The city of Detroit has initiated an unprecedented survey aimed at assessing the mental health needs of its residents. The campaign, titled “Protect Your Crown,” aspires to gather responses from 5,000 participants to better understand and address the community’s mental health challenges.
In its official announcement, the city described the survey as “short and anonymous,” encouraging widespread participation. The initiative is being led by Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate, who highlighted the urgency of the situation. Tate revealed that in recent months, police have received over 13,000 calls from individuals concerned about their mental well-being.
“Alarmingly, 4,600 of those calls were related to suicide crises. This is a growing issue in our city, not a diminishing one,” said Tate. “We need to gain a clearer understanding of these concerns, identify what strategies are effective, and determine which resources are necessary to improve mental health support in Detroit.”
Tate referenced a University of Michigan study indicating that more than 20% of students in Detroit schools had contemplated suicide even before the pandemic. He also noted that Detroit Police have received thousands of similar distress calls from adults.
The city is urging residents to participate in the survey to help shape future mental health initiatives. For those struggling or in crisis, the free 988 Lifeline is available for support. Individuals can call or text 9-8-8 for immediate assistance.
