Chicago has an opportunity to greatly improve access to public mental health services, and establish teams of social workers and paramedics who will respond to crises (instead of police).

UPDATE1: Budget committee postponed to Friday, 22nd

On Wed, Oct 20, the City Council Budget Committee will consider a budget amendment* that will direct federal funds to

a) re-establish public mental health clinics, and strengthen current clinics

b) fund the Treatment Not Trauma program

UPDATE2: Mayor Lightfoot's health commissioner is now lobbying City Council against the amendment

A vote of the full city council is expected October 27.

You can send a letter using this form.

* Amendment co-sponsors to date: Rodriguez Sanchez, Rossana, Curtis, Derrick G., Vasquez, Jr., Andre,
La Spata, Daniel, Sadlowski Garza, Susan, Sigcho-Lopez, Byron, Waguespack, Scott, Martin, Matthew, Hadden, Maria, Hairston, Leslie A., Maldonado, Roberto, Tabares, Silvana, Lopez, Raymond A., King, Sophia D., Napolitano, Anthony V., Ramirez-Rosa, Carlos, Rodriguez, Michael D., Taylor, Jeanette B., Sawyer, Roderick T., Scott, Jr. Michael, Coleman, Stephanie D., Brookins, Jr., Howard, Osterman, Harry, Beale, Anthony, Cardona, Jr., Felix, Silverstein, Debra L., Cardenas, George.