Whitmer: ‘It’s ok to not be ok’
Suicide is the 10th leading cause of death in Michigan, and someone dies by suicide every six hours in the state. As of this week, 1,282 suicides have been reported in Michigan in 2020. That number is expected to increase as more suicide reports are finalized.
To help reduce the number of suicides in the state, the Department of Health and Human Services released the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Initial Report — put together by a group appointed by Gov. Gretchen Whitmer in March 2020. The commission was initiated by Sen. Jim Runestad, R-White Lake Township.
“In Michigan, anyone who needs help should be able to get it,” said Gov. Whitmer in a statement.
“This task force will do critical work to collect data, expand resources and implement best practices so we can save lives. We must work together to reduce suicide rates in Michigan and make sure that everyone knows that it’s okay to not be okay and help is always here.”
The Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission’s priorities, which are noted in the report, include:
• Minimizing the risk of
suicidal behavior by promoting safe environments, resiliency and connectedness
• Increasing and expanding access to care to support Michiganders who are at-risk
• Improving suicide prevention training and education
• Implementing best practices in suicide prevention for health care systems
• Enhancing suicide-specific data collection and systems
“Suicide is preventable, and Michigan’s current suicide rates are unacceptable,” said Dr. Joneigh Khaldun, chief medical executive and Michigan Department of Health and Human
Services chief deputy director for health.
“However, through our plans and intentional actions, we can provide the help and resources necessary to save lives. Together, we can make Michigan a model state for suicide prevention and a place where everyone gets the help they need, when they need it.”
The commission will be working with state departments, nonprofit organizations and universities to research the causes and possible underlying factors of suicide in the state.
The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has taken steps to address mental health issues
that could be worsened by the COVID-19 pandemic. This includes providing mental health, substance use and emotional support services. These resources can be found at michigan. gov/StayWell. To read the initial report, visit http:// bit.ly/misuicideprevention. For Oakland County residents considering suicide or struggling with their mental health, call or text Common Ground’s 24/7 helpline at 1-800-231-1127 or visit commongroundhelps. org. For more resources, visit Oakland County Health Network online at oaklandchn.org.