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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
RECOGNIZING HAYMARKET CENTER’S 50 YEARS OF LIVE-SAVING SUBSTANCE USE DISORDER CARE
WHEREAS, Haymarket Center is Chicago’s largest and most comprehensive provider of treatment for substance use and mental health disorders in Chicago and serves about 12,000 individuals each year; and
WHEREAS, Haymarket Center marks its 50th anniversary this year, having been founded in 1975 by Monsignor Ignatius McDermott, who was well-known as “Father Mac,”; and
WHEREAS, Haymarket Center has grown in scope and impact over the last 50 years, including receiving designation as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FHQC) Look-Alike, resulting in comprehensive, culturally competent, high-quality primary health care services; and
WHEREAS, Haymarket Center continues to evolve to meet the needs of its patients, including two new work programs with its West Loop Pharmacy and Mac’s Deli, Chicago’s first restaurant staffed by people in recovery, equipping patients with critical work skills needed to re-enter society; and
WHEREAS, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), estimated 1.86 million Illinois residents aged 12+ had a substance use disorder in 2023, including 1 million with a drug use disorder and 1.2 million with an alcohol use disorder; and
WHEREAS, according to the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office, Cook County saw 1,026 confirmed opioid overdose deaths in 2024, 87% of which involved fentanyl. African Americans accounted for 53%, while 31% were white and just under 14% Latino. Twenty-seven percent of the deaths were aged 50-59; and
WHEREAS, Haymarket Center clients typically have the fewest resources and the greatest challenges, with 95% earning $10,000 or less annually, 90% unemployed, 90% with criminal backgrounds, 74% with a history of homelessness; 68% with mental illness, 52% engaging in high risk sexual behaviors, 32% uninsured, and 30% without complete secondary education; and
WHEREAS, as a National Health Service Corps site, no one at Haymarket Center will be denied access to services due to inability to pay, with access to services available 24/7 with no need to wait for assessment; and
WHEREAS, according to an independent evaluation, Haymarket Center’s whole-person approach results in an 87% reduction in alcohol and drug use, a 64% decrease in mental health symptoms, a 92% reduction in high-risk sexual behaviors, a 91% reduction in criminal activity, and a 74% increase in clients employed, earning the center the prestigious recognition for America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers in 2023 and 2024 from Newsweek and Statista; and
WHEREAS, this honorable body wishes to honor the work done by Haymarket Center to save the lives of Cook County residents for 50 years with its essential life-saving treatment for substance use and mental health disorders; and
WHEREAS, this honorable body congratulates Haymarket Center on this important milestone and encourages others to support the care provided by Haymarket Center through civic and philanthropic funds;
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that the Cook County Board of Commissioners does hereby take this opportunity to congratulate Haymarket Center on 50 years of life-saving service to our communities; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be presented to the Haymarket Center in honor of this historic milestone and as a tribute to its legacy here in Cook County.
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