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Building Healthier Communities: Behavioral Health Initiative

To respond to the rise in anxiety, depression, and substance use as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic, the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) allocated $24 million in American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) funds to support 31 partner organizations across priority areas of suburban Cook County.

In June 2024, CCDPH announced nine new grants aimed at addressing mental health needs identified by schools. These grants support school-based partners and the three suburban regional offices of education in providing educators with professional development, assessment tools, and ongoing support.

The nine new grants also include funding for four community organizations that were supported through other CCDPH initiatives, ensuring continued community-based support for local behavioral health initiatives.

Grant Program Strategies

The 31 grants support work in three areas:

Mental Health

Funding supports the development, maintenance, and/or expansion of programs and services that improve the behavioral health of suburban Cook County residents through prevention and support approaches, including mental health screenings, counseling and support groups, and culturally responsive mental health First Aid trainings.

Positive Youth Development

Funding supports the development, maintenance, and/or expansion of programs and services supporting positive youth development, including social/emotional learning and mentoring, play and art-based programs, and LGBTQ+ youth support services.

Opioid-Involved Overdose Prevention

Funding supports the development, maintenance, and/or expansion of harm reduction outreach programming in high-need areas of suburban Cook County, including harm reduction services, naloxone and test strip distribution, and community-based drug checking.

Partner Organizations

Mental Health & Positive Youth Development

Opioid-Involved Overdose Prevention

 

 

 

 

Updated February 17, 2025, 2:50 PM