My View: Eliminate stigmas by having face-to-face conversations

The Kennedy Forum Illinois is proud to share an Op-Ed penned by Leadership Council member, Justice Kathryn Zenoff, Illinois Appellate Justice of the 2nd District, about our upcoming On The Table initiative. Link: https://www.rrstar.com/opinion/20190504/my-view-eliminate-stigmas-by-having-face-to-face-conversations My View: Eliminate stigmas by having face-to-face conversations By Kathryn Zenoff May is Mental Health Awareness Month. In Illinois and in … Continued

On The Table 2019: May 14

On The Table 2019 is platform developed by The Chicago Community Trust to engage residents in small conversations that build relationships and encourage action to benefit the public good. The Kennedy Forum uses this platform to engage thousands of people in conversations (ideally in small groups of about 8-12 people) about mental health and addiction in their … Continued

On The Table 2019: One-page Toolkits

We want to help hosts and participants share in constructive conversation during their On The Table. With this goal in mind, we have created one-page toolkits to help you host a positive conversation on a handful of subjects. You may view and download these toolkits below. Have any questions? Contact James. One-Page Toolkits: Community Violence & … 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

Recommendations for Building IL’s MHSU Treatment System

Mental health and substance use treatment works. It just needs to be accessible at the right time and in the right place. With stable housing, employment opportunities, support in the community and proper treatment, people live full lives, like others living with other medical conditions. The Kennedy Forum Illinois, together with Thresholds and NAMI Chicago, … Continued

On The Table 2018 Recap

On May 8th, 2018, The Kennedy Forum participated in On The Table, and over 130 conversations touched 2,300 people across Chicagoland, Illinois and the Country.  Participants completed a survey following conversations. Based on those results, participants from On The Table expressed interest in raising awareness about mental health and addiction. Below is a link to the report … Continued

Illinois Enacts Nation’s Strongest Parity Law!

Illinois now has the nation’s strongest mental health and addiction parity law! This morning, Governor Bruce Rauner signed Senate Bill 1707, which passed the General Assembly by overwhelming bipartisan margins in May. This new law will save lives by increasing access to treatment for individuals struggling with mental health and addiction challenges. While there remains … Continued