Cook County Health and NAMI Chicago Announce Enhanced Helpline and Mental Health Support for Residents Across the County

Cook County Health and NAMI Chicago Announce Enhanced Helpline and Mental Health Support for Residents Across the County

New Text and Chat support, community-based peer-led recovery groups, and countywide awareness campaign aim to break barriers to care

CHICAGO - Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, alongside representatives from Cook County Health (CCH) and the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago, announced expanded efforts to increase access to mental health support across Cook County. Through sustained, multi-year investment from CCH’s Office of Behavioral Health, this initiative aims to improve access to high-quality support through NAMI Chicago’s Helpline and community-based peer-support groups, while also launching a countywide public awareness campaign and robust engagement strategy to reduce stigma and help more residents take the first step toward support.

“This initiative reflects Cook County’s ongoing commitment to advancing health equity and ensuring that every resident – regardless of zip code or circumstance - has access to the mental health care they need and deserve,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Mental health is health. Yet far too many of our neighbors still face barriers to care. By investing in NAMI Chicago’s Helpline, peer support programs, and awareness efforts, we’re building a more responsive, compassionate system—one that meets people where they are and affirms that no one in Cook County should have to face their mental health journey alone”

At the center of this investment is the expansion of NAMI Chicago’s Helpline, which provides no-barrier emotional support and mental health resource referrals. As part of this effort, a new text and chat feature has been introduced, ensuring that individuals - particularly younger residents and those who prefer digital communication - can access immediate mental health support in a way that feels accessible and familiar.

"It is imperative that we create more welcoming front doors to access mental health care. Too often, people don’t know when, where or how to access behavioral health services. We have identified this gap and are leaning on an organization like NAMI Chicago - one with the capabilities to reach people and connect them to the resources they need," said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health. “This investment marks a significant step in transforming how mental health support is accessed and delivered in Cook County, fostering a stronger, more connected system of care for all residents.”

The partnership also includes an expansion of community-based peer support groups in collaboration with trusted community organizations. These groups provide safe spaces for individuals on their recovery journey, offering guidance from facilitators with lived experience rather than a clinical lens. The goal is to help community partners establish sustainable, ongoing mental health support tailored to the needs of their communities.

"NAMI Chicago is a connector for people navigating the mental health system," said Alexa James, CEO of NAMI Chicago. "Our Helpline and peer support groups meet people where they are, providing crucial support on their recovery journey. We’re grateful for the support from Cook County Health and the trust they have in us. This investment will allow us to expand our reach and serve even more people in need."

To further increase access and awareness, the investment will support a countywide public awareness and engagement campaign aimed at reducing stigma and encouraging help-seeking behavior. This effort will target communities with high social vulnerability and unmet mental health needs while also engaging healthcare professionals across Cook County Health’s hospitals and clinics to strengthen patient referrals to the NAMI Chicago Helpline.

If you or a loved one are looking for local mental health support, call or text 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244). For more information about NAMI Chicago and how to get involved, visit namichicago.org.



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