Science Policy in the Spotlight: Mental Health Crisis Response 1

We are introducing a new monthly policy episode series called
"Science Policy in the Spotlight," where we will focus our
attention on a timely and local policy topic in the greater
Chicago area and understand how science helps inform the topic.
This series, we're focused on new strategies in mental health
crisis response.
In the 1st episode of this 4 episode series, we will hear from
the Director of Programs of the National Alliance on Mental
Illness (NAMI) for Cook County North Suburban, Dr. Christine
Somervill, about the state of mental healthcare in our area and
how crisis response compares to other healthcare needs.
If you want to learn more about the information discussed
throughout this episode, our sources are listed here: 


More about mental health services in Evanston

"Mental health advocates push for more federal ARPA funds
from Evanston, describe system in crisis"

The mental health dashboard and Mental Health is Essential
campaign created by the Mental Health Taskforce

"The Implications of COVID-19 for Mental Health and Substance
Use" 

"COVID-19 pandemic triggers 25% increase in prevalence of
anxiety and depression worldwide" by the WHO

"Rising morbidity and mortality in midlife among white
non-Hispanic Americans in the 21st century" about deaths of
despair before COVID-19

"Deaths of despair: the unrecognized tragedy of working class
immiseration" 

"They Lost Sons To Drug Overdoses: How The Pandemic May Be
Fueling Deaths Of Despair" by NPR

"The Mental Health of Healthcare Workers in COVID-19"

"Mental health professionals are the ones taking care of us:
Who’s taking care of them?" by USA Today




Give your feedback on the episode here for a
chance to win a $30 Visa gift card!If you want to
follow NAMI CCNS and stay updated with their work, you can follow
them on Twitter or check out their website to learn more. You can
also check out NAMI's national organization website here. 


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website spot.northwestern.edu