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Digital Mental Health Initiative

Digital Mental Health Initiative - 4:32

The UI Center on Depression and Resilience has launched a new innovative artificial intelligence (AI) and technology based treatment initiative, creating a digital based mental health safety net, to address Illinois' mental health crisis, and treat suicide risk factors. The UICDR has developed numerous digital tools, apps and inventions to reduce mental health disparities and offers these cutting-edge products to the public. This pioneering concept potentially can serve as a blueprint for the cost-effective integration of AI and technology to give greater access to mental health resources to poverty stricken areas and combat the growing national mental health crisis. This initiative is the “Digital Mental Health Initiative” (DMHI). The DMHI is a collaborative, transdisciplinary group of scientist, researchers, engineers and physicians working across 19 labs in at the University of Illinois at Chicago’s Psychiatry Department to improve equitable access to mental health treatment with innovative smart, connected technology. The DMHI employs cutting-edge research to develop evidence-based digital tools and other technology based mental health treatments, which have already effectively treated thousands of patients. 1.5 million people in Illinois live with serious mental illness. According to the most recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide in Illinois has risen 23 percent, and is now ranked as the 11th leading cause of death in the state. The prevalence of depression in Illinois has increased, as it has globally, catapulting depression to the number one cause of disability worldwide.

This crisis has come at a staggering cost; estimates place the economic cost of untreated depression/behavioral health in the state to be more than 1.4 billion dollars a year.

Lack of access to treatment, and inefficient models of care, lie at the heart of this crisis. These numbers are a sobering reminder that we as a society have not adequately addressed the core reasons nor put forth the proper solutions to confront this health crisis, and necessitated the creation of UI Center on Depression and Resilience “Digital Mental Health Initiative” (DMHI).

Mental Health Equity

Mental Health Equity - 4:33

UICDR is a multidisciplinary science/medical collaborative for advancing mental health research of depression, bipolar and other mood disorders. UICDR is devoted to destigmatizing depression and bringing it into the mainstream of medical research, healthcare, education, and public policy. Through its innovative team science approach, UICDR advances the treatment and understanding of depression that affects an estimated 17 million adults in the U.S. For the past five years UICDR has provided comprehensive and compassionate care for children, adolescents and adults; transforming more than 49,000 patients’ lives annually, through innovations in prevention and treatment for depression and bipolar disorders, and reducing suicide risk. As a national leader in defining and advancing high-quality depression care and suicide prevention, the UICDR is positioned to address the mental health crisis the state of Illinois currently faces. 1.5 million people in Illinois live with serious mental illness. According to the most recent study by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), suicide in Illinois has risen 23 percent, and is now ranked as the 11th leading cause of death in the state. The prevalence of depression in Illinois has increased, as it has globally, catapulting depression to the number one cause of disability worldwide. This crisis has come at a staggering cost; estimates place the economic cost of untreated depression/behavioral health in the state to be more than 1.4 billion dollars a year. By combing scientific research, clinical care, inventions and public awareness UICDR will create a model of suicide prevention and education that is poised to take a major role in the future of how we should approach the causes and treatment of depression. UICDR’s pioneering science accelerates research by decades potentially saving many lives, improving countless others, and reducing the overall cost of health care in the process.

Center Stage for Access and Inclusion

Center Stage for Access and Inclusion - 4:34

In an effort to encourage Chicagoans and visitors alike to gain a greater appreciation for the beauty and power of inclusion in every facet of our lives, The Chicago Lighthouse will host a unique three-hour summer spectacular concert Saturday, September 14 at Navy Pier featuring performers with and without disabilities. “Center Stage for Access and Inclusion,” which will take place from 11 am to 2 pm on the Navy Pier South Dock (adjacent to Ferris Wheel), will feature stellar performances from singing sensations and epic dancing to comedy and storytelling. Special guest performer will be Avett Ray, a seven-year-old piano YouTube sensation who happens to be visually impaired. Serving as emcee will be one of Chicago’s most engaging personalities, Leon Rogers of WGCI.

Election Security

Election Security - 4:38

Karen A. Yarbrough, Cook County's first African American and first female Clerk, is working to ensure the office's smooth transition to new, state-of-the-art voting equipment,
which will roll out countywide in the 2020 Primary Election. The new equipment, which has already received unanimously positive feedback from voters in a pilot program, will safeguard Illinois voting system, which requires a paper backup of all votes cast. The new system will allow voters to mark and print their own paper ballot to ensure that their choices are accurately recorded. Clerk Yarbrough is also proud to be one of the only voting offices in the country to employ a cybersecurity expert. The office, which works closely with federal authorities, is recognized nationally as a leader in setting best practices for running free and fair elections. As the Office enters the upcoming transition period, Clerk Yarbrough is urging civic-minded residents and community groups to consider serving as Election Judges, a great way to learn about our democracy and earn some extra money. She is especially eager to convince high school students to serve as well, and see firsthand how technology is powering government administration.

The Future of Civic Leadership

The Future of Civic Leadership - 4:35

Leadership Greater Chicago's (LGC) Chief Executive Officer Maria Wynne discusses how Chicago can become an inclusive megacity with opportunities for all. LGC is evolving the region's pipeline of civic leaders through new leadership development experiences, collaboration, and involving the highest levels of executives across industries.

Healing with Music

Healing with Music - 4:45

Harmony, Hope & Healing creates a safe environment where vulnerable individuals and families heal and rebuild their lives through the restorative power of music. The organization serves adults, children and families who have been affected by traumas such as homelessness, incarceration, addiction and isolation. Their programs have helped more than 10,000 individuals since our founding in 2003. Harmony, Hope and Healing provides music classes at 14 sites, including shelters, residential programs, community outreach centers and Cook County Jail. These music classes teach participants appropriate and healthy ways to relieve stress, express emotions and develop positive relationships. They aid individuals whom have been through traumas such as homelessness, incarceration, addiction and isolation. They achieve this through activities such as mindful breathing and humming exercises, discussions about songs and readings, as well as singing, dancing and drumming.

Developing Skills for the Future of Work

Developing Skills for the Future of Work - 4:35

The Chicago Urban League works for economic, educational and social progress for African Americans and promotes strong, sustainable communities through advocacy, collaboration and innovation. Through its Workforce Development Center, the League provides career pathways, occupational training, and access to employment opportunities in high-demand sectors. We focus on IT, Renewable Energy, Supply Chain Management, and Cybersecurity sectors. The League wants to ensure diversity and inclusion of Black people in these growing sectors by preparing them to be competitive.

Coffee with a Cause

Coffee with a Cause - 4:33

Aspire CoffeeWorks is a social enterprise coffee company that combines the work of disability-focused nonprofit Aspire with the craftsmanship of Metropolis Coffee Company, one of the nation’s top artisan coffee roasters. Aspire CoffeeWorks supports people with disabilities in two important ways: it employs adults with disabilities as members of its team, and 100% of the net proceeds from its coffee sales go back to Aspire's programs to support 1,000 kids and adults with disabilities and their families. It’s a groundbreaking, one-of-a-kind partnership and a perfect example of how adults with disabilities can be productive and successful members of the work force.

Transformation

Transformation - 4:35

A Safe Haven Foundation is a 501(c)3 not for profit, social enterprise that helps people aspire,
transform and sustain their lives as they transition from homelessness to self-sufficiency with
pride and purpose. A Safe Haven provides the tools for each individual to overcome the root
causes of homelessness through a holistic and scalable model. A Safe Haven’s visible social
and economic impact unites families, stabilizes neighborhoods, and creates vibrant, viable
communities.

The Local Impact of Impact Investing

The Local Impact of Impact Investing - 4:34

Due to an unprecedented combination of access to information, changing public perception, and political transitions, we have seen a shift in public priorities. In the United States, for example, 95% of college graduates consider a sense of purpose at least moderately important in their work, while globally, two-thirds of people are willing to pay more for products and services provided by companies committed to positive social and environmental impact. This translates to investing too, and “Impact Investing” is a mechanism that allows individuals to invest locally in what matters to them. Since 2017, Benefit Chicago has raised $97 million in capital and committed $53 million to impact enterprises that make a local impact in Chicago communities.

The Posse Foundation

The Posse Foundation - 4:36

Founded in 1989, The Posse Foundation was inspired by a student who said, “I never would have dropped out of college if I’d had my Posse with me.” Posse sends urban students from diverse backgrounds to elite colleges in teams. The organization’s ultimate goal is to develop a generation of inclusive leaders who better represent the voices of all Americans. Jennifer Tani, who directs Posse’s Chicago chapter, discusses the mission and vision of this nationally recognized college success program.

Belief in Investing

Belief in Investing - 4:34

LINK Unlimited Scholars has worked to change the trajectory of high-potential African American youth in the classroom and beyond. With educational support, mentors and financial subsidies, LINK provides the necessary backing to help close opportunity gaps and further ensure economic stability for participating Scholars. For 20 years in a row, 100% of LINK Unlimited Scholars’ High School Seniors have been accepted to selective colleges and universities.

Footprints to Recovery

Footprints to Recovery - 4:35

Melissa Rocchi is the Chief Operations Officer for Footprints to Recovery, a collection of regional drug and alcohol treatment centers with locations throughout the US. They provide customized treatment planning, individual and group therapy, diagnosis care and group therapy as well as supplementary and alternative services such as pet and equine therapy, writing workshops and yoga. They are a rising leader in the addiction in the addiction recovery world. Their message? ‘There are better days ahead.’ Melissa and her team of female clinicians and executives are leading the charge against the opioid epidemic. They most recently opened a state-of-the-art treatment center in Elgin, a center unlike any in the Chicago and Milwaukee area. As the United States faces the continued challenges of a growing opioid epidemic, the women clinicians, executives and executive directors of Footprints to Recovery refuse to back down. With over 80 years of combined experience spanning substance abuse, eating disorders and mental health, these women are paving the way when it comes to modernizing and adapting the approach to drug and alcohol treatment. Through their unique approach to substance abuse treatment and backed by $12 million in program scholarships to-date, the clinicians, executives and executive directors of Footprints to Recovery are making effective treatment accessible to all.

Beating the Odds

Beating the Odds - 4:39

Meagan Cheve` Sims
Child Welfare Supervisor and Doctoral Student Meagan Sims is a dedicated professional in the non-profit sector. As a proud veteran of the United States Army, Meagan has selflessly served her country and in her community with vigor and passion. Meagan is an alumnus of Englewood High School in Chicago and holds a Masters in Non-Profit Management from Spertus College. She is actively pursuing her Doctorate of Education in Interdisciplinary Leadership at Governors State University. Meagan’s goal is to develop holistic supportive programming to assist youth in foster care in their pursuit of higher education. She is also a certified and registered adult and children’s yoga instructor. Meagan currently works as the Manager of the Adolescent Girls Unit of Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness’ Interim Care Center. This professional endeavor is also a personal one for Meagan as Aunt Martha's was her foster care agency when she was a child until she was adopted by her great-grandmother at the age of 11. Through her life’s work, Meagan aspires to empower individuals to overcome life’s trials and travail toward greatness despite their circumstances. Her life's mantra is "Success does not come to you, you must go to it."

Cook County Updates & Projections

Cook County Updates & Projections - 4:37

For Fiscal Year 2019, the Department of Budget and Management Services anticipates a budget surplus of $14.9 million in the County's General Fund. The Health Fund anticipates a $103.1 million shortfall. The Fiscal Year 2020 outlook includes an $11.9 million shortfall projected in the General Fund and a $6.8 million shortfall in the Health Fund, creating a total operating funds projected deficit of $18.7 million.

Positive on the Westside

Positive on the Westside - 4:31

Westside Cultural Foundation brings cultural events to the community. Their free festivals of local talent also include free giveaways of backpacks and school supplies.

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