Erie Neighborhood House produced a pair of \u201cMemos to the Mayor\u201d on the topic of mental health following The Chicago Community Trust\u2019s citywide On the Table initiative earlier this month.<\/p>\n
Program staff facilitated conversations at Erie House sites in West Town and Little Village in order to gather feedback, perspective and ideas from a cross-section of participants and families.<\/p>\n
The bilingual dialogue and resulting memos focused almost entirely on the need for greater access to affordable mental health services, particularly in communities that are currently underserved.<\/p>\n
Specific recommendations outlined in the memos included increasing funding for services, educating the community around mental health needs, and reducing stigma.<\/p>\n
Increasing the availability of free or low-cost mental health services provided by schools and community based organizations was also of top concern for individuals participating in the conversations.<\/p>\n
Additionally, they noted that investing in mental health services can serve as a \u201cturning point\u201d for residents, allowing them to have greater access to well-being and thereby supporting stronger, healthier households and communities.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cThe demand for mental health services at Erie House is high. This was an invaluable opportunity to gain insight (about expanding access to services) from folks in our community.\u201d<\/h3>\n