Dialogue on violence and mental health

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) - A Monday community dialogue focused on the topic of mental health in response to a recent spike in violence in the City of Grand Rapids.

There were nine homicides in the city between mid-December and mid-January -- four of which remain unsolved. Three of the nine were domestic incidents. Some others appear to have been random.

The "Stop It!" effort created in the wake of the violence and several meetings have been held by various organizations to come up with ideas to decrease the violence.

The Grand Rapids Urban League has been calling meetings with systems players whose work is directly tied to the physical, mental, economical, emotional, educational and social development of families.

The Urban League collaborated with Network 180 and other organizations to host Monday's meeting.

"The stigma attached to mental illness treatment, it may stop someone from getting treatment when they can be served and they can address their illness and get better," said Christopher Smith of Network 180.

Monday's dialogue was the first of a string of meetings week focusing on a "systemic" approach to stop the violence.

Upcoming meetings:

• Monday, Feb. 25: “Community Dialogue on Mental Health,” Aquinas College, Wege Ballroom, 1607 Robinson Road SE.
• Tuesday, Feb. 26: “Community Dialogue on Criminal Justice,” Cesar Chavez Elementary School, 1205 Grandville Ave. SW.
• Wednesday, Feb. 27: “Community Dialogue on Economic Opportunities,” ICCF, 920 Cherry St. SE.
• Thursday, Feb. 27: “Community Dialogue on Education,” Grand Rapids Community College – Sneden Hall – 4125 E. Fulton St.