Trigger Warning: This article mentions suicide.

September is suicide prevention month.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 10-34 years old as of 2024, according to a new report by the Michigan Suicide Prevention Council, made up of people from different sectors across the state. The recently established council joined together to make recommendations for the Michigan Suicide Prevention Plan.

State Suicide Prevention Coordinator for the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Lindsay DeCamp says that suicide rates are starting to decrease. “In 2024, our suicide rate was the lowest that it’s been since 2017, which is the first decrease that we’ve seen in recent years.”

But that doesn’t mean the work is over. 

The council recommended two priorities for the next year: sustaining state funding for suicide prevention infrastructure and finding ways to educate and license professionals across sectors in risk assessment and prevention.

Identifying risk factors

DeCamp says increased access to lethal means like firearms is a factor that contributes to suicide.  

“Research shows that states with higher rates of household gun ownership have significantly higher rates of suicide. Storing firearms securely and limiting access for those that are in heightened risk can help reduce suicide,” she says. 

DeCamp says societal, community and individual-level factors such as unemployment, health issues and social isolation can leave people more vulnerable to mental health struggles.

If you are experiencing thoughts of suicide or harm, please call or text the Suicide and Crisis Hotline at 988 for confidential emotional support 24/7. 

Monday is World Alzheimer’s Day. More than 7 million Americans live with Alzheimer’s disease according to the Alzheimer’s Association. 

Eli Lilly and Company and Planet Harvest are giving out more than 1,300 brain-healthy produce boxes to food insecure and underserved seniors in Metro Detroit. 

Jennifer Oleksiw is the head of neuroscience and the chief commercial innovation officer at Lilly, a pharmaceutical company in Indiana. She says it is difficult for underserved communities to achieve healthy diets. 

“We are constantly looking at what healthy habits people need to develop in order to live their best health potential. Diet is such an important part, and we know, especially in underserved communities, that can be difficult.”  

The 12-15 lb. food boxes include apples, a cabbage, cucumbers and collard greens. Also, a lemon, oranges, corn and zucchinis to support healthy aging and cognitive awareness. 

Seniors can pick up a box at the Rochester Christian University, Oakland Church, Next Steps for Seniors Foundation and the Webster Community Center. 

There’s also door-to-door distributions at several senior living homes. 

Additional headlines for Monday, Sept. 21, 2026

Mike Rogers’ plan to lower health care costs 

Michigan U.S. Senate candidate Mike Rogers outlined his plan to lower health care costs in Metro Detroit. Much of it revolves around transparency. 

Rogers, a Republican, says prices will come down if people could price shop for their medical care. 

“We go to open books to make sure that the hospitals and insurance folks know and understand what the costs are, so that when a patient shows up, they understand what their costs are.” 

Rogers also wants to expand the Trump Rx program to lower the cost of some prescriptions. 

Democratic candidate Abdul El-Sayed favors Medicare for All, which would cover Americans without private insurance. 

All Saints Literacy Center looks for English instructor volunteers

The nonprofit All Saints Literacy Center in Detroit is seeking volunteer English instructors.

Grace Irwin is the center’s executive director. She says there’s a waiting list of adult learners. “Adult literacy is a lot more than just learning to read or read a book. It affects employment, healthcare access, higher education, parenting, and an individual’s independence and their ability to navigate everyday life.” 

Irwin says the center opened 11 years ago to serve a large population of Spanish-speaking immigrants and new Americans.

Volunteer instructors and learners are paired once a week for a two-hour commitment, which can entail learning reading, writing and math. While services are free, volunteers and learners are asked to commit for at least six months but can stay as long as they need.

The center is located off of Vernor Highway in Southwest Detroit. Visit allsaintsliteracy.org to volunteer or sign up. 

MDHHS warns residents about harmful nitrous oxide health risks 

Inhaling recreational laughing gas is no laughing matter. Michigan’s health department is warning residents about serious health risks of using recreational nitrous oxide, also known as laughing gas, whippets, galaxy gas or N.O.S. Nitrous oxide is usually used in medical settings at the dentist or doctor’s office.  

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says health risks from improper use can lead to anxiety, depression and mood changes. It can also lead to memory problems, anemia, paranoia or loss of consciousness. 

Products that have nitrous oxide can be found in grocery stores, smoke shops and vape stores. 

The Michigan Poison and Drug Information Center says there’s been an increase in health emergencies from 2019 to 2023, with 144 poison center cases, 132 emergency room visits and nearly 200 emergency medical response services related to nitrous oxide. 

In 2024, 34% of cases required hospital admission and about 7% required intensive care. People experienced numbness, tingling of limbs, trouble walking or passing out.

People who are experiencing symptoms should call 911. Visit michigan.gov/sud for resources. 

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Detroit may see more money in the city’s budget at the end of this fiscal year than originally predicted. 

Detroit officials are estimating an increase of $58 million or more in revenue for the 2027 fiscal year. The city’s Sean Tobin says that’s a result of increased money from corporate income, property, and wagering taxes.

Tobin says the city was expecting to see a decline in revenue because of President Trump’s Big Beautiful Bill. However,”they were decoupled from that that policy, meaning that it wouldn’t affect the revenues. So, based off of how fiscal year 26 ended, that beat our prior expectations pretty well, which is great news.”

Officials estimate the city will start next year with a $1.5 billion general fund. The estimate provides the start for developing the budget for fiscal year 2028. 

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley

Additional headlines for Wednesday, Sept. 16, 2026

Sen. Gary Peters comments on SCOTUS absentee ballot ruling

The U.S. Supreme Court ruled that the Trump Administration cannot change rules around mail-in ballots for the upcoming midterm elections. But a Michigan senator is worried about more attempts at election interference.

Democrat Gary Peters is happy about the high court’s 7-2 decision. But he thinks President Trump will try to meddle in the November midterms. “They want to change the rules. They don’t want free and fair elections. They want to do what they can to to undermine the credibility of our elections. So we have to be vigilant.”

Trump still claims the 2020 election was stolen from him and frequently blames ballot counting in Detroit as a reason for his loss. The Justice Department sent election monitors to four Michigan cities including Detroit and Lansing for this year’s August primary.

-Reporting by Russ McNamara

Americans for Citizen Voting proposal won’t make ballot

The Michiganders for Money out of Politics initiative will appear on the statewide ballot in November. But a measure to require all voters to prove they are U.S. citizens will not.

The Board of State Canvassers deadlocked 2-2 on the Americans for Citizen Voting proposal, denying it from the ballot. They could not agree on a way to resolve problems with petition signatures. Now, a State House Select Committee is trying to find out why.

Both campaigns turned in hundreds of thousands more signatures than were required. Harris says the committee plans to hear testimony from people affiliated with the campaigns, as well as state and local election officials.

– Reporting by Russ McNamara

Health officials warn about recreational nitrous-oxide use

Michigan health officials say the state has a growing problem with people using whippets or laughing gas. Nitrous oxide-commonly catted laughing gas has a variety of medical and culinary uses. But the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says recreational use of nitrous oxide has been linked to a growing number of hospitalizations.

Health officials say recreational use has been linked to neurological injury, blood clots and injuries related to impaired judgement. 

They say since 2024, a third of emergency nitrous oxide cases in Michigan required hospitalization.

-Reporting by Steve Carmody

Gas prices rise

Fuel prices are rising daily. AAA says Michigan drivers are paying an average of $4.54 for a gallon of regular unleaded this morning. That’s 11 cents higher than yesterday, and 32 cents more than it was a week ago. Diesel fuel is averaging a record $6.34 cents a gallon statewide.

-Reporting by Pat Batcheller 

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story said that Detroit would end the year with a $1.5 billion surplus. This has been corrected to say that the city is expecting a $1.5 billion general fund. We apologize for the error. 

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The State of Michigan is highlighting the need to take your iron pills. The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services says 1 in 33 babies are born with a birth defect which is preventable by mothers taking daily folic acid supplements.  

This week is Folic Acid Awareness Week. 

Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian is the chief medical officer for the state. She says taking supplements prevents serious birth defects. She says its important for people to take their supplements within the first month of pregnancy. 

Folic acid is also found in leafy greens, beans, peas, asparagus and citrus. A daily supplement is about 400 micrograms.  

Additional headlines for Sept. 14, 2026

Students encouraged to submit civil rights artwork

The City of Detroit’s Civil Rights, Inclusion & Opportunity Department invites student artists to create artwork around civil rights. Artwork could be featured through the Civil Rights Summit: Civil Rights in the 21st Century. The summit takes place on Oct. 9th. Three awards will be presented by the Atellier School of Art. Submit artwork by Oct. 2.

Neighborhood Roads Fund invests in transit infrastructure

Governor Whitmer announces the first payments from the Neighborhood Roads Fund. It’s part of a $2 billion annual investment for Michigan infrastructure.

Whitmer says the funding will go toward bridge projects for counties, cities and villages. That includes $100 million to repair and replace bridges, $100 million for public transit and $40 million for rail grade separation projects to improve safety and reduce traffic congestion.  

Goal Line program expands after school programming

The city of Detroit investing more than $2 million in after school programs. The funding supports expanding the nonprofit Get On and Learn or Goal Line program. It had served 34 location and 1,000 students.

Now it will be expanded to include locations in four recreational centers and three libraries. Goal Line Executive Director Ricky Fountain says the investment will support an additional 1,000 students across the city.  

Any Detroit Public Schools Community District, Detroit chapter school, or homeschooled students is eligible to join for free.  

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley 

Detroit Cultural Center hosts Educators Night

Detroit’s Cultural Center will welcome teachers to explore five venues Tuesday night.  

The Detroit Institute of Arts, The Charles H. Wright Museum of African American History, the Detorit Historical Museum, the Michigan Science Center and the main brain of the Detroit Public Library will be open for Educators Night.  

Annamarie Boruki from the Detroit Cultural Center Association says the event offers resources and special programs.  “Teachers will be able to connect with more than 80 nonprofit and educational organizations, enjoy workshops, performances, exhibits, and heads-on resources that they can bring back to their classrooms.”

The event is open to classroom teachers, homeschooling parents and school administrators. This is the fourth time the Cultural Center has hosted Educators Night.  

-Reporting by Sascha Raiyn

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The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) is sticking to its childhood vaccine recommendations as the new school year begins.

The agency says clinicians should follow the schedules set by the American Academy of Pediatrics.

Despite that guidance, a growing number of parents in Michigan are deciding not to vaccinate their kids against preventable diseases.

Rates have declined since COVID

MDHHS grants waivers to parents who object to vaccines for religious, medical, or philosophical reasons. In the 2025-26 school year, more than 24,000 students received waivers, a rate of almost 7%. That’s the highest number in 12 years.

Ryan Malosh runs the department’s immunizations division. He says routine vaccinations have dropped since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“I think what we’re seeing is that that more people are probably wanting to maybe delay some of the vaccines that they’re getting,” he says. “It’s not that they’re necessarily opposed to vaccination, but they’re just maybe concerned about all of the shots at once.”

Science is on the state’s side

Experts say misinformation about vaccines is also contributing to the decline, especially the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine. Malosh points to decades of scientific research that has shown the MMR shot is safe and effective.

“A single dose is 93% effective at preventing measles,” Malosh says. “Two doses, which is the recommended schedule for children once they age four to six years old, is 97% effective at preventing a case of measles.”

The guidance comes amid a 35-year high in the number of measles cases nationally. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 94% of those cases were either unvaccinated or their status was unknown.

Michigan requires students to have at least six vaccinations against communicable diseases. Malosh says that includes influenza.

“That’s for everybody that’s six months of age and older,” he says. “They’re recommended to get a flu shot every year.”

Malosh says if parents have questions about vaccines, they should ask the experts—their doctors.

“They understand the science, and they’re trained in looking at these things,” he says.

The Detroit Public Schools Community District Board of Education has appointed 25-year-old youth advocate Jeremiah Steen to serve on the board for the rest of the year. 

Steen is filling the vacancy for Board Member Dr. Iris Taylor, who died in July at the age of 74. 

Taylor served in several roles, most recently as the Board Treasurer and former president. 

Steen is the founder of the Steen Foundation, a youth-oriented social group that promotes inquisitive thinking, helping teens advance community through creativity. He was formerly a member of the Skillman Foundation’s inaugural President’s Youth Council. He was the first youth board member. 

School Board President LaTrice McClendon says the board is proud to welcome Steen who will serve until Dec.31.

Additional headlines for Monday, Aug. 24, 2026

Arab American Chamber of Commerce fires executive director

The American Arab Chamber of Commerce has fired its Executive Director Bilal Hammoud on allegations of missing funds according to a statement released Friday. The chamber says it has retained an attorney to investigate.  

The Detroit News reports the investigation is due to $1 million in missing funds. Hammoud also served as the CEO of Tejara, a nonprofit business incubator powered by the American Arab Chamber of Commerce. 

This comes after the previous executive director Fay Beydoun allegedly diverted a $20 million grant by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation intended for the chamber to Global International Link, another company she created. She is now facing 16 felony charges. 

Bilal Hammoud has not yet publicly commented on the incident. 

MDHHS changes baby formula distributed by WIC

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services is changing infant formula distributed by the Women, Infants and Children (WIC) program. Beginning Nov. 1, Michigan will begin carrying Mead Johnson Enfamil products. WIC is ending its contract with Abbott Similac products.

WIC provides supplemental nutrition for pregnant and postpartum women. About 187,000 people participate in WIC each month. 

For more information about baby formula changes, visit michigan.gov/wic.  

Annual block party  

The Detroit Health Department is hosting its fifth annual Block Party.  The event will feature free food and beverages, health screenings and back-to-school vaccinations. There will also be a safe space walk-n-rally at 11 a.m.

The event takes place Sept. 12 from noon to 4 p.m. on 100 Mack Ave., between John R and Mack and Erskine Streets. 

Mural in Eastern Market tells story of healthcare in the U.S.

A new mural at the Eastern Market by artist Oshun Williams depicts the rising cost of healthcare. It’s part of the “One Nation, Overcharged” campaign, a national grassroots movement seeking a healthcare system which puts people over profits. The mural was unveiled over the weekend on Saturday.  

Listen to the latest episode of the “Detroit Evening Report” on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, NPR.org or wherever you get your podcasts.

The state health department says it will not be changing its recommendations for childhood vaccinations – despite an executive order signed by President Trump last week.

Chief Medical Executive Dr. Natasha Bagdasarian says she wants to provide clarity for parents and physicians. Michigan’s Standing Recommendations were issued in 2025 and, the state says, based on rigorous scientific evidence and transparent decision-making.

Bagdasarian urges parents to get children vaccinated as they prepare to return to school, noting vaccine-preventable diseases like measles and whooping cough are on the rise in Michigan and across the country. 

Additional headlines for Tuesday, Aug. 18, 2026

Source Booksellers organizes trip Alabama legacy sites

Source Booksellers is inviting customers and community to join their Bibliophile’s Journey visiting Alabama Legacy sites this fall. The trip is inspired by the tenth anniversary of the book “Just Mercy: A Story of Justice and Redemption” by Bryan Stevenson—and by the Equal Justice Initiative’s work to end mass incarceration.

Travelers will explore sites in Montgomery and Birmingham, including the Legacy Museum, the Peace and Justice Memorial Center and the Rosa Parks Museum.

The travel package includes hotel, airfare, entrance to legacy sites in Montgomery and more. For more information, contact Source Booksellers at 313-832-1155 or alyson.sourcebooksellers@gmail.com.

Detroit Women’s Commission hosts resource fair

The Detroit Women’s Commission is hosting it’s second (now annual) Resource Fair & Networking Event Saturday Sept. 19. Organizers have billed it as a day for a wholistic approach to total wellness—spiritual, physical, financial and mental.

Register in advance.

Little Liberia launches mid-week events

Little Liberia has new plans to make itself a mid-week hotspot. The eastside restaurant now has happy hour from 4:30-7:30 p.m. every Wednesday, featuring cocktails like its Liberian Girl and Sasstown Margarita.

Its weekly trivia night starts at 6 p.m. and runs til 7:30 p.m. – a family-friendly alternative to bar trivia. Until August 25, artists can also submit to Little Liberia’s rotating art exhibition. Selected work will be featured in the restaurant for 90 days and available to patrons to purchase. 

Detroit joins Bagelfest

Detroit’s Bev’s Bagels will compete at the New York Bagelfest this year. This year’s competitors represent 10 states and five countries. Fewer than 10% of applicants were chosen to compete.

Bagelfest is Nov. 15 at Citifield in New York.

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