Suicide Prevention

When tragedy befalls a family, the grief never goes away. We all deal with it in different ways. Sometimes, loss gives birth to an action plan to spare others similar pain. That is where the Miles Jeffrey Roberts Foundation in Ann Arbor comes from. Kristen and Jeff Roberts are parents who continue to mourn the loss of their son Miles. He took his life in 2017 at the age of 15. Through the tears, and with purpose and dedication, the Roberts began a foundation aimed at empowering youth athletic communities to promote mental well-being and suicide prevention. They talked about their work with WEMU's David Fair.

Ann Arbor’s suicide prevention organization, Garrett’s Space has named a new executive director. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert has this report.

The number of firearm deaths in Washtenaw County dropped in 2024. That’s according to figures released by the Health Department and Sheriff’s Office. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

Suicide is the second-leading cause of death for Michiganders between the ages of 15 and 34. Local support group Garrett’s Space is getting funding from the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Millage to help bring down those numbers. WEMU’s Kevin Meerschaert reports.

For any parent, there is nothing worse than the thought of losing a child. There are far too many dealing with such loss. Julie Halpert is among those living that life but also working to make sure the loss of her son is not in vain. Garrett Halpert died by suicide at the age of 23. Since then, she and her husband Scott Halpert have been developing a safe place to help young adults in need. It’s called "Garrett’s Space" and will be located on 77 acres in Superior Township. Julie Halpert joined WEMU's David Fair to provide an update on its progress.

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.

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.

Julie and Scott Halpert know all too well what it means to lose a loved one to self-inflicted harm. Their son Garrett took his own life in 2017. Ever since, the Halperts have been working to provide support to others in hopes of preventing more grief. Now the plan is to have a brick-and-mortar facility on 76-acres of land in Superior Township to provide holistic and non-medical support and care services for young adults struggling with life. And, it's to be called Garrett's Space. The Halperts joined WEMU's David Fair to share their story.

A nonprofit aiming to build a residential center to help people struggling with mental health issues took a step forward to becoming a reality. WEMU’s Josh Hakala has an update.

A nonprofit focused on mental health awareness now has hopes to bring a residential center to Washtenaw County. WEMU’s Victoria Smith reports.