On September 9th, the Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health convened more than 800 representatives from behavioral health and community organizations across the County at its second Behavioral Health Summit at the UIC Forum. The theme of this year’s summit, Driving Action to Impact, reflected a shared focus on moving beyond discussion and towards solutions that strengthen partnerships, expand access to care, and accelerate meaningful change across Cook County’s behavioral health system. The day began with opening remarks from local leaders, who emphasized both the urgency of the behavioral health crisis and the need for continued collaboration and investment. Despite an increasingly challenging federal funding landscape, Cook County expects to continue prioritizing grant opportunities that put resources directly into the hands of community organizations providing critical behavioral health services. The event builds on the progress achieved at the first summit in 2024, held shortly after the establishment of the Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health (OBH).  For more information or resources, visit obh.cookcountyhealth.org.

Photo Credit: Cook County Health