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Chicago residents have many forms of transportation while living
in the city, as many utilize public transit and travel by bike
or foot as many facilities are spread across the city.
State Rep. LaShawn Ford, D-Chicago, said these play a role in a
resident's access to timely mental health services.
"It is a problem when you have a person who is struggling with a
mental health challenge, and they do not have a mental health
home to treat it," Ford said. "When you have someone struggling
with schizophrenia or bipolar disorder, they need to have places
they can get to in their neighborhoods."
The city has set aside millions in its upcoming budget to fix
issues regarding mental health services, but still more needs to
be done.
"Mental health support is just as important as physical health,
but we are lacking in that," Ford said. "We have been working
with [providers] so that at least children can access mental and
behavioral health support."
The state overall has seen significant issues at its mental
health centers over the past two years. A CBS Chicago
investigation into the Shapiro Developmental Center in Kankakee
showed physical abuse of a patient happening within the facility
run by the Department of Human Services.
The investigation includes a video of a former employee that
shows a worker grabbing a resident by the sweatshirt's hood and
cites incidents of starvation and strangulation.
Lawmakers are looking to address these issues when returning for
the January session.
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