Nine groups will split $650,000 to put on suicide prevention programs in Michigan communities.
The funding will establish the Suicide Prevention Support for Health Care Clinics Working with Michigan’s Health-Disparate Populations initiative, according to Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan.
The program offers grants to develop evidence-based and sustainable programming that will decrease the rate of suicide attempts and deaths by identifying children or adults who may be at risk. It also will address their needs for appropriate medical, social and behavioral services.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation, Michigan Health Endowment Fund, Children’s Foundation and Ethel and James Flinn Foundation are partnering on the initiative.
Organizations receiving grant funding include the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services in Dearborn, Black Family Development, Inc. in Detroit, Child and Family Charities in Lansing, Mid-Michigan Health Foundation in Gladwin, Clare, Ogemaw and Gratiot counties, and the Upper Great Lakes Family Health Center in Calumet.
“Suicide is a complex problem that requires innovative, evidence-based solutions,” said Lynda Rossi, Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan executive vice president of Government, Strategy and Public Affairs.
“The organizations receiving funding are well-positioned to take on this important work in their respective communities,” Rossi added. “We’re confident these efforts will help save lives throughout the state of Michigan and will create sustainable changes to support improved behavioral health care for some of our most vulnerable populations.”
