A Look At The State Of Mental Health Services In Chicago

By Char Daston, Daniel Tucker
St. Anthony Hospital
St. Anthony Hospital in North Lawndale/Pilsen has a mental health clinic with a year-long waiting list. St. Anthony Hospital
St. Anthony Hospital
St. Anthony Hospital in North Lawndale/Pilsen has a mental health clinic with a year-long waiting list. St. Anthony Hospital

A Look At The State Of Mental Health Services In Chicago

By Char Daston, Daniel Tucker
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Chance the Rapper announced Thursday that he’s donating $1 million dollars to help beef up mental health services in Chicago.

Many residents have struggled to access mental health care since 2012 when Mayor Rahm Emanuel shuttered six city-run mental health clinics.

Low-income people have borne the brunt of those closings. Consider these statistics: In the Gold Coast neighborhood alone, there are 4.41 mental health care professionals per 1,000 residents. There are just 0.17 per 1,000 on the entire Southwest Side.

In light of Chance the Rapper’s donation, Morning Shift takes stock of the state of mental health services in our city and what’s being done to improve the situation.

GUEST: Alexa James, executive director of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Chicago

LEARN MORE: This Is What Happens When A City Shuts Down Mental Health Clinics (Governing October 2018)

Chance The Rapper Pledges $1 Million To Mental Health Services In Chicago (Fader 10/4/18)