KALAMAZOO, MI (WKZO AM/FM) — Wednesday, Integrated Services of Kalamazoo (ISK) announced that it will use a $75,000 suicide prevention grant to better support the LGBTQ population, as well as youth and young adults at risk of suicide in Kalamazoo county.
Officials say the funding comes from a collaborative initiative to provide suicide prevention support for Michigan organizations working with health-disparate
populations.
ISK is among nine organizations being awarded the $650,000 in funding at an online event on Monday, May 3 from 9:30 – 11 a.m. EST via Zoom.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan joined forces with the Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan 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.
Officials say this program offers grants to develop evidence-based and sustainable programming that will decrease the rate of suicide attempts and deaths by identifying children or adults who may be at risk, as well as addressing their needs for appropriate medical, social and behavioral services.
Officials also add that over 7,000 Michiganders died due to suicide from 2014 to 2018, which is why the initiative was created.
Evidence-based preventative programs are needed to stop individuals from committing suicide and those who have suicidal ideations, according to officials.
Programs that focus on populations experiencing health disparities due to income, age, gender identity and ethnic and racial characteristics were encouraged to apply for grant funding.
More information is available at www.iskzoo.org or by calling 269-373-6000.
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