State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr.

2 weeks ago

--Sharing the following report from Washtenaw County--

"Washtenaw County Health Department Releases Suicide Report
Local suicide rate decreased from 2023 to 2024

YPSILANTI, Mich., June 18, 2025 – The Washtenaw County Health Department is releasing a new Suicide Report detailing local suicide data trends through 2024. From 2023 to 2024, there was a 12.5% decrease in the rate of suicide completions in Washtenaw County. The suicide rate among Washtenaw residents continues to remain below both the Michigan and national suicide completion rates.

“In 2024, our suicide completion rate reached the lowest rate since 2018,” says Deanna Price, MS, health promotion coordinator with Washtenaw County Health Department. “Our local suicide completions have declined each year since 2021. While a single suicide completion is too many, we are grateful to see a decrease in 2024.”

In 2024, 34 Washtenaw County residents died by suicide (note that all 2024 data is preliminary). 85% of these deaths were among white residents. Men continue to be overrepresented in suicide deaths, making up 74% of suicide deaths in 2024.

Suicides among young people have been of concern in Washtenaw County for several years. From 2023 to 2024, suicide rates among residents under 25 years old decreased by 57%. Rates among those aged 65 and older also declined, dropping by 50%. In contrast, rates increased by 27% among residents aged 45 to 64.

“Mental health treatment and support saves lives,” says Lisa deRamos, communications coordinator with the Washtenaw County Health Department. “Suicide is preventable, and everyone should take mental health concerns seriously. Reach out for help if you need it or if you are concerned for someone else.”

Additional data is available in the full report: bit.ly/sr61825. Visit washtenaw.org/suicide for more local data and resources.

Local suicide prevention work
Mental health was identified as a top health issue in Washtenaw County’s latest Community Health Assessment. Workgroups are currently developing action plans to improve local mental health.

To prevent firearm deaths and injuries, the Health Department has free gun locks available to community members. Visit the Health Department (555 Towner in Ypsilanti) during business hours to pick one up from the clinic reception desk.

The Wish You Knew campaign works to reduce mental health stigma and promote resources for youth and families. Driven by community conversations and funded by the Washtenaw County Mental Health and Public Safety Preservation Millage, the campaign aims to spark honest and supportive conversations about mental health between youth and adults.

Washtenaw Alive is the suicide prevention collaborative of Washtenaw County. The coalition meets virtually on Zoom every third Thursday of the month at 12pm. New members, collaborators, and guest speakers are always welcome.

Suicide prevention resources
Suicide is preventable and help is available. Anyone in Washtenaw County can call Community Mental Health 24/7 with any mental health questions or concerns: 734-544-3050.

If you feel suicidal, call 988, text 988, or visit 988lifeline.org/chat/ for the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline. You can also text HELLO to 741741 (Crisis Text Line).

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

It’s important to know the warning signs for those at risk of suicide, including:
• Talking about wanting to die, feeling hopeless or having no purpose, feeling trapped or in unbearable pain, or being a burden to others
• Looking for a way to kill oneself
• Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs
• Acting anxious, agitated, or recklessly
• Sleeping too little or too much
• Withdrawing or feeling isolated
• Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge
• Displaying extreme mood swings

If someone you know shows warning signs of suicide, assume you are the only one who will reach out. Take them seriously, talk to them in private, and ask directly if they are thinking about suicide. See more recommendations on what to do if someone is at risk for suicide here.

Media resources
Media plays an important role in preventing suicide. We encourage media to consider these safe reporting recommendations to minimize hopelessness and to increase help-seeking when covering this report and topics related to suicide. Note that the Suicide Report contains data on methods. This is important public health information, but sharing method details can be harmful to those who are struggling and has shown to cause contagion, according to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Washtenaw County Health Department
The Washtenaw County Health Department promotes health and works to prevent disease and injury in our community. Our mission is to assure, in partnership with the community, the conditions necessary for people to live healthy lives through prevention and protection programs.

Visit us at washtenaw.org/health or call 734-544-6700. The Health Department also provides frequent social media updates (@wcpublichealth) and sends regular email updates; sign up at bit.ly/WCHD555." ... See MoreSee Less

Health Department | Washtenaw County, MI - Official Website

washtenaw.org

The Washtenaw County Health Department works to promote health and prevent disease and injury for all in our community.

State Representative Jimmie Wilson Jr.

2 weeks ago

I am standing with the families of Senator Hoffman and Representative Hortman. This act of political violence is tragic and has no place in American life!

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Manhunt Underway for Suspect in Shootings of Minnesota Lawmakers: Live Updates

www.nytimes.com

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