Every six hours someone in Michigan dies by suicide, according to the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). A devastating statistic and one that organizations, the state and philanthropy are working to address through the support and implementation of life-saving programs and services. 

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan has partnered with CMF members the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan (BCBSM) Foundation, the Michigan Health Endowment Fund, the Children’s Foundation and the Ethel and James Flinn Foundation to establish the Suicide Prevention Support for Health Care Clinics Working with Michigan’s Health-Disparate Populations initiative. 

The organizations recently announced funding to nine organizations aimed at assisting healthcare clinicians and behavioral health specialists with developing and implementing evidence-based and sustainable programming focused on decreasing the rate of suicide attempts and deaths by identifying children or adults who may be at risk.

“This collective funding opportunity was led by dedicated grant partners across the state and awarded to exemplary organizations delivering access to resources and interventions to those at risk of suicide,” Audrey Harvey, executive director and CEO of the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan Foundation said in an article. “The past year alone has illustrated the need for increased support of behavioral health and patient safety, and this initiative aims most importantly to reduce the number of attempts and the unfortunate lives lost due to suicide.”

According to an article, organizations whose work focuses on supporting populations experiencing health disparities due to income, age, gender identity and ethnic and racial characteristics were encouraged to apply for funding.

“The Health Fund is excited to support a range of organizations providing direct care for Michiganders who are at an increased risk of death by suicide. The diverse set of projects in this initiative reflect the diverse set of problems our state faces in the fight against suicide and we are pleased to be supporting the unique solutions our communities will find,” Dana Chesla-Hughes, program manager at the Health Fund said in an article. 

The state has increased its efforts in addressing suicide rates with the guidance of the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission, a group that was appointed by Governor Gretchen Whitmer in 2020. The commission recently released the Michigan Suicide Prevention Commission Initial Report that provides recommendations on how to reduce the suicide rate. 

The report highlights five key suicide prevention recommendations: 

•    Minimizing risk for suicidal behavior by promoting safe environments, resiliency and connectedness.

•    Increasing and expanding access to care to support those at risk.

•    Improving suicide prevention training and education.

•    Implementing best practices in suicide prevention for health care systems.

•    Enhancing suicide specific data collection and systems.

Want more?

Read the full report.

Connect with CMF’s Health Funders Affinity Group.