Local behavioral health patients now have better access to services and providers, thanks to generous donations from the Women’s Board of Lake Forest Hospital. Since 2022, the board has contributed $1 million dollars to help meet the ever-growing need for mental health care in the community. According to a federal report, the number of adults struggling with mental illness went from about 17 percent in 2008 to more than 20 percent in 2019. That jump represents an increase of about 11 million Americans. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health illness. Funding from the Women’s Board has directly addressed this issue by allowing Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital to expand its psychotherapy and psychiatry teams. This includes the addition of roles such as a licensed clinical social worker, case manager, and a psychiatry registered nurse to provide a comprehensive program.  With the extra staff, the hospital can treat about 800 more behavioral health patients each year. To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.