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Treatment Not Trauma: Reopen the Clinics

Over half of Chicago's Mental Health Clinics Remain Closed

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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.

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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.org. Please 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.

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