Roseland’s Mental Health Clinic Reopens with New Services
Mayor Brandon Johnson celebrated the reopening of a mental health clinic in Roseland on Wednesday, describing it as ‘a promise delivered.’ This facility, located at 200 E. 115th St., is part of a broader initiative aimed at expanding mental health services in the city, especially in underserved communities.
The Roseland East 115th Street Health Hub will offer a variety of services at no cost, including immunizations, sexual health care, and mental health services. ‘We hope that this will be more than a clinic,’ Johnson remarked, ‘It’s true that this is a gathering space that will foster health and wellness.’
Community-Focused Services
This initiative comes as part of Johnson’s plan to reopen several clinics that were closed during former Mayor Rahm Emanuel’s administration. During the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Johnson emphasized, ‘This space will ensure that the people of Roseland and the South Side have access to services they need.’
Patrice Lassa, manager of quality assurance at the Chicago Department of Public Health, noted that the aim is to ‘collaborate and fill the gaps’ in the current services available in Roseland.
Enhancing Crisis Response
In addition to the reopening of the Roseland clinic, the mayor also highlighted the expansion of the city’s Crisis Assistance Response & Engagement (CARE) program. This pilot program has enabled behavioral health clinicians to respond to 9-1-1 calls involving mental health incidents more effectively. The CARE program will now extend its services to additional areas like Avalon Park and the Lower West Side.
A Response to Community Needs
Furthermore, a new Citywide Special Cases team is being launched to provide support for Chicagoans experiencing mental health crises outside of the traditional 9-1-1 framework. Health Department Commissioner Olusimbo Ige indicated that this team aims to respond to around 500 cases each year.
‘What we are providing is a combination of mobile crisis response with physical locations for care that people need,’ Johnson explained.
Aiming for Accessibility
The Roseland clinic is set to operate five days a week, offering mental health care and sexual health services, including STI/STD testing and prevention medication like PrEP. ‘This clinic will provide options that Black and Brown residents often lack,’ said Tammy Rutledge, the site director.
With the reopening of the Roseland clinic, the city’s health leaders aim to tackle the significant disparities in mental health service access, particularly noted in a recent Sun-Times analysis that revealed rising suicide rates among Black Chicagoans.
Conclusion
The clinic’s services are available Monday through Friday with extended hours to accommodate residents’ needs. Mayor Johnson’s renewed commitment to community health aims to bridge gaps and foster wellness for all residents.
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