Current Expanded Mental Health Services Programs (EMHSPs)
Southeast EMHSP (Upcoming 2022)
As Chicago began to recover from the COVID-19 pandemic in the summer 0f 2021, it became clear to residents of Kenwood, Hyde Park, Woodlawn, and South Shore that a lack of mental health resources was a pressing issue for the community. As the community opened up, residents were ready to begin organizing and gathering signatures in order to establish an expanded mental health services program to begin addressing the mental health needs of Southeast Chicago.
West Town Humboldt Park EMHSP (Upcoming 2022)
The effort to create the West Town and Humboldt Park began in the summer of 2021. The importance of mental health resources was highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic, and as vaccine distribution rolled out, residents of West Town and Humboldt Park were eager to organize and get a head start on gathering signatures so that the community has the opportunity to vote to establish an expanded mental health services program to meet its needs!
Bronzeville EMHSP (Near South Side, Douglas, Oakland, Grand Boulevard, Fuller Park) (Est. 2020)
The Bronzville EMHSP was created in the midst of the COVID-19 pandemic. Residents from across Bronzeville recognized the pressing need for expanded mental health services and began engaging with local residents to create the program. Over the course of the summer of 2020, residents and the Coalition’s Community Advocate Team gathered signatures while wearing PPE and remaining socially distanced. In November 2020, residents from across Bronzeville voted nearly 89% in favor of creating the program!
Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa EMHSP (Est. 2018)
In 2018, residents of the Logan Square, Avondale, and Hermosa (LSAH) communities voted to create Chicago’s third EMHSP. This program, approved by over 86% of voters, successfully gathered over 8,000 signatures from local residents and received the support of over 50 local community institutions.
In September 2020, the community successfully completed their LSAH Community Mental Health Needs Assessment. This document provides information on the mental health needs of the community.
West side EMHSP (North Lawndale, East and West Garfield Park, Near West Side) (Est. 2016)
The West Side EMHSP effort was launched in 2015 with the program being approved by over 86% of voters in November 2016. Residents and leaders gathered over 10,000 (!) signatures and received the support of over 50 local institutions.
On October 15, 2019, the West Side’s new community mental health center, The Encompassing Center, first opened its doors and began providing services to residents!
If you live on the West Side and would like to learn more about your community’s center, click the button below!
North River EMHSP (Albany Park, Irving Park, North Park, Sauganash) (Est. 2012)
The North River EMHSP is the pioneering EMHSP. The program was passed in November 2012 with the support of 74% of voters in the community. The passage of this referendum marked a 10-year long effort by local residents that included three successful referendum campaigns, years of community outreach, and a dedication to fighting for expanded mental health services in these communities and across Chicago.
On October 30, 2014, The Kedzie Center opened its doors and began providing the first new public mental health services to residents of the North River community(not to be confused with River North). Since that time, thousands of residents have received services at the center and in community sessions throughout the neighborhood.
If you live in the North River Community and would like to learn more about your community’s center, click the button below!
