Flint highlights suicide-awareness month, promotes 988 hotline and free screenings

Mayor Sheldon Neely introduced the city’s health division and its work for suicide awareness and preventive care. "This month is suicide awareness month," the health lead said on air, and Neely and staff highlighted 988 as a resource. "988, and it will be a live person on the other Internet line to be able to talk you through…" the mayor said while describing the hotline as a place for immediate support.

Sheba Ward, who leads the city’s health efforts, described a recent early detection event at the McKinley Center offering free mammograms, vaccinations and STI testing through partnerships with Genesis Hurley Cancer Institute and Henry Ford Health. Ward said everything the division offers is free and urged residents to call (810) 410-2020 for information and upcoming workshops, including a probate-and-legal-resources lunch-and-learn for seniors.