Record #: R2018-1398   
Type: Resolution Status: Adopted
Intro date: 12/12/2018 Current Controlling Legislative Body: Committee on Health and Environmental Protection
Final action: 1/23/2019
Title: Call for creation of Public Mental Health Clinic Service Expansion Task Force to explore re-opening of mental health clinics and identify budgetary and operational recommendations for expansion of existing facilities
Sponsors: King, Sophia D., Villegas, Gilbert, Dowell, Pat, Ervin, Jason C., Taliaferro, Chris, Scott, Jr. Michael, Hairston, Leslie A., Sawyer, Roderick T., Harris, Michelle A., Brookins, Jr., Howard, Lopez, Raymond A., Osterman, Harry, Moore, David H., Curtis, Derrick G., Foulkes, Toni, Cappleman, James, Laurino, Margaret, Thompson, Patrick D., Quinn, Marty, Reilly, Brendan, Santiago, Milagros, Moore, Joseph, Cardenas, George A., Pawar, Ameya, Smith, Michele, Beale, Anthony, Willie B. Cochran, Silverstein, Debra L., Sposato, Nicholas, Tunney, Thomas, Mell, Deborah, Munoz, Ricardo, O'Connor, Patrick, Arena, John, O'Shea, Matthew J., Solis, Daniel, Mitts, Emma, Maldonado, Roberto, Napolitano, Anthony V., Austin, Carrie M., Waguespack, Scott, Burnett, Jr., Walter, Reboyras, Ariel, Tabares, Silvana, Moreno, Proco Joe, Burke, Edward M.
Attachments: 1. R2018-1398.pdf
Reboyras (30) Tabares (23) Moreno (1) Burke (14)
Type: Resolution
Title: Call for creation of Public Mental Health Clinic Service
Expansion Task Force to determine which community areas in need for re-opening of mental health clinics and identifying budgetary and operational recommendations for expansion of existing facilities and a third-party research entity to conduct study
Committee(s) Assignment: Committee on Health and Environmental Protection
Public Mental Health Clinic Service Expansion Resolution
WHEREAS, since 2012 the City of Chicago closed six mental health clinics and outsourced one clinic, leaving large areas of the city without adequate access to affordable safety-net mental health services; and
WHEREAS, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) currently operates five community mental health clinics, the majority of which are located in underserved areas that have a high rate of mental health 911 calls; and
WHEREAS, CDPH has indicated that these clinics have the capacity to serve more clients, but are underutilized due in large measure to budgetary and management issues including inadequate staffing, unwelcoming and deteriorating physical conditions and insufficient community outreach; and
WHEREAS, individuals with mental illness who do not receive appropriate treatment and support can become entangled in the criminal justice system resulting in the need for police intervention; and
WHEREAS, individuals with untreated mental illness constitute one-third of the homeless population in Chicago; and
WHEREAS, untreated mental illness is associated with higher rates of suicide, physical illness, family instability, and as such has a ripple effect upon the entire community; and

WHEREAS, an analysis done by WBEZ radio revealed that some of the police districts which receive the most mental health 911 calls are also the districts with the fewest mental health services; and

WHEREAS, several community areas in Chicago have passed referenda to fund new me...

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