Chicago, IL — 91��ɫ has been awarded a new three-year Mental Health Awareness Training (MHAT) grant from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) to expand practical, evidence-based mental health awareness and crisis response training across Chicago. Helping more people recognize mental health needs, respond safely, and connect individuals to care.��

Through the grant, 91��ɫ will train 900 people over the next three years in practical, evidence-based, trauma-informed skills, including Mental Health First Aid, suicide prevention and intervention, crisis de-escalation, and recognizing the signs and symptoms of mental illness. ��

The initiative will focus on communities on Chicago’s North and South Sides, building on the strong community networks surrounding 91��ɫ’��Centers for Mental Wellbeing Ravenswood and South,��which are both federally Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics (CCBHCs).��

Training will extend beyond traditional behavioral health providers to organizations that regularly encounter individuals experiencing mental health challenges or crises. Potential partners include hospitals, schools, law enforcement and first responders,��jails, transit providers, managed care organizations, faith communities, housing providers, employers, educators, and other trusted community organizations.��

In addition to providing training, 91��ɫ will strengthen community partnerships and referral pathways, so people who recognize someone in crisis know where to turn for help. Participants will receive information about resources including 988, Mobile Crisis Response services, Living Rooms, CCBHCs, and other community supports.��

“The grant allows 91��ɫ to take the expertise we use every day responding to mental health crises and bring it further into the community,” said Sherin Khan, Chief Strategy��Officer at 91��ɫ. “By equipping more people with practical knowledge and skills, we can help ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges are met with compassion, supported safely, and connected to care.”��

The project is funded for three years at over $450,000, with potential to extend the work in future years.��

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This summer, 91��ɫ welcomed four rising sophomores from the University of Notre Dame as interns through the ND Bridge Program, which connects students with organizations working to address complex social issues. For interns at 91��ɫ, this means diving headfirst into community settings where behavioral healthcare, housing, employment, and recovery connect every day.��

Ady Bremner, Ella Dassah, Naomi Teklemariam, and Thea Bendaly spent eight weeks living and working in Chicago, learning alongside 91��ɫ staff and clients. They visited a variety of programs, shadowed staff, explored locations across the city, and researched topics rooted in bettering our communities.��

At the end of their internships, each student presented their research to 91��ɫ clinical staff. Their topics ranged from healthcare barriers for people living with serious mental illness to the impact of hospital closures, social worker burnout, and the transition from institutional settings to community-based housing.��

While each student came to 91��ɫ with a different academic background and career interests, their experiences connected their areas of study to the people and communities affected by the systems they’ve learned about.��

Supporting the Supporters��

For Naomi Teklemariam, a neuroscience major on a pre-med track, shadowing staff led her to a bigger question.��

After conversations with staff about the demands of behavioral healthcare work, Naomi became interested in social worker burnout and its connection to structural disinvestment in Chicago’s West and South Sides.��

“I really fell into this research question within my first week at 91��ɫ,” Naomi said. “I was talking with my supervisor and heard personal stories from staff about how they combat stress and burnout, which really drew me to this research focus.”��

As Naomi explored the issue, she also saw how important it is for organizations to recognize and address those pressures. Her experience at 91��ɫ showed her that supporting staff is part of providing quality care to clients. By providing opportunities for staff to support one another, she saw an organization that acknowledges the realities of behavioral healthcare work while creating space for staff to sustain it.��

Naomi’s research provided a valuable look at how decades of disinvestment in Chicago communities can contribute to the pressures facing social workers today. But she also saw the importance of workplace culture in helping staff manage that work.��

“No matter the team, there was always so much laughter and mutual support between staff and clients. I think that made a huge difference in how that care was delivered and received,” she said.��

Protecting Lifesaving Policies��

Thea Bendaly arrived at 91��ɫ eager to explore how criminal justice reform and mental healthcare connect in practice.��

A political science major, Thea is involved in Notre Dame’s Student Policy Network and studies mass incarceration, reentry, and prison reform. She knew there was a connection between those issues and mental healthcare but wanted to better understand that connection firsthand.��

“Homelessness, poverty, mental health care, and mass incarceration all intersect,” Thea said. For her, the eight-week internship offered a way to deepen her understanding of a social justice issue she hopes to work on throughout her career.��

Through her experiences and research, Thea gained a deeper appreciation for funding advocacy and how dangerous cuts can be for clients.��

“We talk so much in school about federal funding cuts,” Thea said. “Getting to actually interact with people who are affected by federal funding cuts has been really impactful for me.”��

Her presentation focused on the Williams Consent Decree and the transition from institutional settings to community-based housing. Through her research, she explored how co-occurring substance use and serious mental illness can add complexity to the transition while finding that engagement and individualized support play an important role in successful community living.��

Looking Beyond a Diagnosis��

Ady Bremner’s research focused on a question that sits at the intersection of mental and physical healthcare: What factors make it challenging for people living with serious mental illness to access the healthcare they need?��

As she spent time with 91��ɫ’ community teams, Ady saw how factors such as lack of transportation, financial resources, health literacy, and social stigma can create barriers to care. Those observations shaped her research, which explored the systemic challenges affecting healthcare access and the ways 91��ɫ works to address them.��

Her time at 91��ɫ also reinforced the importance of seeing the whole person behind the services they receive.��

“One of the biggest things I learned here was the value of not limiting clients to their diagnosis,” Ady said. “Being able to see someone for who they are and their humanity was a core memory for me.”��

That perspective carried into the way she thought about healthcare disparities. Rather than viewing access to care as simply a matter of individual choices, Ady understood how much larger systems can influence a person’s ability to get the support they need.��

“A lot of it isn’t a conscious choice by one person, but rather systematic barriers,” she said. “It’s about treating the entire person exactly as they are: a person!”��

Seeing the Bigger System��

Ella Dassah’s research examined another part of that system: the impact of hospital closures on behavioral healthcare access and advocacy. During her internship, Ella visited programs across Chicago’s West Side and western suburbs. She saw how much coordination goes into helping clients maintain stability and access care.��

“Each experience gave me a valuable perspective on community mental health,” Ella said. “Nothing happens without everyone being all in and on the same team. I saw how much collaboration went into every effort.”��

Her research examined how the closure of a “safety-net hospital” can create additional pressure throughout an already strained healthcare system. When one part of that system is disrupted, the effects can extend to emergency departments, community providers, and organizations like 91��ɫ that help people stay connected to ongoing care.��

For Ella, the experience reinforced that behavioral healthcare cannot be viewed in isolation. It is part of a larger network of hospitals, primary care providers, community organizations, and other services that people rely on to stay healthy and connected to their communities.��

91��ɫ Takeaways

The students arrived with different interests, but each left with a similar sense of pride, understanding, and motivation to apply what they learned to their future. One of the biggest surprises they shared was the breadth of 91��ɫ’ work.��After working alongside residential programs, employment services, clinical support, homeless outreach, and more throughout their eight weeks, the interns each noted the importance and impact of building relationships between staff and clients.����

“I feel like we’ve all realized truly how involved staff are in the recovery and the mental health care of the people they serve,” Thea said. “The staff are there going through this journey alongside the clients, and are always putting their best foot forward.”��

For the students, some of their favorite moments came from simply talking with clients. Seemingly small conversations about Marvel, sports, nature, future goals, and everything in between helped them see people beyond the diagnoses or systems they had been studying.��

“I feel like most of my favorite memories were when we spent time with the clients,” Ella reflected. “I recommend that everyone come in with a really open mind and make the most of this opportunity. That’s what I did!”��

Those conversations became an important part of the internship’s impact, challenging assumptions and giving the students a more personal understanding of the issues behind their research.��As the students return to Notre Dame for the new school year, they take with them a deeper understanding of community-based care and the people who make it possible.��

We are so grateful to Ady, Ella, Naomi, and Thea for their curiosity, thoughtfulness, and willingness to learn from our clients and staff throughout the summer. We wish them the best in the year ahead and look forward to seeing where their experiences take them!��

Interested in gaining hands-on experience in behavioral healthcare? Explore internship and career opportunities at 91��ɫ and find your place on Team 91��ɫ: ��

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91��ɫ is proud to announce that we have once again been recognized as one of .

Presented annually by the , the Best & Brightest program honors organizations that are committed to creating exceptional workplace cultures and supporting employees through innovative and thoughtful practices.

For 91��ɫ, this recognition reflects the people behind our mission. Every day, staff across the organization bring compassion, dedication, and expertise to their work — supporting individuals and families across Illinois through mental health care, substance use treatment, housing, crisis response, recovery services, and more.

Whether responding to someone in crisis, helping a person secure stable housing, supporting employment goals, or building meaningful community connections, 91��ɫ employees lead with empathy and purpose.

“At 91��ɫ, our people are the heart of everything we do,” said Mark Ishaug, President and CEO of 91��ɫ. “This recognition reflects the incredible commitment of our staff and the culture they help create every day — one rooted in support, collaboration, and care for one another and the communities we serve.”

91��ɫ remains committed to fostering a workplace where employees feel valued, supported, and empowered to grow. From professional development opportunities and wellness initiatives to a mission-driven culture centered on belonging and connection, we believe investing in employees strengthens our ability to deliver high-quality care across our communities.

As we celebrate this recognition, we are deeply grateful to the staff members who make 91��ɫ a place where people can thrive — both personally and professionally.

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91��ɫ is proud to be recognized as a 2026 Silver recipient of the Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health by Mental Health America — the nation’s leading recognition for employers committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces.

This marks another year that 91��ɫ has been honored with the Bell Seal, reflecting our continued investment in building a workplace culture where employees feel supported, valued, and able to thrive.

The Bell Seal for Workplace Mental Health is a national certification awarded to organizations that demonstrate excellence in supporting employee mental health and well-being. Employers are evaluated on workplace policies, benefits, culture, and wellness initiatives. At 91��ɫ, this commitment is deeply connected to our mission. As one of Illinois’ largest providers of mental health and substance use recovery services, we know that creating a culture of wellness must begin within our own organization. Receiving the Bell Seal affirms our ongoing efforts to foster a workplace where employees feel respected, supported, and empowered to ask for help when they need it.

91��ɫ employs more than 1,400 staff across a wide range of roles, all united by a shared commitment to supporting recovery and resilience in our communities. We are proud to offer a workplace that prioritizes well-being through:

• Comprehensive benefits and generous paid time off
• Access to employee assistance programs
• Ongoing training and professional development
• Clinical supervision and career growth opportunities
• A culture that values lived experience and inclusion

These efforts help ensure that our staff are not only equipped to do their work—but supported as whole people.

As a Bell Seal recipient, 91��ɫ joins a select group of organizations across the country working to create psychologically safe, supportive environments for their teams. “Creating a culture of mental wellness starts from within,” said President and CEO Mark Ishaug. “We are honored to be recognized among national leaders in workplace mental health and proud to set an example for what a supportive, equitable workplace can be.”

While we are proud of this recognition, our work does not stop here. We remain committed to continuously strengthening our workplace culture, listening to our staff, and advancing practices that support mental health and well-being. Because when our employees are supported, they are better able to support the thousands of individuals and families who rely on 91��ɫ every day.

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There are some evenings that stay with you—and , was one of them.

More than 550 supporters came together in a powerful show of generosity and shared purpose, filling the room with energy, compassion, and a collective belief in what’s possible. It was a night to celebrate community—and to shine a light on the life-changing work happening every day across 91��ɫ.

At the heart of the evening was a tribute to our Crisis Response teams. These dedicated professionals provide immediate, compassionate care to individuals experiencing mental health emergencies—meeting people where they are, helping them stabilize, and connecting them to the support they need to move forward. Their work is urgent, human, and deeply impactful.

Together, we raised an incredible $1.27 million to advance 91��ɫ’ mission of delivering life-changing services for people living with mental health and substance use conditions. This support moves us closer to a future where care is more accessible, more equitable, and available when it’s needed most.

We are deeply grateful to our Presenting Sponsor, Fifth Third Bank, along with the many generous sponsors who made the evening possible. Our heartfelt thanks also go to our Gala Committee hosts and co-chairs, Frank Haywood and Sharon Neal, and committee members Judy Ashworth, Keith Douglas, Megan Greer, Johna Hedden, Sue Roberts, and Minal Varma. Their leadership and commitment helped bring this special evening to life.

A special thank you to our keynote speaker, Christine Yu Moutier, whose honesty and advocacy left a lasting impression. Her voice continues to shape the national conversation around mental health—and underscores the urgency of this work.

We were also proud to honor the remarkable contributions of the James P. and Brenda S. Grusecki Family Foundation, Sasha-Ann Simons, and Darrious Hilmon. Their leadership and generosity reflect the profound impact individuals and partners can make in advancing mental health and recovery.

What happened that night reaches far beyond a single room. It supports our clients, strengthens our staff, and builds a foundation for lasting hope in the communities we serve.

We are honored to continue this work—together.

Explore more from the evening:

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SPRINGFIELD – Illinois stands to lose billions in federal funds for Medicaid, SNAP, and other essential safety-net programs as implementation of HR1, the federal reconciliation package, takes shape. These cuts pose a serious, long-term threat to behavioral health services for both rural and urban communities alike, deepening Illinois’ existing structural deficit. The stakes for families, workers, and providers could not be higher.����

As a community mental health provider, we see every day how critical it is that Illinois continues to invest robustly in the health and human services that keep people safe, stable, and connected. We appreciate the difficult position thrust upon state governments and were encouraged that Governor Pritzker focused on love, courage, and compassion in yesterday’s address. We are grateful for investments in behavioral health that his Administration has continued to prioritize throughout his tenure.��

We��were also��pleased that the Governor prioritized housing. Housing is foundational��to��recovery��and a critical piece of 91��ɫ’��approach.��Sadly, it��remains��out of reach for many, including those struggling with mental illnesses��and substance use��conditions.��Unfortunately, it appears that funding for some supported housing programs would be reduced in the proposed budget. This runs counter to what we know is needed.����

The reality is��that��the cost of delivering high‑quality mental health and substance use treatment rises each year—driven by workforce shortages, increasing health insurance costs, and inflation—yet reimbursement rates under Medicaid and state grants have not kept pace.��The gap between what it costs to provide��quality��care and what providers are reimbursed��continues to widen, undermining the sustainability of the very services our communities depend on.��

We urge the General Assembly to��allocate��$10 million for Housing Is Recovery to not only sustain shelter for those currently housed through the program, but to grow capacity to better meet the��needs��across the state.��We look forward to continuing to partner with the Administration and the General Assembly to make this possible.����

91��ɫ championed��the passage of��Public Act 102-0066��in 2021,��creating the Housing Is Recovery��program.��Under the leadership of the Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery,��it��has since��enabled��162 Illinoisans to gain housing stability.��By reducing hospitalization, institutionalization, and incarceration, initiatives like Housing Is Recovery��and other supportive housing programs��generate a significant return on investment for taxpayers while improving the quality of life for program participants.��Illinois cannot navigate the challenges ahead by cuts alone.����

Instead,��Governor Pritzker and members of the Illinois General Assembly��must work to��adopt meaningful, progressive revenue solutions that allow our state to stabilize its budget and invest in essential services—including mental health��care, substance use��treatment, and supportive housing. With the right approach, Illinois can ensure that community-based providers are equipped to meet rising demand, build a strong behavioral health workforce, and deliver care that keeps individuals and families healthy and housed.��

A budget is a statement of values. During this period of fiscal uncertainty, we��call on��state leaders to��continue to��choose investments that protect��our most��vulnerable��neighbors��and strengthen the foundation of our communities. Our state’s health and future depend on it.��

For media inquiries, contact Chief of Communications, Emily Moen

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For the 12th year in a row, 91��ɫ has been recognized as a Top Workplace by the Chicago Tribune, in our category! This award is special because it’s based entirely on feedback from our staff, reflecting their experiences, insights, and needs.��

Being recognized again is a powerful reminder of the compassionate and collaborative culture our team creates every day. At 91��ɫ, more than 1,300 staff across Chicago and 4 surrounding counties work in a wide variety of impactful roles — from front-line clinical social workers providing care and case management, to teams in finance, administration, peer services, housing, and more. Every role is essential in helping people with serious mental illnesses and substance use conditions reclaim their lives.

“Being on this list speaks to the dedication, care, and professionalism of our staff,” said President and CEO Mark Ishaug. “It shows the commitment we all share to our clients and our mission, and it’s a reminder that when staff feel supported, they can deliver their best work.”��

This honor highlights the meaningful work, collaboration, and dedication that define the culture and impact of 91��ɫ.��

“We are proud of this achievement, but even more proud of the people who made it possible,” Ishaug shared. “Thank you to every member of Team 91��ɫ for your dedication,��creativity, and��commitment��to the communities we serve.��

Here’s to another year of building a workplace where people feel valued, heard, and supported!

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On October 15, immigration agents detained Omar Huerta Cisneros, a permanent U.S. resident living with schizophrenia, near his home in Chicago. His family had no information about his whereabouts for nearly two weeks, and reports indicate he was released far from home without support.��

This case is an especially troubling example of the kind of trauma we have seen communities experience from federal enforcement activity. Omar’s extreme vulnerability due to his serious mental illness meant that being detained without communication put him at significant risk and caused profound distress to his family. This situation demonstrates the failure to protect one of our most vulnerable community members and highlights the urgent need for systems that prioritize care and compassion.

At 91��ɫ, we remain committed to protecting individuals living with serious mental illness and ensuring they are treated with dignity, safety, and respect. We will continue fighting for a community where no one is ever left at risk or alone, and we will work to make sure incidents like this never happen again.

– Mark Ishaug, 91��ɫ President and CEO

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SPRINGFIELD, Ill. – Last night, in the final hours of the fall veto session, the Illinois General Assembly approved HB1085, landmark legislation spearheaded by 91��ɫ to strengthen mental health parity and improve access to care for people with private insurance coverage. The bill, which passed with strong bipartisan support, marks a historic sea change by addressing a root cause of providers leaving insurance networks — insufficient reimbursement rates. Sponsored by Representative Lindsey LaPointe and Senators Don Harmon and Karina Villa, the bill passed with strong bipartisan support in both chambers.

“Far too many Illinoisans cannot find a therapist or mental health provider covered by their insurance as a result of chronically low reimbursement rates and frustrating red tape that drives behavioral health professionals out-of-network,” said bill sponsor Representative LaPointe. “So many need mental health support across our life span — youth, first responders, and parents just to name a few. It is unacceptable that so many of us cannot use our insurance for both regular and specialty mental health care. HB1085 finally addresses this, getting us closer to treating mental health care on par with physical healthcare.”

By requiring that insurance companies mirror their processes for determining reimbursement rates for medical services when developing behavioral health reimbursement rates, the legislation doubles down on parity and lays the groundwork for improving access to care. The bill will ensure that providers are compensated more fairly and equitably, incentivizing them to come in-network. As a result, individuals with state-regulated health plans will no longer be forced to choose between paying high out-of-pocket costs for vital services or foregoing care.

“91��ɫ is deeply committed to dismantling barriers to behavioral health care access. We are proud to have led the charge on this critical legislation in partnership with a broad coalition of providers and advocates to ensure that Illinoisans can get the care they need,” said Mark Ishaug, 91��ɫ President and CEO.

If signed by the Governor, requirements outlined in the bill will apply to plans beginning January 1, 2027.

Contact:

Emily Moen, Chief Communications Officer

emily.moen@thresholds.org

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