Overdose deaths in Michigan decreased last year by nearly 6%, with 2,826 deaths recorded compared to 2,998 deaths in 2022, according to state data.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) reports that overdose deaths have fallen five times faster than the national average since 2021.

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Dearborn Health Department Director Ali Abazeed says the prevalence of overdose-reversing medication like naloxone has played a big role in those reductions. The Health Department alone dispensed 8,000 units of Narcan in the past two years through a vending machine at the Dearborn train station.

“We made it so that people know where it’s at, how to get it,” he said. “…and then paired it with instructional videos — both in Arabic and in English — to show what you should do if you come across someone who’s experiencing an overdose.”

Abazeed says one goal is to reduce the stigma and shame associated with drug overdoses. 

Steve Norris, director of Overdose Prevention and Recovery Support at the Alliance of Coalitions for Healthy Communities, spoke with The Metro Producer Sam Corey this week about how similar intervention programs are helping reduce opioid deaths throughout metro Detroit.

“(I)f you look at the highest rate of incidents, our two major areas of concern are Pontiac and Waterford Township,” said Norris. “So those are where we’re really seeing significant numbers and reduction, and that’s where we’ve put a lot of our emphasis.”

Public health measures like Michigan’s Naloxone Direct Portal, which distributes the life-saving drug to community groups for free in high-risk areas, have also played a part in reducing opioid-related deaths. Other harm-reduction measures include increasing access to fentanyl and xylazine testing strips, allowing drug users to test for these dangerous substances and reduce their risk of accidental overdose.

Still, while the latest trends in overdose deaths are promising, the racial gaps continue. Based on 2023 provisional data from MDHHS, Black residents are 2.8 times more likely to die of an overdose than white residents, with American Indian/Alaska Native residents 2.2 times more likely.

MDHHS says the agency is taking a “data-driven approach” to ensure substance use disorder funding reaches communities with the highest need.

WDET’s John Filbrandt contributed to this report.

Other headlines for Monday, Nov. 25, 2024:

• The National Poll on Healthy Aging released a new study on how grandparents are impacted by their grandkids, and found they can improve mental health and reduce loneliness.
• The Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy (EGLE) has unveiled a new air monitoring dashboard called MiAir, providing Michigan residents with real-time air quality data and historical trends.
• The Detroit City Council heard public comments Monday on a measure to prevent the sale of cats and dogs in pet stores.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new “bootcamp” for women entrepreneurs in Dearborn; the death of Michigan State University’s first Black president; local halal food drives for Thanksgiving and more.

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Dearborn launches ‘Business Bootcamp’ for women 

Applications are now open for a new eight-week boot camp for female
entrepreneurs in Dearborn. The City of Dearborn’s Dearborn WORKS
and the Arab American Women’s Business Council (AAWBC) created the program, which offers professional development, financial literacy courses, and networking opportunities. Participants will also receive $3,500 in seed funding upon completion. The funding comes from the U.S. Department of Labor. People can register and find out more at Dearborn.gov/BusinessResources by Dec. 1.

MSU’s first Black president dies

Former Michigan State University President Clifton Wharton Jr. has died. Wharton Jr., the university’s first Black president, led MSU for most of the 1970s. As president, he oversaw the creation of the MSU Foundation and established an anti-discrimination judicial board. He was also the first Black CEO of a Fortune 500 company, leading the Teachers Insurance and Annuity Association-College Retirement Equities Fund from 1986 to 1993. Wharton was 98.

Dearborn adding full-time therapist to police department

The Dearborn Police Department and the Arab Community Center for
Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) are teaming up to add a
full-time therapist to the police department for mental health calls.
The therapist will provide psychological evaluations during crisis
interventions and connect people with resources. More information about the position can be found on ACCESS’ website.

Detroit awarded $1.3M to expand lead hazard control

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services awarded $7
million in community grants to communities around the state for lead control services for Medicaid recipients. The city of Detroit received nearly $1.3 million as part of the funding, which will go toward lead inspections, risk assessment, and permanent removal of lead from eligible homes. The money can also be used to remove soil lead hazards, abatement work and pre-2014 faucets and fixtures that contribute to lead hazard 

DDOT hiring drivers and mechanics

The Detroit Department of Transportation (DDOT) is hiring drivers and
mechanics. Pay begins at $15/hour with transportation equipment operators making over $18/hour after 12 months on the job. General auto mechanics will make $24.92 an hour. To apply, visit detroitmi.gov/ddot.  

Islamic Center hosting turkey drive

The Islamic Center of Detroit is hosting a Food & Turkey
Distribution event offering halal turkeys from 1-4 p.m. on Saturday, Nov. 23. ID is required, and it will be based on a first come first serve policy. ICD is located at 14350 Tireman St., Detroit.

Detroit Friendship House offering Thanksgiving meal kit

The Detroit Friendship House in Hamtramck is also offering halal turkeys in its Thanksgiving Meal Kit food drive from 10 a.m. to 12 p.m. on Nov. 26, until supplies last. The in-person event takes place at 9450 Conant St., Hamtramck.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

Tonight on The Detroit Evening Report, we cover a historic new bakery, a new way to pay taxes, the start of the holiday season and more.

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Filipino bakery opens in New Center

Detroit’s first and only Filipino bakery celebrated their grand opening on Thursday. JP Makes and Bakes is in New Center on Woodward and Grand Boulevard.

Owner and pastry chef Jonathan Peregrino is a first-generation Filipino American. He says in the short month he’s been open, he’s already received many thanks from the community for bringing Filipino and Asian cuisine into the city.

“There are no Filipino bakeries,” he said. “I personally was driving to Chicago or Toronto to get the Filipino baked goods that I missed that were plentiful in California and Seattle.”

Peregrino received a $60,000 grant from Motor City Match to expand his bakery.

Filipinos are Michigan’s fourth largest Asian American ethnic group, with over 41,000 residents.

City to accept cryptocurrency

Detroit residents will soon have the option to pay taxes and other city fees using cryptocurrency through the service PayPal. The payment option will become available in mid-2025 along with additional improvements to the city payment services.

The city is also looking for blockchain entrepreneurs to pitch their ideas for innovative blockchain applications that can enhance transparency, improve data security and streamline public services.

Only three US states — Colorado, Utah and Louisianna — accept cryptocurrency for state payments. Detroit would become the largest US city to offer this option.

DTW opens sensory-friendly room

The Wayne County Metro Airport in partnership with Delta Airlines unveiled a new multi-sensory room today. The room is designed to provide a calm, supportive and safe environment for those with sensory sensitivities and cognitive disabilities.

The room features calming colors, sounds and activities, such as a tactile toys for children and a bubbling water sculpture. The room is located in the McNamara Terminal across from Gate 36.

Detroit’s Christmas tree arrives

Crews placed Detroit’s Christmas tree in the heart of Campus Martius this week. The 66-foot-tall tree comes from Manton, a small town in northern Michigan’s Wexford County.

The tree will be adorned with 25,000 LED lights and sparkling bulbs on Nov. 22 during the city’s lighting ceremony from 4–9 p.m. The ceremony will feature hot chocolate, giveaways, food trucks, shopping and a visit from Santa. 

Upcoming environmental events

The Environmental Interpretive Center at the University of Michigan-Dearborn is hosting a series of events in November:

• Thursday, Nov. 14: Nature Photography Walk. Participants are asked to bring their own cameras and accessories. Photos taken on the walk may be featured in a photography showcase in April.
• Tuesday, Nov. 19: Nature Walk for Mental Health. Includes brief guided meditations and a raffle.
• Friday, Nov. 22: An Evening Owl Prowl with the Naturalists. Participants will listen for owls on the walk, followed by a short presentation.

For more information, visit umdearborn.edu.

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

President-elect Donald Trump won 42% of the vote in Dearborn, according to the city’s unofficial results.

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He campaigned in Dearborn last week, pledging to bring peace to the Middle East, despite his longstanding support of Israel. Vice President Kamala Harris garnered 36% of the vote among city residents.

Green Party candidate Jill Stein, who campaigned as the anti-war candidate, received 18% of the votes. Some Muslim and Arab American voters shifted toward Stein and Trump hoping one of them would end Israel’s war in Gaza.

Still, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu cheered Trump’s victory, and foreign policy experts say the win could embolden Netanyahu to expand the war. Trump has urged the prime minister to do whatever it takes to win in Gaza. 

Visit wdet.org/electionresults for more general election results for the metro Detroit area.

Other headlines for Wednesday, Nov. 6, 2024:

• Tickets are now on sale for the SphinxConnect 2025: Ignite “convening,” referred to by organizers as the largest and longest-standing event dedicated to excellence and inclusion in classical music. The event will take place Jan. 23-25 at the Detroit Marriott at the Renaissance Center.
• City Councilmember Coleman Young II is hosting an “I Am Thankful” dinner before an At-Large Evening Meeting next Tuesday, Nov. 12, at the Northwest Activities Center in Detroit. Attendees are asked to RSVP by calling 313-628-2766 or emailing zina.johnson@detroitmi.gov. 
• Former WDIV reporter Chauncy Glover has died. The Detroit News reports Glover, 39, had been working at KCAL in Los Angeles as a news anchor for more than a year. The circumstance of his death have not been released. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover a new grant program in Dearborn to help homeowners fund front porch and step repairs; the groundbreaking of Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament’s new Holy Paws Dog Park and more.

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Dearborn offering free front porch repairs

The city of Dearborn is offering free front porch and step replacement to some residents. The program is funded by federal grants through the end of October. To be eligible, the property must be an owner-occupied, single-family home with a valid certificate of occupancy. Applicants must have lived in the home for at least one year. If you do not have a valid certificate of occupancy, you must have lived in the home for at least five years. Applicants must also be up to date on property taxes, utilities, water bills and insurance. For more information, visit Dearborn.gov. 

Public meeting on prescription costs under Michigan Medicaid plans

Michigan residents are invited to take part in a virtual meeting about prescription drugs covered under Michigan’s Medicaid health plans. The meeting will be hosted by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (MDHHS) with the purpose of allowing the public, stakeholders and other interested parties to comment on the list of prescriptions and associated costs. The meeting will take place from 9:30 a.m.-noon on Monday, Oct. 14, via Zoom.  Those unable to attend can submit questions via email to MDHHSCommonFormulary@michigan.gov by Oct. 9, 2024.

State dedicates funds to address teacher shortage

More than 160 school districts in Michigan are receiving $175 million dollars in grants to help address the teacher shortage. The money comes from the Michigan Department of Education and will go toward the state’s Grow Your Own Initiative. The initiative helps increase the number of certified teachers in areas of shortage. Each district receiving an award is partnering with one or more state approved preparation providers such as colleges. Detroit Community Schools, Dearborn City School District and Eastpointe City Schools are among the local districts receiving funds.

Create crocheted creatures at Parker Avenue Knits

Parker Avenue Knits is hosting an Amigurumi Workshop this month. Amigurumi is the Japanese art of creating small knitted or crocheted creatures. The workshop will be held over two days: Oct. 12 and 26. The shop says beginners are welcome. The cost is $30. For more information visit parkeravenueknits.com.

Holy Paws Dog Park breaks ground

The Cathedral of the Most Blessed Sacrament has broken ground on their new Holy Paws Dog Park. The park is a collaboration between the church, the City of Detroit Beautification program, and neighbors. The church is hosting a pet blessing at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 6 at the park, located on the corner of John R and Belmont. Blessings and other treats will be passed out as well as St. Francis Holy Cards and a gift card drawing. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.

On this episode of the Detroit Evening Report, we cover a vigil held in Dearborn over the weekend to mourn those killed in Israeli strikes in South Lebanon; recent U.S. EPA funding awarded to four Michigan tribes to implement climate action plans and more.

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A community in mourning

Over 1,000 people from metro Detroit’s Lebanese community gathered outside the Henry Ford Centennial Library in Dearborn on Sunday for a candlelight vigil mourning civilians killed in recent Israeli strikes in South Lebanon. Dearborn is home to one of the largest Lebanese communities in the U.S. — many from South Lebanon where the conflict has escalated. Israel and Hezbollah have exchanged fire almost every day since the war in Gaza began. The fighting has displaced tens of thousands of people in Israel and Lebanon, and according to Lebanon’s Health Ministry, more than 700 people have been killed in Lebanon in the past week.

Israel says it will continue to strike Hezbollah until it is safe for Israelis displaced from border communities to return to their homes. Hezbollah has promised to keep firing rockets into Israel until there is a ceasefire in Gaza.

Tribes receive $38M for energy projects 

Four Michigan tribes have been awarded $38 million from the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to implement climate action plans. The Climate Pollution Reduction Grants will support projects focused on reducing costs, improving infrastructure and cutting air pollution. These initiatives include solar installations, energy efficiency upgrades, electrification improvements, recycling programs and electric vehicle infrastructure — all aimed at reducing greenhouse gas emissions.  

Neighborhood Wellness Centers get funding boost

The state of Michigan has dedicated $17 million in this fiscal year’s budget to help support preventative health centers in Detroit and Flint.

The Neighborhood Wellness Centers were established in 2020 to offer free COVID testing, as well as free blood pressure, diabetes, and cholesterol screenings to residents in need.

Of the 22 wellness centers in Michigan, eight are located in Detroit. The Open Door Church of God in Christ on Seven Mile is one of them. Assistant Pastor Michael Dorsey says the centers offer a safe space for residents to seek medical attention. 

“We all have people in our family that have health issues and they may not trust going to the doctor, they may not have the resources or have a primary care physician, but by attending the Wellness Center, you can now receive the proper screening and attention free of charge that can put you in a better position,” Dorsey said.

-Reporting by Bre’Anna Tinsley, WDET  

Panel discussion to highlight Asian stigmas 

APIA Vote Michigan is hosting a virtual community conversation on civic engagement at 1 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5. The event, titled “Courageous Conversations,” will feature a panel of guests to discuss stigmas within the Asian community and how to break barriers to increase civic participation.  

Hamtramck to host Night Bazaar

The Hamtramck Downtown Development Authority and Discover Hamtramck are hosting a new inaugural event, Hamtramck Night Bazaar, from 4-9 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 5 at Pope Park, featuring a food truck, henna, and local art. 

Do you have a community story we should tell? Let us know in an email at detroiteveningreport@wdet.org.