The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has received a grant to address suicide in adult men in the state. There is a public health crisis going on, with more than 6,700 men losing their lives to suicide in Michigan between 2014 and 2018. The COVID-19 fallout has amplified the tragedy.
Currently, two-thirds of suicides are adult men. The $4.35 million grant from the U.S. Center for Disease Control and Prevention will fund the Preventing Suicide in Michigan Men program. The program is targeted at helping men over 25 with prevention efforts within communities and healthcare.
Dr. Deb Houry, director of CDC’s National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, said, “Suicide is caused by multiple factors and prevention must go beyond individual behavior change. Support and coordination are needed from every sector of society that can directly promote resilience and reduce risk factors such as isolation, stress, substance use, and relationship, financial and job issues.”
Emotional-support services are available at Michigan.gov/StayWell or by calling 888-535-6136 and pressing “8” to talk to a counselor 24/7.
Reporting for WGRT – Jennie McClelland
