Issue 13
April-May 2024
Welcome
Hello, fellow Illinoisans! I hope this message finds you in great health, wealth, and joy! As you know, May is Mental Health Month. Mental Health is essential to a person's overall health as mental health is an integral component of your physical health. I would like to take this opportunity to remind you that you are a beautiful person, worthy of joy, happiness, and peace of mind. Please be intentional in connecting with your support systems, whether that is family, friends, coworkers, or members of your faith community.
Before we dive into our Newsletter, I leave you with a message that I hope you can take something from: "Instead of letting your hardships and failures discourage or exhaust you, let them inspire you. Let them make you even hungrier to succeed"- Michelle Obama.
Be well,
David T. Jones
Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Interested in becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC)?
We want to hear from you.
Chief Jones and the Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) seek your feedback on the development of a CCBHC Learning Collaborative. This initiative, led by the CBHO and facilitated by the Medicaid Technical Assistance Center (MTAC) , will leverage in-state policy makers and subject matter experts to provide technical assistance to providers seeking to undertake the journey towards becoming a Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) under the Illinois Medicaid program.
Target Audience:
* Providers interested in or exploring becoming a CCBHC in Illinois.
Ask: Chief Jones and HFS invite you to participate in this brief survey, which should take approximately 10-15 minutes to complete. Your insights will inform the collaborative's content planning for its launch in summer 2024, aligned with Illinois Medicaid guidelines outlined in the current demonstration application.
Take the Survey Now
Celebrations throughout April and May
In this newsletter, we highlight five awareness initiatives below, acknowledging the deep significance each one carries.
Alcohol Awareness Month
We dedicated the month of April to Alcohol Awareness Month, a time to reflect on the complexities of Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) and its implications. In our journey to promote health and wellness, we recognize the reality that addiction conditions remain a critical public health concern. Let's take a moment to understand and offer our compassion to those battling the challenges of AUD. According to the National Center for Drug Abuse Statistics, 20.5% of Illinois adults over 18 binge drink at least once per month. An average of 5,151annual deaths in Illinois are attributed to excessive alcohol use. The National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence (NCADD) shares vital AUD related resources for available opportunities for awareness as well as recovery. Illinois Helpline is also a confidential service that connects you to treatment and recovery providers across Illinois. You can reach the IL Helpline 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, by calling 833-234-6343, texting "HELP" to 833234, or chatting with a Helpline Specialist online directly at HelplineIL.org.
National Mental Health Awareness Month
As we turn our calendar to May, we celebrate Mental Health Awareness Month, a crucial time to acknowledge that if you're feeling heightened stress, anxiety, or depression, you're not alone. According to the Illinois Department of Central Management Services, while 95% of the population acknowledges the importance of mental health, a mere 26% prioritize it. Prioritize your well-being by connecting with loved ones, focusing on self-care through sleep, nutrition, and exercise, and setting goals to strengthen personal and community ties. Whether you have a diagnosed condition or are overwhelmed, reaching out for help is a solid and necessary step. Below are some toolkits and resources available.
Women's Health Awareness Month
Women's Health Month is also celebrated in May, a significant period dedicated to empowering women to prioritize their health. This month encourages a focus on nurturing physical and mental well-being through balanced nutrition, regular exercise, sufficient sleep, and effective management of chronic conditions. Self-care activities like yoga, meditation, and reading can significantly enhance emotional health. It is also crucial to stay informed about risk factors for severe conditions such as heart disease, breast cancer, and behavioral health issues. Regular health screenings and open dialogues with healthcare providers are essential for early detection and management. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), around 15% of women over the age of 18 are in poor health. Only 20.4% of women aged 18 and older met the 2018 federal physical activity guidelines for aerobic and muscle strengthening activity. The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services offers various services focused on women's health. Check out their website for more information on these services and eligibility.
Asian American & Pacific Islander Heritage Month
May marks Asian American and Pacific Islander Heritage Month, a celebration of the vast contributions that Asian Americans and Pacific Islanders (AAPIs) have made to American history, society, and culture. AAPIs encompass individuals from over 40 countries and speaking hundreds of languages, and at times, may face significant challenges in accessing behavioral healthcare. Issues such as language barriers and cultural perceptions of mental health hinder access to mental health supports. Additionally, there is a shortage of culturally competent healthcare providers and clinicians from diverse racial and ethnic backgrounds. Recognizing these barriers is just as crucial as celebrating the cultural richness during this month, as it highlights the ongoing need for inclusivity and understanding in healthcare services. According to a SAMHSA survey conducted in 2022, Asian adults with mental illness were less likely to have received mental health treatment than White and Multiracial adults. You can find AAPI-focused behavioral health providers in Illinois on the National Asian American Pacific Islander Mental Health Association website. Coalition for Healthy Asian Minds Program (CHAMP) is another great resource that caters to the behavioral health needs of Asian Americans in the Chicagoland area.
Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month
May is Maternal Mental Health Awareness Month in Illinois, a time dedicated to raising awareness about the mental health challenges that new and expectant moms and parents often face. Governor Pritzker has proclaimed this month to help increase understanding and support for maternal mental health. According to the Postpartum Depression Illinois Alliance (PPD IL), around 20% of new mothers experience depression and anxiety during the first year after childbirth. Recognizing these signs early can lead to better support and care. Please visit the Postpartum Depression Alliance of Illinois to learn about the best self-care practices for maternal mental health, as well as use their helpline number 847-205-4455 to find local support. The Illinois Department of Public Health has also provided some important facts and resources for people experiencing maternal depression.
Fact Sheet: Postpartum Depression in Illinois
Provider Spotlight
The CBHO team is delighted to present a featured provider in this issue, to showcase the remarkable strides in behavioral health within our State, foster meaningful connections, and commemorate achievements. We had the opportunity to speak with Thresholds and are excited to share an overview of their notable achievements, the challenges they've encountered, and their ambitious aspirations for the future. Within this article, we can only provide a glimpse at the depth of their impactful work.
About Thresholds
Thresholds was founded in 1959 by a group of determined women from the Chicago chapter of the National Council of Jewish Women to address a pressing need for comprehensive mental health care. They recognized the lack of support for individuals facing serious mental illness, particularly those without stable housing. These women came together over six decades ago with a shared determination to make a difference. Last month, Thresholds celebrated its 65th anniversary with a clear mission to promote innovative behavioral and primary health care that empowers individuals and fosters community inclusion.
A Conversation with Mark Ishaug, CEO
We spoke with Mark Ishaug, President and CEO of Thresholds, who has four decades of experience in leadership roles in human services and advocacy, and previously worked in HIV/AIDS advocacy in Chicago and Washington, DC for over 20 years. He has led Thresholds for the past 12 years. Ishaug's personal connection to mental health advocacy drives his passion for providing access to quality and affordable care. He emphasizes that all 1,310 team members play a crucial role in driving the organization forward, with a wealth of experience within the leadership team, including individuals with around four decades of service. Ishaug commends the diverse expertise and unwavering dedication of Thresholds' Board of Directors for bringing in experiences from various fields, from lived experience to law, medicine, psychology, academia, and business.
Thresholds focuses on community outreach programs and services for people with mental health and substance use conditions, with 10 Assertive Community Treatment (ACT) teams and dozens of Community Support Teams (CST) and Community Support Individual (CSI) teams. They manage nearly 1,300 housing units to provide stable homes for clients. They are one of Illinois's largest providers of supported employment, helping individuals find and maintain meaningful work. Additionally, their specialized programs cater to diverse demographics, including youth, young mothers, and individuals with substance use conditions. Thresholds' Homeless Outreach Program has provided vital support to people experiencing homelessness and mental illness since 1989. Through strategic partnerships with organizations such as the Chicago Transit Authority and Starbucks, they are making a compassionate impact on our community's most vulnerable population.
Ishaug proudly highlighted Thresholds' collaborations with primary care partners Howard Brown Health on the South side, Tapestry 360 Health on the North side, and Aunt Martha's Health and Wellness in Blue Island, as well as other new partnerships with Aunt Martha's and Rosecrance in McHenry County. Thresholds also has its own standalone primary care clinic called Thresholds Health located in the Austin community. The organization received four Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinic (CCBHC) grants from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) serving McHenry and Kankakee Counties, and the South and North Side of Chicago.
Along with their successes, Thresholds faces challenges, including ongoing workforce shortages in the sector and growing need for their services. Ishaug emphasizes the organization's resilience and ongoing efforts to address these obstacles while focusing on quality and innovation. Additionally, standing up a new provider type, CCBHCs, has presented significant opportunities, while also requiring dedicated resources and attention.
In the next three years, Thresholds is committed to expanding housing for those experiencing mental illnesses and substance use conditions, aiming for 60 to 100 more units. They are also doubling down on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion efforts, pushing for enhanced access to care and housing. Advocacy will remain a top priority, especially in Springfield, while they work on reforming private insurance. They are testing ethical and innovative ways to embrace technology and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to improve services for clients and work experience for employees.
Ishaug concluded the conversation with an uplifting note, emphasizing the significance of approaching all endeavors with love and compassion. He affirms Thresholds' commitment to not only addressing the needs of their clients but also fostering a culture of kindness and empathy within the organization.
Commitment to Community Award
In April, Chief Jones was graciously awarded the Commitment to Community Award at the Community Counseling Centers of Chicago (C4) Healing Through Hope Gala.
This recognition was given for his dedication, hard work, and a lifetime of achievements geared towards improving the delivery of behavioral health services in the state of Illinois, specifically communities throughout the Chicagoland area. Whether through volunteer work, philanthropy, advocacy, or leadership, recipients of the Commitment to Community Award have shown a steadfast commitment to making a difference and creating positive change.
HELP IS AVAILABLE
If you or someone you know is in need of additional support as it relates to the pandemic and/or the painful current events both in Illinois and across our country, please check out the DHS resources.
If you or someone you know is in crisis, text HOME to 741741 or call The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 9-8-8.
There are also mental health resources and substance use and recovery resources available. For additional wellness resources, please check out Be Well Illinois.
