Faith-Based Clergy Conversation at DWIHN

November 10, 2023

On November 9th, 2023, the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network (DWIHN) hosted a Faith-Based Clergy Conversation event, which was attended by His Eminence Sayyid Kashmiri, along with about 30 other religious leaders representing Faith-Based Organizations in the Metro Detroit Area. DWIHN is the largest community mental health agency in the State of Michigan. It works with over 300 service providers to offer behavioral health, substance use disorder, disability-related services, and support.

The meeting was aimed at discussing critical issues facing the community, including substance abuse, mental health, and suicide. The Faith Leaders shared shocking cases that have affected the community, highlighting the need to equip clergies and faith leaders with the necessary tools to serve their communities better.

After expressing gratitude to the attendees and DWIHN for the opportunity to collaborate, Sayyid Kashmiri stated that substance abuse and mental illness were among the crucial issues invading the communities and taking many young lives. He emphasized the need for officials, specialists, and faith leaders to collaborate effectively and immediately to tackle these issues.

Sayyid Kashmiri also stressed the importance of training and certifying faith leaders to conduct proper consultations on substance abuse, suicide prevention, and other available resources to help save lives and raise awareness. The meeting ended on a positive note, with all attendees committed to working together to address these pervasive issues and make a difference in the community.