Today’s weather forecast is predicting considerable cloudiness with occasional rain showers in the afternoon with a high of 45 degrees and a low of 33 degrees.
An MSU College of Human Medicine professor’s study, “Recommended Mental Health Practices for Individuals Interacting With U.S. Police, Court, Jail, Probation, and Parole Systems,” found there is a severe lack of services in all counties across the U.S. Of 59 recommended practices, the study found no practices were used in more than 43% of counties.
Human Medicine professor Jennifer Johnson led a study that reviewed literature and identified 59 recommended mental health services for individuals involved in the criminal legal system. The study then surveyed counties throughout the United States to determine which practices were used.
Johnson said it is important to define what the criminal legal system is, as it includes millions of Americans every year, not just those who serve long sentences in prison.
After completing another study that found the accessibility of community mental health and substance use services predicted a lower county jail population, Johnson wanted to look further into recommended practices and how widely they are used.
One practice Johnson believes is particularly important is Medicaid eligibility continuity. Currently, an individual’s Medicaid eligibility is paused when they are incarcerated, even if it is only for a night, and it is not restarted automatically upon release.
This can leave individuals with mental illnesses vulnerable to further risk behaviors as they miss several days of their medication, Johnson said.
The full study can be found through the MSU library.
MSU to hold third annual blood drive showdown against U of M
The MSU chapter of University Blood Initiative is looking to defend its back-to-back wins against the University of Michigan in the third annual Battle of the Mitten Blood Drive Showdown tomorrow.
University Blood Initiative, or UBI, is a nationwide organization with 24 chapters looking to prevent blood shortages by empowering young people throughout the country to give blood and advocate for an equitable blood supply. In Michigan, Spartans and Wolverines have put their long-standing rivalry to use supporting Michigan hospitals.
This year, MSU UBI is striving to receive 50 units of blood in donations. This goal would require 75 individuals to donate and would save the lives of approximately 150 people.
The blood drive will be held tomorrow from 12:30 to 6:15 p.m. in the West Holmes Lobby. Potential donors should schedule an appointment through Versiti, though walk-ins will be accepted if there are open slots.
All donors must also bring a valid form of identification that shows their birthdate. Plenty of sleep, food and water before an appointment is also highly encouraged.
Waka Flocka Flame, Between Friends rock MSU’s campus at annual spring concert
Michigan State University welcomed musical guests Waka Flocka Flame and Between Friends to the Breslin Center last Thursday, for the annual spring concert.
The event was organized collaboratively by Impact 89 FM, Residence Halls Association, The Associated Students of MSU and the University Activities Board. Organizers worked diligently to figure out venue details, budget, scheduling and every other aspect of putting together this event for the MSU community.
Advertising creative junior Sydney Sims, also the music director at Impact, was on the planning committee for this year’s concert. Sims said this year’s choice of artists was meant to draw the diverse MSU community together to celebrate music across genres.
At 8 p.m., Between Friends took to the stage and energized the crowd from the pit to the nosebleeds. Their indie pop sound filled up the Breslin as they played hits from their discography like “affection,” “iloveyou” and “What’s up.”
Shortly after Between Friends’ departure, Waka Flocka Flame emerged onto the stage and was greeted by a receptive audience. He played his hit song “No Hands,” as well as many covers of other popular rap songs.
Waka Flocka Flame spent most of his set mingling with the crowd. Starting off by jumping into the pit, the rapper then made his way around the venue through the first row of seats, interacting with the audience, taking pictures and expressing his love for Spartans.
At the end of the night, audience members flowed out of the Breslin Center with new memories.
Based on original reporting by Vivian Barrett and Kendra Gilchrist.
