Free Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Awareness Trainings

Over the last three years, community stakeholders from Chicago’s west and south side participated in evidence-based free mental health training sessions with a goal of reducing the stigma of mental health and addiction, increasing awareness and knowledge, and providing information about resources available in the community. Since the beginning of 2017, over 2,200 stakeholders have … Continued

Free Mental Health First Aid & Mental Health Awareness Trainings

Over the last three years, community stakeholders from Chicago’s west and south side participated in evidence-based free mental health training sessions with a goal of reducing the stigma of mental health and addiction, increasing awareness and knowledge, and providing information about resources available in the community. Since the beginning of 2017, over 2,200 stakeholders have … Continued

Providing Tools to Enforce Existing Law on Mental Health & Substance Use Disorder Parity

The Kennedy forum supports a proposal recently introduced in the Illinois General Assembly, HB68, HAM1 – Amendments to the Heroin Crisis Act (Lang). We believe this bill improves enforcement of existing mental health and addiction parity laws. Provides clarity and specificity Updates unclear definitions in current law Clarifies state agencies’ jurisdictions and application of existing parity … Continued

Free Mental Health Awareness and First Aid Trainings for West Side Stakeholders

Free Mental Health Awareness and First Aid Trainings for Leaders in Austin, North Lawndale, East/West Garfield Park. Attached are information resources for community members that you can use to educate and disseminate information about available trainings, how to access mental health resources on the west side, and how to request a specially trained police officer … Continued

Resources to Support Reporters and Editors in Safe Reporting on Suicide

Research indicates that the way suicide is reported in the media can contribute to additional suicides and suicide attempts. Conversely, stories about suicide can inform readers and viewers about the likely causes of suicide, its warning signs, trends in suicide rates, and recent treatment advances. The following resources and recommendations have been developed to assist … Continued