The M3P Program is going strong, facilitating a steady stream of community presentations, which are generating referrals for those in need of services. At the end of October representatives from the Robert Wood Johnson Foundation (RWJ) traveled to all replication sites to conduct an audit to assess implementation progress and assure that the services being delivered have consistent quality and fidelity to the intended model. The audit results provided overwhelmingly positive feedback to the M3P Program.

The M3P Program started late this spring and community educational outreach activity has taken place in 13 different organizational categories reaching over 1,200 individuals. Community outreach activity has lead to the formation of key partnerships which are a vital aspect of the M3P Program’s success and sustainability.

The M3P Program goals for 2008 will focus the on continuation of educational activities, increasing referrals, strengthening current community partnerships and the development of an M3P video with success stories from clients and families interested in sharing their personal experience with early identification and treatment of prodromal psychosis.

Adolescent development can be a confusing time for young people. Therefore, severe mental health symptoms can be passed off as “just a phase”. We know that parents, school staff, teachers and peers are the primary identifiers of early warning symptoms or changes in a young person’s thinking, emotions and behaviors. Let’s work together and get the word out there we can make a difference. If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the M3P Program or would like to make a referral, please contact us at 734-434-2630.