Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC) have released Community and Provider Voices: Strengths and Opportunities in the Suburban Cook County Crisis Care System, a comprehensive local assessment of the behavioral health crisis system that presents findings from community members, behavioral health providers, and social service providers. The report found that approximately one in three crisis system users turned to the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or local crisis services, such as Living Rooms or Mobile Crisis Teams for support.  In addition, 55% of respondents indicated that they called 911 or visited an emergency room instead of calling 988. To increase 988 awareness and utilization, the report recommends expanding outreach through trusted community partners and institutions, including the Community Health Worker Learning Collaborative, which represents community health workers across Cook County and investing in paid digital marketing and targeted outreach to broaden public awareness of 9-8-8 and ensure all residents know how to access the crisis line. The full report, Community and Provider Voices: Strengths and Opportunities in the Suburban Cook County Crisis Care System, is available here: BH Crisis Response System Report – NOV 2025