Public Mental Health Task Force Convenes Hearing On Mental Health Needs

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Lawndale News Chicago's Bilingual Newspaper - Health

Chicago’s Mental Health Task Force, Chaired by Alderman Sophia King, convened the first public forum on Thursday, June 13th at Malcolm X College on public mental health services called for by the recently-enacted “Public Mental Health Service Expansion Resolution.” Residents were able to provide written and spoken testimony on the mental health needs in the city and provide recommendations on the re-opening the closed public mental health clinics and expanding current mental health services at existing clinics. Ald. Sophia King, Ald. George Cardenas, Ald. Jeanette Taylor and other aldermen were present and hosted by the Mental Health Task Force and supported by the Collaborative for Community Wellness. The Collaborative is a coalition of mental health professionals, community-based organizations, and community residents working to address mental health inequity and redefine mental health services to match the needs of the community. The Task Force was created to study the impact of the previous Mayor Emanuel’s decision to close public mental health clinics, assess the geographic areas most in need of mental health services and the types of services needed, and determine recommendations.

Comments are closed.