News

John Greden, M.D., U-M Depression Center director emeritus, was appointed to the State of Michigan’s Suicide Prevention Commission on Thursday, April 2, as announced by Governor Gretchen Whitmer. The commission is charged with evaluating the causes and possible factors of suicide in Michigan to initiate improvements.

“I am incredibly grateful for the opportunity to join others and work to help stem suicides in the State of Michigan,” Greden said. “I’m honored to represent the University of Michigan, its Depression Center and Department of Psychiatry.  Other Commission members and I will need the wisdom, help, advice, and expertise from others so that collectively we can aid our legislature in this endeavor. We must work together to reduce the tragedies of suicide.”

A preliminary report is expected to be filed in October 2020 with the state legislature. Every April, a presentation will be made to the legislature with updates to the report, which will include such aims as “recommendations for reducing risk factors” among various demographics and “contain a list of evidence-based programs for suicide prevention in this state with successful outcomes.”

Greden’s appointment to the commission was at the behest of Robert Gordon, the director of the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS). Greden was nominated by the Michigan Psychiatric Society.