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PROPOSED RESOLUTION
URGING THE GOVERNOR AND STATE LEGISLATURE TO SUPPORT ADDITIONAL MENTAL HEALTH FUNDING IN ILLINOIS PURSUANT TO COOK COUNTY BALLOT REFERENDUM
WHEREAS, The Cook County Board of Commissioners placed a referendum question before Cook County voters regarding mental health funding in Illinois; and
WHEREAS, According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, Illinois ranked fourth in the nation in terms of cutting mental health programs, with $187 million in cuts between 2009 and 2012; and
WHEREAS, Six of Chicago's twelve mental health care facilities have been closed by the City of Chicago; and
WHEREAS, Cook County Sheriff Tom Dart estimates 25-30% of the Cook County Jail population is suffering from mental illness and Cook County Jail is viewed as the largest mental health facility in the United States; and
WHEREAS, Violent crime in all of our communities could lead to dissociative identity disorder and residents suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder; and
WHEREAS, A study conducted by the University of Chicago suggests that the majority of youth involved with the criminal justice system experience at least one psychiatric disorder; and
WHEREAS, Psychologists report that chronic high unemployment and poverty could lead to higher stress, lower self-esteem, fear about the future, social isolation, stigma, increased risk of problematic substance abuse, increased risk of mental illness and worsening symptoms of a mental illness; and
WHEREAS, One in five Illinois residents experiences a diagnosable mental disorder every year; and
WHEREAS, Mental health is critical to the well-being and vitality of our families, businesses, and communities; and
WHEREAS, Mental illness affects people regardless of age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion or economic status; and
WHEREAS, the President and Members of the Board of Commissioners of Cook County recognize the significance of mental illness in Cook County an...
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