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Mental health among our youngsters has been a growing concern, particularly since the pandemic. Art is one of the outlets that allows for self-expression and communication. The Youth Arts Alliance is an Ypsilanti-based organization working throughout Michigan. It's making a difference in the overall well-being of its participants while building community. WEMU's David Fair takes a look at the program and its impacts with founding director, Heather Martin.
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Washtenaw Sheriff Jerry Clayton says the expansion of the county’s co-response units will greatly benefit the community. A second unit began earlier this month. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.
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Washtenaw County has launched an initiative to expand the use of unarmed responses to mental health crisis incidents. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.
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The Washtenaw County Sheriff’s Office has been making the rounds to get local government leaders on board to support the renewal of the Mental Health and Public Safety Millage. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.
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After several weeks of debate, the Washtenaw County Board of Commissioners is expected tonight to place the Mental Health and Public Safety millage renewal on the November ballot. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.
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Michigan’s medically frail prisoners could see a greater chance at parole under a bill passed in the state Senate Tuesday. Colin Jackson has more.
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A new report by the Washtenaw County Health Department shows a decrease in the local suicide rate in recent years, but it’s too early to determine if it’s a trend. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.
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Michigan legislators are working on bills to create new programs to specifically address mental health among current and former military servicemembers. They're scheduled for a House committee hearing this week. Colin Jackson has more.
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There is growing support for an alternative to police response to a mental health crisis in the community. The question is: Can it be a safer and more effective tool in dealing with such incidents for the person involved and the community at large? Care-Based Safety is an organization pushing for such operations in Washtenaw County, Southeast Michigan and beyond. The organization's co-director of culture and operations, Liz Kennedy, talks to WEMU's David Fair about why she believes it could and would work in our community.
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Mental health and well-being is a growing issue among today’s youngsters. For at-risk kids, the challenges are even greater. The “Telling It” program in Washtenaw County provides an outlet for area youngsters to gather in safe, uncensored and judgment-free spaces. The program's founder, Deb Gordon-Gurfinkel, and lead social worker, Kelly Kundrat, joined WEMU's David Fair to discuss how the process is equipping young people with essential skills that nurtures their well-being and sets them on a path towards success and fulfillment.