Sophia Futo may only be in her second year at Michigan State University, but she is already a passionate advocate for incarcerated individuals with a history of mental illness.
Futo, a Psychology and Criminal Justice student with minors in Law, Justice, and Public Policy, is the project manager for the Mental Health Research Connect and is a student researcher with Citizens for Prison Reform.
Mental Health Resource Connect is a mental health research initiative based in the MSU Department of Psychology. The initiative aims to increase diversity and inclusion in mental health research by promoting the participation of those with lived experience of mental illness in mental health research and bridging the gap between academic researchers and the community.
In her role as the project manager, Futo works closely with a community advisory board comprised of researchers, clinicians, and community members with lived experience of mental health challenges. Last fall, Futo aided in the co-organization of an event in conjunction with the Lansing branch of the National Alliance on Mental Illness on transforming crisis care for individuals with severe mental illness.
“Social support and inclusivity are frequently cited as significant contributors to the overall well-being of those living with mental illness. Fostering inclusivity and a sense of belonging can lead to new perspectives and ideas that improve the lives of others,” said Futo. “By incorporating diverse viewpoints, we can identify previously overlooked barriers and implement equitable policies and resources to ensure equal access to care for everyone.”
Futo also produced a literature review titled, “What University Researchers Can Learn About Mental Health Research Priorities from People with Lived Experience of Mental Illness,” which she recently presented at the University Undergraduate Research and Arts Forum (UURAF).
“Inclusivity is crucial, particularly in mental health research, as it enhances the quality, validity, and feasibility of the studies,” said Futo. “By involving individuals with lived experience of mental illness throughout the research process, starting with the formulation of the research question, researchers can better support the populations their work aims to serve.”
In addition to her involvement with Mental Health Research Connect, Futo is also a student researcher with Citizens for Prison Reform, a grassroots, family-led nonprofit based in Lansing that advocates for the rights of incarcerated individuals and their families. They advocate for policy issues relating to abolishing solitary confinement, guaranteed family visitation rights, and increased transparency within the Michigan Department of Corrections.
Futo and the other undergraduate student researchers advocate for the rights of justice-involved individuals through research and policy reform campaigns. Futo assisted in compiling critical incident report data published by the MDOC to support a campaign to end the tabling of Senate Bill 493. This research was presented to state of Michigan representatives, and Futo was featured in an interview for the Lansing News discussing these findings.
“There is an ongoing trend of over-criminalization of individuals with mental illness. Unfortunately, mentally ill defendants are often sentenced to years in correctional facilities where many do not receive access to adequate psychiatric treatment. Many of these individuals could benefit greatly from appropriate mental healthcare,” added Futo.
Futo recently received the MSU Department of Psychology’s Undergraduate Award for Outstanding Contributions to Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. This award recognizes the outstanding contributions to the advancement of justice, diversity, equity, and inclusion undertaken by MSU students who are psychology majors. The award is given to current students based on their record of service, research, advocacy, and training/teaching that examines or advances justice, diversity, equity, and/or inclusion.
“I am truly honored to have been selected as a receipt of this award,” said Futo. “It is incredibly important, now more than ever, to recognize contributions made to Justice, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion initiatives and the positive impact they have on our communities and universities.”