Help Pass “Treatment Not Trauma” in Chicago
In last week’s newsletter, I discussed the new 988 crisis hotline and the need for a drastic transformation of our mental health care system. This week I want to talk about how you can get involved in the movement to reimagine public safety and community care right here in Chicago.
Right now, the City of Chicago depends on police and private clinics to respond to mental health emergencies. However, we know that presence of police during a mental health crisis can be dangerous, both for the responder — who’s not trained in de-escalating such volatile situations — and for the person in crisis. We also know from research that people with untreated mental illness are 16 times more likely to be killed during a police encounter than other civilians approached or stopped by law enforcement.
The “Treatment Not Trauma” model aims to create a different approach. It would implement a city-wide crisis response that could dispatch mental health professionals with an EMT to mental health crisis calls — instead of armed police officers. This new model would also direct funds to reopen public mental health centers and establish a 24-hour hotline to serve people in crisis in our city.
This summer, groups like 33rd Ward Working Families are canvassing the city to get a ballot question on November’s ballot asking voters to support a “Treatment Not Trauma” response to mental health crises in Chicago.
Chicagoans deserve safe and effective solutions to mental health crises. But in order to get Treatment Not Trauma on the ballot, volunteer support is greatly needed. Will you join in the final push to collect petitions this week? Click here to find canvassing dates and sign up!
And if you’d like to learn more about local and state mental health policies, like the Community Emergency Services and Support Act (CESSA) and the Treatment Not Trauma ordinance, you can stream our last Treatment Not Trauma Townhall at this link.
Thanks, be well, and stay safe —
Will
BACK TO SCHOOL FAIR
You won't want to miss our Annual Back to School Fair & Community Mercado at Kelvyn Park on Saturday, August 13!
Stop by our fair on 8/13 from 10am - 2pm for FREE:
Backpacks
School Supplies
Dental exams
COVID-19 Vaccinations
Local vendors
Food, music & activities for kids!
CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND INFORMATION FAIR
Join us at Onward's Community Health Fair on Saturday, August 6th for free services like blood pressure, blood sugar screenings, free school supplies, raffle prizes, and more.
My office will be at the fair assisting with Medicaid enrollment applications.
When: Saturday, August 6th
Where: 5413 W Diversey (Parking lot in back of the building)
Time: 9:00am - 1:00pm
CHILDREN'S HEALTH AND INFORMATION FAIR
On Friday, August 5th Alderman Felix Cardona will be hosting a Children’s Health and Information Fair where there will be free health screenings, school physicals, mental health resources and more.
When: Friday, August 5th
Where: Cragin Park, 2611 N. Lockwood
Time: 9am - 1pm
AVONDALE BAR CRAWL
Are you interested in getting to know some of our Avondale Bars? Want an excuse to be social on a summer Saturday afternoon? Like to support local nonprofit work in your neighborhood? Then we have an event for you!
Please Join Avondale Neighborhood Association on Saturday, August 13th for the 2022 for the first ever Avondale Bar crawl featuring some of our favorite West Avondale Bars. All Proceeds will fund the matching grant provided by CMAP to create a neighbor led Community Plan!