In light of the exacerbated mental health crisis during the pandemic, Evanston has been actively working to expand mental health care and crisis response services. A new “wraparound” approach is gaining attention as a means to better coordinate services and provide more effective care for those in need.
The Evanston Mental Health Task Force is scheduled to convene on Tuesday, September 12, to discuss the implementation of wraparound services within the city.
This holistic approach recognizes that multiple factors contribute to mental health challenges, including homelessness and job insecurity. By facilitating communication and collaboration among various agencies, the “no wrong door” approach aims to enable individuals seeking help to approach any agency, share their story once, and be connected to other organizations offering relevant services.
Patti Capouch, the executive director of Impact Behavioral Health Partners, emphasized the need for more seamless coordination among Evanston’s agencies. She stressed that although many organizations are already working diligently, there is room for improvement in connectivity.
Evanston’s approach will draw inspiration from a successful model in Wisconsin, with representatives from Wraparound Milwaukee participating in the discussion. They will provide guidance on how Evanston can implement this system and offer technical training to build the necessary infrastructure.
One critical element of this infrastructure is a universal case management system, which would include a secure database accessible to all local providers. This system would help agencies track the services individuals or families have received, ensuring better-informed decisions, referrals, and follow-up checks while preventing duplication of services.
While some local agencies already use a wraparound approach, a universal case management system would further enhance the coordination and effectiveness of mental health care services. It would also make provider information available to emergency responders, helping them respond more effectively to mental health-related calls.
Evanston’s police department is updating its training and protocols to align with the expanding network of mental health care services. Police Chief Schenita Stewart is among those invited to the task force meeting to discuss the wraparound approach.
Initial funding for the project comes from a grant from the Evanston Community Foundation, with additional funding required to maintain sufficient clinical staff. Participatory budgeting in Evanston presents an opportunity to allocate remaining ARPA funds to services aligning with the wraparound model.
Projects on the participatory budgeting ballot include initiatives related to rental and utility assistance, mental health first aid training, affordable housing, and more. Voting in the participatory budgeting process is ongoing through the end of the month, offering a chance to allocate resources effectively and ensure that families in Evanston can access the support they need.
