4 GROUNDCOVER NEWS MENTAL HEALTH First "988 Day" observed on September 8 LYNN SUTFIN Michigan Department of Health and Human Services The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) joined with the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration to observe the first 988 Day on Sunday, September 8. 988 Day is a national initiative dedicated to raising awareness about the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline through the overarching theme of “No Judgement. Just Help.” This inaugural observance, coinciding with National Suicide Prevention Month, underscores the critical importance of behavioral health awareness, fostering open communication and extending support to individuals in their moment of need. The 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline, (previously known as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline), is a 24/7 tollfree nationwide hotline consisting of a network of local call centers across the country that confidentially provide compassionate care for people with emotional distress or crisis related to life circumstances, anxiety, depression, suicide, mental health, substance use and more. This line offers immediate support to people when life gets to be too much, regardless of the reason for call. “Calls to Michigan’s 988 Lifeline are INSP from page 2 Big Issue UK. Many panels took deep dives into the unique ways street papers across the world generate income for their vendors in addition to selling their newspaper or magazine. Just to name a few, at =Oslo, vendors can work at the =Kaffe making and serving coffee to the magazine’s customer-base and neighborhood. At the Big Issue UK, vendors can work for the “Big Issue Recruit” by connecting unemployed people to job vacancies across the UK. The Big Issue Japan started the “Nighttime Bakery” which hires vendors to pick up day-old bread and re-sell on the street during hours that bakeries are typically closed. And of course, there were presentations and displays on the variety of special edition products street newspapers produce: crossword editions, short story/fiction books, calendars, wrapping paper, children’s editions — examples of which can now be browsed at the Groundcover office! This year’s summit piloted an activity called “unconferencing” which gave delegates the chance to go deeper into the issues, opportunities and challenges not covered in the pre-set conference schedule. Street paper organizations across the network look quite different — some big, some small, some representing homelessness, others migrants, many languages and social issues. Topics chosen by the delegates included: reader engagement, cashless payments, data collection, rogue sellers, digitalization, social media and mental health for staff. The INSP Awards, a tradition of the summit, celebrates the successes and excellence of the movement. Although Groundcover News was not shortlisted this year for any award categories, we were proud to submit works in Best Photo, Best Vendor Contribution, Best Article/Journalism and Best Cover. You can see what we submitted in the graphic to the right. On the final night of the summit, INSP announced the location for the next summit: Portland, Oregon with host paper Street Roots! I am hopeful the upcoming conference based in the United States will allow for closer planning with Groundcover News, so we can organize much-needed programming and add focus on street paper vendors — the heart, soul, and reason for street organizations. Groundcover News application for INSP Awards 2024 newspaper answered by dedicated and welltrained staff who help connect those experiencing crisis with support and resources,” said Elizabeth Hertel, director. “Strengthening crisis care and mental health services continues to be a top priority for MDHHS. We encourage anyone experiencing a crisis, whether personally or through one of their family members, to use this resource whenever needed.” With rising levels of anxiety, emotional distress and overdose deaths, it is crucial people have somewhere to turn when they are in crisis. According to data from the Youth Risk Behavior Survey, 40% of young Michiganders responding felt sad or hopeless during the 12 months before the survey and 16.9% had made a plan about how they would attempt suicide. For the state’s youth, 988 offers instant support through call, text or chat. Additionally, the 2022 State of Mental Health in America report showed more than 20% of Michigan adults were experiencing mental illness and more than 357,000 Michigan adults had serious thoughts of suicide. Further, the Washtenaw County Health Department's 2023 Firearm Death Report found these increases aligned locally as well. “When we compare 2014-2018 to 2019-2023, local firearm homicides have increased 113% and firearm suicides have increased 53%. Firearm deaths are preventable, and continued collective action is needed to save lives," said Juan Marquez, MD, MPH, Washtenaw County Health Department medical director. This report analyzed data from the Washtenaw County Medical Examiner Office. In 2023, most (66%) firearm deaths in Washtenaw County were suicides and 34% were classified as homicides. Resources The 988 Lifeline is a direct connection to immediate support and resources — the average time it takes for a call to be answered in Michigan is 14 seconds. People who are worried about a loved one who may need support can also call 988. There are specialized services available for veterans, LGBTQ+ youth and adults and other groups by selecting the corresponding option on the call menu. Crisis center calling services are available in English and Spanish, as well as a Language Line Solutions to provide translation services in more than 250 additional languages. Text and chat are currently available in English only. Suicide is preventable and help is available. Anyone in Washtenaw County can call Community Mental Health 24/7 with any mental health questions or concerns: 734-544-3050. Call 988, text 988, or visit 988lifeline. org/chat for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also text “HELLO” to 741741 to reach the Crisis Text Line. It’s important to know the warning signs for those at risk of suicide including: • Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no purpose, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, or being a burden to others. • Looking for or talking about ways to kill oneself. • Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs. • Sleeping too little or too much. • Withdrawing from activities or isolating from family and friends. • Visiting or calling people to say goodbye. • Giving away prized possessions. • Displaying feelings of depression, anxiety, loss of interest, irritability, humiliation or shame, agitation or anger, and/or relief or sudden improvement. It is especially concerning if any of these warning signs are related to a painful event, loss or change. If someone you know shows warning signs of suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Take them seriously, talk to them in private, and ask directly about suicide calmly and without judgement. See more information at washtenaw.org/suicide. SEPTEMBER 20, 2024 BEST PHOTO Mike Jones (June 30, 2023) BEST COVER Street Mythology edition BEST JOURNALISM Alexandra Granberg, "Driver runs over homeless cyclist, cops take no action" (September 8, 2023) BEST VENDOR CONTRIBUTION Christopher Ellis, "Housed, unhoused or homeless?" (November 4, 2022)
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