Chicago–(business wire) — Religious leaders from over 80 black churches in Chicago met on Sept. 29, 2022 to discuss mental health stigma and learn how to better resolve mental health concerns among their congregations . The forum, which also included local leaders in healthcare, community action, and government, will invite attendees of faith instruction to open a conversation about mental health with the congregation on October 9 in honor of World Mental Health Day. It was held to educate and empower people.

Donald Dew, President and CEO of Habilitative Systems, Inc., Dr. Obari Cartman, President of the Chicago Association of Black Psychologists, and Adrienne McCue, President and Executive Director of Step Up for Mental Health, joined a moderated panel discussion. I participated. Convened and coordinated by Evolent Health by Cook County Commissioner Denise Deere.

On October 9th, one day before World Mental Health Day, the congregation will hear from pastors and religious leaders about the importance of mental health as part of overall health. Sermons and sermons share guidance to facilitate discussion with loved ones and direct them to appropriate resources and care.

“Last year, Cook County declared mental health and the lack of mental health services a public health crisis. It’s a matter of great importance and urgency,” said Secretary Deer. “It’s time to end the stigma in seeking treatment, unlock more funding and access to mental health care, and encourage people to seek resources and pathways to care. It’s our job as community leaders to help open up.”

Mental health clinicians in Chicago are not equally available. Deer says he has five mental health clinicians for every 100 people in the wealthiest neighborhood in his district. In the west and less affluent areas of his district, he has only 1 clinician per 1,000 people.

“We need to change the way we think about how we access mental health care. We need more support and funding in the field of behavioral health,” said senior pastor of Victory Christian International Ministries. Apostle Carl L. White, Jr., said: In Harvey, Illinois, the CEO of Southland Health Network said: We call on our congregations to create safe spaces for family and friends, to give ourselves time to seek and receive help, and to share resources to raise awareness and access to that help. I’m looking for ”

Evolent Health, a healthcare administrative services company that supports the care of more than 435,000 Medicaid recipients in Cook County, has convened the group to raise awareness of mental health in Chicago beginning in August 2022. have cooperated.

“It takes an average of 11 years from the time a person first experiences a mental health symptom to the time they receive treatment,” said Naprisha Taylor, CEO and vice president of Diversity, Equity and Inclusion at Evolent. says. “We all know this is taking too long and we want to help more people get the support they need, faster. We are honored to be a part of encouraging healthy and productive discussion to fill the gaps.”

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