There was a lot of chatter as we looked forward to greeting eight new members to the club. President Mark Foster rang the opening bell and Jody Tull deSalis did piano duty with My Country ’tis of Thee. Becky Pazkowski’s Inspiration celebrated June. Jim Irwin told us about enjoying his “Great Day to be a Rotarian” at a San Francisco Rotary meeting, assuring us it was done with gusto – as it should have been, given that the President of the club is his daughter!!. He then led us in a Jim Irwin song calling us all to rally around the incoming Michigan athletes entitled Wolverine Fans! sung to the tune of I’m Looking Over a Four Leaf Clover. President Mark then thanked the people who make the meeting run smoothly and introduced guests, read birthdays and anniversaries.
Barbara Eichmuller began the introduction of our new members. There are eight in this class, a record. Each new member was introduced by his or her sponsor, received greetings from the club, tee shirts and pins. After a final welcome to the group, Barbara invited us all to come to the joint Social Hour with Kiwanis at the Kiwanis Center Tuesday, June 11, at 4:00pm. There will be people from several service clubs there for just mixing, and food and drink will be plentiful. This event is free!! Contact Susan Smith Gray to sign up: 734 834-0374.
Notes from the Program
Our speaker was Dr. John F. Greden, the Rachel Upjohn Professor Emeritus of Psychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences at the University of Michigan. He has made significant contributions in the field of mental health research and treatment. and is the founder of the Frances and Kenneth Eisenberg and Family Depression Center, which was the first of a national network of depression centers. He has written widely and has lectured and served in leadership positions all over the world.
Dr. Greden began his remarks noting that unipolar depression is the third leading cause of health care referrals. There are many treatments – no one treatment is appropriate for all individuals. Treatment fails because it is often too slow so people drop out, and insurance coverage is inadequate or nonexistent. Medications and inpatient treatment are brutally expensive. And there is severe stigma associated with mental health situations. Dr. Greden realized that diagnosis and treatment need to be highly personalized and data driven, which is the approach taken at Michigan. He took his vision to the University and with determination and philanthropic help, saw the opening of the Eisenberg Depression Center is 2006.
Dr. Greden talked about how developments in the other sciences and technologies have contributed to advances in mental health management. He particularly cited the success of ketamine as working against suicide, and technology in allowing monitoring patients. He talked about how each of the different brain diseases incorporate different receptors, which is why so many drugs are needed. Different delivery methods contribute to long term use of drugs, noting that ketamine was originally administered IV, then a nasal spray was developed, and then pills. He talked about brain stimulation treatments, and that we are now able to match drugs to an individual’s genes.
Dr. Greden left us with four charges. First, we need to advocate for more treatment centers. There are 24 now, but many more are needed. Second, do not stop successful treatment or stop searching for optimal treatment. There are many options. Third, ask for help if you or a loved one is exhibiting long term sadness or unusual, unexplained behavior. And finally, use A.I. in your search for understanding and mobile monitoring to keep track of developments.
President Mark announced that the speaker next week will be our member Rich Sheridan speaking on ” How Menlo is Changing Companies for the Better.” He led us in reciting the Four Way Test and rang the closing bell at 1:30.
