mental health

A new Eastern Michigan University survey has found Michigan is facing a shortage of qualified professionals that can assist children with autism. We get the details from WEMU’s Taylor Pinson.

There is a national, state, and local teacher shortage, and demographics show it's a problem that won't be easily solved. In fact, it'll take some innovative thinking to recruit and retain new teachers, particularly those from marginalized parts of our community. EMU assistant professor, Dr. Iman Grewal, is working toward that end with EMU's NEXT Scholars and Hope Partners programs—something she terms a radical redesign of the student teaching experience. Learn more in her conversation with WEMU's David Fair.

Today is World Mental Health Day. Mental health awareness has become a greater focus throughout the country. The pandemic has exacerbated a number of such issues for people. Students seem to have been particularly affected. WEMU's David Fair checks in with Erin Goldman, a counselor and clinical non-case manager at Washtenaw Community College, and Rachel Barsch, WCC's student activities supervisor, to look at the changes and what lay ahead.

People experiencing a mental health crisis can get help 24 hours a day by calling 9-8-8. However, local officials want Washtenaw County residents to know there’s also a local phone number to access help. WEMU's Josh Hakala reports.

For District 6 in the Washtenaw County Commission race, there is a Democratic primary tomorrow that pits a three-term incumbent against a first-term Ypsilanti City Councilwoman. WEMU's Cathy Shafran has a preview.

Policing in our community and across the nation remains under scrutiny, and reforms are being called for at every level of government. There are a good number of different approaches to re-imagining public safety. Dr. Lisa Jackson is working toward that end as chair of the Ann Arbor Independent Community Oversight Commission, a member of the Michigan Commission on Law Enforcement Standards, and co-founder of the Coalition for Re-Envisioning Our Safety. She joined WEMU's David Fair to share her perspective.

May is mental health awareness month. Unfortunately, there is stigma still attached to mental health issues. There is inspiration to be had when progress is made, However, much of it comes from the sad and true stories of those who have suffered most. On "Washtenaw United" this week, WEMU’s David Fair discusses mental health, addiction and the loss of a son with Collyer Smith. Collyer is a member of the Ann Arbor Rotary Club and serves as the Rotary District’s chair of its mental health initiatives, including the “Stop the Stigma” campaign.

Governor Gretchen Whitmer wants to invest more money in mental health support for students. Colin Jackson has more.

Thomas Merton once said, "Art enables us to find ourselves and lose ourselves at the same time." That philosophy is similar to what an Ypsilanti-based program is creating. Miriam Kirscht is founder of Improvisation Heals. The program uses improvisational interaction to help overcome social anxieties and build confidence. WEMU's David Fair and Concentrate Media's Sarah Rigg discovered more about this innovative local program in this week's #OTGYpsi conversation.

Legislation that would redesign Michigan’s behavioral health administration received a hearing Thursday before a state House Committee. Colin Jackson has more.