Image courtesy of James Tate
In a collaborative effort to uplift the community, Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate has joined forces with Mayor Mike Duggan and the dedicated team at the Detroit Health Department to embark on a crucial initiative. They have unveiled an engaging survey designed to capture the voices and insights of residents regarding mental health. This initiative seeks not only to understand the diverse perspectives of Detroit’s citizens but also to strategically allocate city resources and pursue grant funding aimed at enriching mental health programs throughout the city, ultimately fostering a healthier and more resilient Detroit.
The “Protect Your Crown” survey shines a spotlight on the importance of mental well-being in our communities. Tate passionately calls upon 5,000 Detroit residents to share their voices by Saturday, February 22. This heartfelt initiative aims to gather insights that will enable city officials to uncover critical areas in need of investment and create tailored programs designed to uplift and support the residents’ needs, fostering a healthier, more vibrant Detroit.
“Prioritizing mental well-being is an act of self-compassion and strength,” Tate said.
“When you focus on your mental health, you’re more resilient and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.”
This effort coincides with the recent groundbreaking last summer of the Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network of the 7-Mile Behavioral Health Wellness Campus in City Council District 1, a major step in expanding access to mental health resources within Detroit neighborhoods.
The Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network, Michigan’s largest mental health organization, serves 123,000 children and adults across Detroit and Wayne County. It is expanding its efforts to provide critical mental health and support services. With a vast network of providers, the organization is committed to assisting individuals facing serious mental illness, emotional disturbances, autism, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Emphasizing a mission of compassion and accessibility, the network strives to go above and beyond in delivering essential care to those in need.
Former Detroit Police Chief James White recently took the helm as DWIHN’s CEO just as the organization met a major milestone in mental health care. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services has formally certified DWIHN as a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC), marking its commitment to delivering comprehensive and accessible behavioral health services. With this certification, DWIHN joins the statewide Demonstration program, which launched last month, to enhance care for individuals with mental health and substance use disorders, ensuring critical support reaches those in need.
“By expanding the state’s CCBHC model to include DWIHN along with several of our network providers, DWIHN is poised to transform Michigan’s behavioral healthcare system to be more equitable, accessible, and accountable to the people we serve throughout Wayne County”, White said.
The urgent demand for enhanced mental health services is strikingly clear. In 2021, nearly one in three students from Detroit Public Schools Community District mentioned that they had thoughts about hurting themselves or ending their lives, according to a report from the University of Michigan. In 2023, residents of Detroit sought help with an astounding 16,003 calls for mental health assistance, a staggering 4,617 of which were related to suicide crises a haunting reflection of the struggles many face. Additionally, a survey released in 2023 revealed that 45% of people living in Detroit said they are having difficulties with their overall well-being.
In December 2024, data from the Detroit Police Department revealed a troubling and persistent rise in the number of distress calls, surpassing an alarming 16,000. Among these, a staggering 4,656 were directly linked to individuals in the throes of suicidal crises, each call echoing a story of despair and the urgent plea for help. These calls are not just numbers; they represent lives profoundly affected by suffering and struggle, highlighting the urgent need for a robust support system within the community. This growing crisis emphasizes the critical and pressing gaps in resources and intervention strategies that must be urgently addressed to safeguard vulnerable lives.
When the Protect Your Crown campaign launched last year, Tate highlighted that if you prioritize your mental well-being, you’re likely to be more emotionally available, resilient, and better equipped to handle life’s challenges.
“I believe It’s an act of self-compassion and strength to prioritize your mental well-being and seek support when needed,” Tate said.
The five-minute online survey is completely anonymous and does not collect any personally identifiable information. Every response will contribute to shaping Detroit’s mental health initiatives and securing funding for programs with the most significant impact.
How to Participate:
Access the survey online via this link: SURVEY
The survey takes approximately 4-5 minutes to complete.
Residents are encouraged to share the survey link with family and friends aged 18 and older to ensure as many voices as possible are heard.
For more information about the “Protect Your Crown” initiative, and where to complete the survey, visit https://detroitmi.gov/departments/detroit-health-department/programs-and-services/protect-your-crown or follow along via Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/CouncilmemberTate
About Post Author
