The Metro: New mental health survey aims to better identify Detroiters’ health care needs

In recent years, conversations about mental health have been getting more attention, but it’s not always easy to determine when someone is struggling with their mental health.

That’s why Detroit City Council President Pro Tem James Tate is launching a new survey to better understand Detroiters’ mental health needs. The campaign is called “Protect Your Crown,” and it’s meant to spread awareness of existing services and potentially advocate for new services people may need.

Tate joined The Metro on Wednesday to share more about the survey and his motivations for creating it. In order to get a better understanding of what mental health issues need more attention, Tate says he hopes to get as many completed surveys as possible — with a goal of reaching at least 5,000 residents.

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“We’re prying, we’re learning, we want to know more about you, what’s working, and what’s not working in our mental health care system,” Tate said. “Has someone in your family been diagnosed? Have you been diagnosed? Again, very personal.”

Although the survey asks hard hitting questions, it is completely confidential, Tate said. The only identifier to the survey is the zip code which is important in order to know which parts of the city are struggling and where more support can be given.

Tate hopes through the investment of mental health resources and understanding Detroit’s residents, there can be real positive changes. He stresses the importance of breaking the chain in behavior in order to protect our community.

“We also have to do what we can to find out what leads individuals to that pathway of deviant bad criminal behavior,” Tate said, “And if we don’t do that, all we’ll be doing is rinse and repeating the same process that we have seen that really isn’t working thus far, I hear.”

Use the media player above to hear the full interview with Tate.

More headlines from The Metro on May 22, 2024:

• The Skillman Foundation launched its inaugural Skillman Visionary Awards this year, recognizing up to 10 individuals who are “transforming Detroit’s education system into a more equitable model for all.” The award not only puts a spotlight on the work being done within the community but it also compensates those individuals who are impacting the lives of young people. Angelique Power, president and CEO of The Skillman Foundation, joined the show along with awardee Jerjuan Howard, founder of Umoja Debate League to discuss the new awards.
• The Detroit City Football Club recently announced that it purchased the former Southwest Detroit Hospital site in Corktown with plans to build a new soccer stadium for the team. DCFC CEO and co-owner Sean Mann joined the show to discuss the move and what the future holds for the Football Club.
• Officials in the Detroit school district sent a letter to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer asking her to address the increase in cannabis use among kids. To discuss the issue, Created Equal host Stephen Henderson was joined by Robyn Vincent, a reporter for Chalkbeat Detroit who recently wrote about the rise in cannabis poisonings in Detroit schools.
• When people consider caregivers, they don’t often think of men. But a number of Black men in particular are caring for their aging family members. According to recent studies, there are benefits to doing this kind of work. NPR reporter Ashley Milne-Tyte looked into why.

Listen to The Metro weekdays from 11 a.m. to noon ET on 101.9 FM and streaming on-demand.