Suburban Cook County, IL — Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is seeking proposals from suburban Cook County municipalities interested in implementing Shop Talk, an initiative that expands youth mental health engagement through community-led events, outreach, and conversations.
The announcement of this funding is particularly poignant during Men’s Mental Health Awareness Month: a time to acknowledge and address the unique mental health challenges faced by boys and men, particularly young African-American men who often experience additional barriers and stigma to seeking support.
A total of $475,000 in funding is available to support up to four municipal projects that engage youth and young adults ages 12 to 24 in designing and participating in culturally responsive mental health programming. Funding will prioritize communities in south and west suburban Cook County, where youth face disproportionately high mental health challenges and barriers to care.
“Every young person deserves access to support, connection, and hope. Programs like Shop Talk meet youth where they are by bringing mental health resources into trusted community spaces. By investing in this expansion, Cook County is helping create environments where young people feel seen, heard, and empowered to seek help when they need it,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle.
“Shop Talk was created because we know healing happens in trusted spaces. Barbershops and beauty salons have long been places where people share their struggles, seek advice, and find support. This funding will allow us to expand that work, reach more young people, and create additional opportunities for honest conversations about mental health before a crisis occurs,” said Commissioner Tara Stamps.
“We know that early support and trusted relationships can make a lasting difference in a young person’s life. Programs like Shop Talk help connect youth to conversations, resources, and support in places where they already feel comfortable and respected. By expanding this work, we are helping create healthier communities and improving opportunities for young people to thrive,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health, Chief Executive Officer.
“Young people have told us they want safe, supportive, and non-judgmental spaces where they can talk about mental health and connect with trusted resources. This funding will help municipalities partner with youth to create meaningful conversations and community-driven solutions that reflect local needs,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, Cook County Department of Public Health Chief Operating Officer.
Mental health challenges continue to affect many suburban Cook County youth, with the greatest burden often falling on youth of color. In 2022, 37.4% of Hispanic high school students and 35.5% of non-Hispanic Black high school students reported depressive symptoms, compared with 29.1% of non-Hispanic white students. Black high school students attempted suicide at three times the rate of their peers.
These disparities are often linked to broader factors, including trauma, poverty, housing instability, discrimination, substance use, and limited access to mental health care. Communities in south and west suburban Cook County also experience higher rates of emergency department visits related to mental health concerns.
The funding initiative seeks to expand culturally responsive mental health engagement among youth and young adults and is supported through a 2026 Cook County budget amendment championed by Commissioner Tara Stamps.
The Shop Talk initiative is inspired by the success of teen mental health conversations in trusted community spaces such as barbershops and hair salons that Commissioner Stamps spearheaded in suburban Cook County.
Municipalities will have flexibility to design programs that reflect local needs and may engage different age groups within the 12 to 24 age range. CCDPH encourages applicants to involve youth and young adults in planning, outreach, and event design to ensure programming is responsive and relevant.
Eligibility
Eligible applicants include south and west municipalities located within suburban Cook County. Municipalities served by their own state-certified public health departments, including Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, and Stickney Township, are not eligible.
Municipalities may submit joint applications but must designate a lead fiscal agent. Applications must include letters of support from organizations that can provide mental health education and accept referrals for mental health services.
To Learn more and apply:
Grant Opportunities – Cook County Department of Public Health
Funding Available:
- Total funding available: $475,000
- Up to four awards available:
- Up to two awards in south suburban Cook County
- Up to two awards in west suburban Cook County
- Individual awards will range from $118,750 to $237,500
Application Period: June 29-July 30, 6:00pm CST
Allowable Costs:
Funding may be used for personnel and fringe benefits, food, venue rental, outreach materials, training supplies, mileage, participant stipends, contractual services, consultants, and indirect costs up to 15%.
Unallowable Costs:
Funding may not be used for capital improvements or construction expenses.
Application materials, eligibility requirements, and submission deadlines are available at Cook County Shop Talk Initiative.
Questions:
Questions about the grant should be submitted to: [email protected]
Virtual Information Session:
CCDPH will be hosting a virtual information session for potential grantees to ask questions about the application.
Time & Date: July 8, 2026, 11 a.m. CDT
Registration Link: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/cook-county-shop-talk-initiative-information-session-tickets-1991499711246
CCDPH will share responses to questions submitted to the [email protected] email on the CCDPH Grants webpage with the following schedule:
| For Questions Submitted By | A Response Will Be Provided By |
| July 6, 2026, 12pm CDT | July 9, 2026, 12 pm CDT |
| July 13, 2026, 12pm CDT | July 16, 2026, 12pm CDT |
| July 20, 2026, 12pm CDT | July 23, 2026, 12pm CDT |