COOK COUNTY OFFICIALS TO DETAIL DAUNTING CHALLENGES AS WELL AS THEIR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

Dennis Deer- Cook County Commissioner of the 2nd District. Photo provided by STH Media, LLC.
Dennis Deer- Cook County Commissioner of the 2nd District. Photo provided by STH Media, LLC.

 

COOK COUNTY OFFICIALS TO DETAIL DAUNTING CHALLENGES AS WELL AS THEIR ONGOING COMMITMENT TO MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS

 

COMMISSIONER DENNIS DEER TO BE JOINED BY COOK COUNTY BOARD PRESIDENT TONI PRECKWINKLE, COOK COUNTY HEALTH CEO, AND OTHER MENTAL HEALTH ADVOCATES IN DETAILING RENEWED PLANS

 

AS PART OF MENTAL HEALTH AND AWARENESS MONTH, 

COMMISSIONER DEER TO FOCUS ON PROGRESS MADE

 THROUGH COUNTY SERVICES AND PARTNERSHIPS

 

Friday, May 19th, 2023 @ 10:00 AM (Press Conference)

Tasc Organization, 700 S. Clinton, Chicago, Illinois

 

(Chicago, Il,) Dennis Deer- Cook County Commissioner of the 2nd District- will be joined by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, Cook County Public Health CEO Dr. Lamar Hasbrock, Mental Health advocates and civic leaders in a discussion concerning the progress, challenges and outcomes concerning the current mental health crisis in Cook County.

Over the past year Commissioner Deer has focused himself on the expansion of mental health services as well as erasing the stigma that is often attached. Through his efforts a resolution was passed with the overwhelming majority support of the full Cook County Board in declaring the month of May as Mental Health and Wellness month.

“Mental health is many times the proverbial “elephant in the room”—we know that it is there, but it makes us uncomfortable to address it. This deserves a very public conversation and government led resolution. As a responsible society we must overcome misinformation and disinformation that create substantial barriers in raising mental health awareness.” says Commissioner Deer.

Through the undying efforts of Commissioner Deer and Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County has invested more than $12 million dollars in improving the quality of health in Cook County residents over the past year, particularly mental healthcare. This was achieved through the “Building Healthy Communities” initiative approved by the full Cook County Board of Commissioners. However more challenges have developed due to issues related to the pandemic as well as mounting depression and anxiety issues.

The core of leaders will also address more recent challenges impacting mental health. Some of which include but are not limited to”

· Anxiety

· Depression

· Loneliness

· Financial stress

· Grief and Loss

· Substance Abuse

Commissioner Deer adds, “People consistently rank health as one of the most important things in life. Sadly, mental health is not often included. Mental health continues to be the proverbial “elephant in the room”—we know that it is there, but our nation at times is uncomfortable in acknowledging it. However, Cook County has achieved enormous progress over the past year through partnership and enhanced awareness. Today we are more than excited to present our plans that will lead to greater results.”

Health Professionals and advocates throughout Illinois have lauded Commissioner Deer for his 25-year career in providing and advocating mental health services. This includes his enormous effort in securing more than $100 Million dollars in resources from ARPA (American Rescue Plan Act) that will be directed towards behavioral health over a three-year period. This includes overseeing a HACC (Housing Authority of Cook County) project for the County as well as other similar projects with the Cook County Chief Judge Timothy C. Evans.

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