We need someone in Congress who can deliver mental health resources to rural Michigan. These two alarming stats reflect our neighbors and peers and I will work tirelessly to advance legislation that truly prioritizes life.
For the sake of our children, if you agree that it's time to get the doctor in the House, we need your help now. Please make a contribution to get Dr. Bob Lorinser to Congress so he can prioritize mental health services for rural Michigan, where the incumbent won't. Donate now.
Dr. Bob Lorinser is a longtime social worker, family physician, and public health expert from Marquette, MI. He highlights two alarming statistics related to Michigan's 1st Congressional District.
"The 1st District, with all of its wonders, also holds a tragic record," said Dr. Lorinser. "We have held it for decades, and we need to tell it and address it immediately. We are the state epicenter of death by suicide. New national data also shows firearms have now replaced motor vehicles as the number one cause of death for children in the US."
Of Michigan's 83 counties, 13 counties in the 1st District — including former MI01 county, Manistee — have the highest rates of death by suicide in Michigan. Suicide rates in seven counties in Northern Michigan and five in the UP top the state list, with Oscoda and Alcona counties showing over double the state average.
Dr. Lorinser — a candidate for Congress in the District — says the issue needs immediate attention and results from a lack of services in rural areas.
Why are rates so high?
Shortage of mental health resources
Ten counties have no psychiatrists or psychologists. All are in the UP or northern half of the Lower Peninsula.
Lack of substance use disorder counselors
Sixteen counties, all rural and all but one in the UP or northern Lower Peninsula, have no substance-use disorder treatment centers.
Greater access to guns
Loss of self-worth
Lack of jobs / unemployment rates
Michigan's 1st District has the top 11 worst counties for employment. The lowest counties show a two- to three-fold jobless rate.
What about protecting our children?
"The firearm death rate among children is rising, as more kids are involved in gun-related homicides and suicides and accidents," said Dr. Lorinser. "Firearms are now the leading cause of death for children for the first time. These are preventable deaths."
According to the CDC, nearly two-thirds of the 4,368 US children up to age 19 killed by guns in 2020 were homicide victims.
"I've fought for a better quality of life for my patients and their families for three decades," said Dr. Lorinser. "Now I intend to take that fight to DC. We need someone in Congress who will actually vote for mental healthcare resources for rural Michigan and someone who can deliver."
"We can, and we must do better. I live here. Northern Michigan and the UP are my home. These stats reflect our neighbors and peers, and I will work tirelessly to advance legislation that truly prioritizes life. I hope 1st District voters agree; it's time to get a doctor in the House."
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