NOTABLE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, PUBLIC EQUITY, SET TO HOST FORUM DEDICATED TO ADDRESSING MATTERS CONCERNING MENTAL HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY

 

NOTABLE NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, PUBLIC EQUITY, SET TO HOST  FORUM DEDICATED TO ADDRESSING MATTERS CONCERNING  MENTAL HEALTH AND PUBLIC SAFETY

 

PROMINENT PANELISTS & WELLNESS PROFESSIONALS WILL ADDRESS CURRENT MENTAL HEALTH CRISIS IN CHICAGO

 

WE MUST ADDRESS THE HUGE ELEPHANT IN THE ROOM--

 “MENTAL HEALTH AND WELLNESS”

 
 

Saturday, May 13TH, 2023 @11:00 AM

700 E. Oakwood Boulevard, Chicago, Illinois 

(Northeastern University)

 
(Chicago, IL) Ciara Stanton- Associate Director of the Public Equity Intervention Group- will be joined by over 300 mental health professionals, violence prevention advocates, elected officials and Chicago area residents in an urgent community forum addressing mental health and public safety.

The rash of violence that has plagued the Chicago metropolitan area for over the past decade has been attributed to many dynamics that impact society. But often forgotten is the impact mental health has on public safety and public health. In fact, the recent Chicago Mayoral debates truly brought attention to the lack of mental health clinics, the lack of mental health funding and the disparities that affect black and brown communities.

“Cook County, like many communities across Illinois, is facing rising mental health challenges that have undoubtedly been exacerbated by COVID-19. While COVID-19 did not create these challenges, there’s no denying it has intensified them. Too many families struggling with mental illness were already facing obstacles to treatment before the pandemic — including stigma, lack of insurance coverage, provider shortages, or language barriers. Those families are now dealing with an enormous storm; increased mental health needs at precisely the same time that access to care is harder than ever before.” says Ciara Stanton, Associated Director of Public Equity.

As the City of Chicago heads into summer months, the topic of conversation nationally is the current state of mental health and public safety. With recent shifts in Chicagoland youth presence, local officials, civic leaders, and violence prevention organizations are trying to create conversation and plan for a successful, safe summer. However, mental health is now largely considered the center stone of many of these aforementioned issues that in previous summer seasons led to increases in violence.

“The issue is not always about access to resources, sometimes folks just don't know that the resources are readily available, that's why "trusted messengers" are so critical. "Trusted messengers" or community-based orgs can educate the community about available resources and validate them.” Says Public Equity CEO, Tony Woods.

The Public Equity Organization is embracing these unique challenges in many ways, which includes hosting this blue-ribbon panel of experts at the Northeastern University Campus. The panel will feature Dr. Sharon Bethea (National President of the Association of Black Psychologists), Dr. Obari Cartman of Blue Cross Blue Shield, and Founder of GRO Community Organization Aaron Mallory. In addition, many local, state and county elected officials are expected to be in attendance to offer themselves as public servants dedicated to advocating and passing legislation that will lead to additional mental health funding.

Chicago Alderman Stephanie Coleman adds, “Until all stakeholders are able to collectively have these very difficult conversations surrounding mental health, we will continue to witness the negative outcomes that have long negatively impacted Cook County. There has to be a programmatic thrust in truly addressing mental health.”

“The big elephant in the room that public safety advocates often ignore is mental health. Illinois cannot continue to lag behind the majority of the other states in the nation in mental health funding. This is a public health issue, and it should be funded as such.” says Philanthropist, Early Walker.

The highly anticipated conversation is set to gain significant attention from area leaders as lawmakers are trying to find solutions. The Executive Board of Public Equity is hoping that this conversation will bring clarity to the challenges in which our youth are confronted with socially, physically, and mentally.

Over the past three years, Public Equity has contributed to the reduction of homicides and shootings in the East and West Englewood neighborhoods through street outreach, case management, and victim advocacy. In this symposium presented by violence prevention and mental health experts, Public Equity’s goal is to moderate a dialogue with professionals in each field to discuss how agencies can forge stronger collaborations and work towards building healthy and sustainable communities.

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