Treatment Not Trauma: Reopen the Clinics

Over half of Chicago's Mental Health Clinics Remain Closed

Latest

Ronald Jackson and Kathy Powers at Chicago City Hall in November 2019. They were protesting for the reopening of the mental health clinics that were closed in 2012. They haven’t given up the fight. Photo/Brighton Park Neighborhood Council

CHICAGO, IL — In a city of over 3 million, Chicago has only five public mental health clinics. The former Mayor Rahm Emanuel closed half of Chicago’s mental health clinics. The resistance to reopening the clinics is by powerful members of the Chicago City Council who do not want more clinics; they want the police on mental health crisis calls.

Would a person with bipolar disorder who lives in the Rogers Park community in Chicago be willing to spend at least three hours of transportation to get treatment at one of the City’s clinics?

It would be helpful if the clinics were marketed broadly and often. It would be even more helpful if the people who need services or more options attend the Board meeting on the 3rd Monday of every month: (Dial-up 872-240-3412 access 281 083 269#, or on other devices.)

Below, see the list of Chicago’s five Mental Health Care Centers that provides services that support emotional, traumatic, or behavioral difficulties based upon consumer-identified needs that include goals, objectives, and specific mental health services.

+ Articles by this author

Kathy Powers is a lifetime Chicagoan. At 50, Kathy speaks out as the voice of the people. She became a revolutionary activist whose lifelong fight raises unheard voices. She is the Health Care Desk on the People’s Tribune Editorial Board.

The People’s Tribune opens its pages to voices of the movement for change. Our articles are written by individuals or organizations, along with our own reporting. Bylined articles reflect the views of the authors. Articles entitled “From the Editors” reflect the views of the editorial board. Please credit the source when sharing: peoplestribune.orgPlease donate to help us keep bringing you voices of the movement for change. Click here. We’re all volunteer, no paid staff. The People’s Tribune is a 501C4 organization.

LEAVE A REPLY

Please enter your comment!
Please enter your name here

Featured

Anger Mounts in Mississippi Over Police Killing of 1-Year-Old Kohen Wiley

Law enforcement officers, wearing gas masks, lined up under Walmart's side entrance, unleashing tear gas on the crowd that had gathered to protest the police killing of 1-year-old Kohen Wiley.

Fears Over the Future of DACA

Processing delays are affecting both the livelihoods of DACA recipients and the communities they live in. And, a recent court decision has made it easier to deport those with DACA status.

Outrage Mounts at Assaults of Journalists and Hunger Strikers at Delaney Hall

Photojournalists covering the protests outside the Delaney Hall immigration jail in New Jersey say they have been deliberately targeted for assault by ICE agents and police — with at least 42 assaults and five instances of officers damaging journalists’ equipment.

Democracy Shouldn’t Be a Luxury

A democracy should want every eligible person to vote. Given the attack on voting rights, including the attack on the mail in ballot, working class people may find it difficult to vote. The right to vote belongs to the American people, not parties.

‘Kids Under Fire:’ Journalist Dedicates Emmy to Journalists Killed by Israel

Journalist John Rushing accepts the award for "Outstanding War or Violence Conflict Coverage" at the 2026 News Emmys for the Al Jazeera film "Kids Under Fire" with a powerful speech dedicated to the journalists killed by Israel in Gaza.

More from the People's Tribune