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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