Issues

Increase Mental Health and Medical care within the county by utilizing the three strategically located hospitals, local clinics and private partners.

Mental health is a major healthcare concern that is affecting Cook County in several ways.  By addressing mental health, we will make Cook County a healthier place. 

Removing the barriers to mental health will be a targeted effort.

The American Psychiatric Association, in a 2017 article from psychiatry.org identified these barriers as:

• Stigma associated with mental illness
• Distrust of the health care system
• Lack of providers form diverse racial/ethnic backgrounds
• Lack of culturally competent providers
• Lack of insurance, underinsurance

Developing relationships with organizations to provide sustainable income for the people of Cook County.  To increase the Workforce Development initiatives to provide opportunities to individuals who will greatly benefit from skill development.  To reduce the unemployment within the county.  Both of these can go hand in hand.  By working with organizations to provide opportunities for people to learn skills that will become valuable assets, helps the county, community, family, and the person.

Working with corporations to increase on the job training and opportunities for educated, skilled, trained and knowledgeable members of Cook County to contribute to our county and society.  This includes opportunities for Veterans and people with challenging backgrounds.

The issues confronting Cook County requires the Jail and Detention systems to be reformed.  The third largest jail system in the country must provide correction and support for those who are supposed to be reformed prior to return within society.

The reform must seek to improve the county by giving direction, guidance and possibilities to our men, women and children who are in these institutions.  Collaborating with the Cook County Sheriff and Cook County Chief Judge, to effectively reform our county’s system.

Economic planning to provide infrastructure, opportunities and business growth throughout ALL of Cook County.  Making the county healthy from the far south to the far north.  Showing concern and action in the economic development within areas that have been overlooked. Read More