Caption by Ashmar Mandou

A coalition of mental health specialists, caregivers and community leaders banded together on Saturday, Nov. 9th alongside over 300 youth and families from across the city of Chicago for the annual A Gathering of Communities: The Power of Our Stories for Collective Healing event as an effort to improve the mental health and wellbeing of youth and families. The event was organized by Communities United, co-convened by Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, and supported by 12 other organizations, including Access Living of Metro Chicago, All Stars Project of Chicago, Community Renewal Society, Expanded Mental Health Services of Chicago, Kuumba Lynx, Live Free Illinois, Nehemiah Trinity Rising, Rush Community Health Equity and Engagement, Thresholds, UCAN Chicago, Westside Rising and Youth Guidance. The event, held at the University of Illinois at Chicago, placed a spotlight on the increasing disparities of mental health and its effect on youth, primarily in high school. According to Communities United, youth experience higher incidences of violence, mental health challenges, and suicidal thoughts and behaviors. The event included interactive workshops, cultural performances, and a keynote address given by Dr. Kevin M. Simon, Chief Behavioral Health Officer for the City of Boston, who discussed community-led approaches to mental health. 

Photo Credit: Communities United