Mental Health Campaign Tackles Challenges Caused By COVID-19

CHICAGO — Public health officials have partnered with the local chapter of a nonprofit mental health advocacy organization to launch a bilingual campaign to address an increase in anxiety, depression and substance use associated with the COVID-19 pandemic.

The Here to Hear You campaign is a project of the Cook County Department of Public Health along with the National Association of Mental Health Chicago, or NAMI.

“Mental health affects everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, the department's chief operating officer. “The purpose of the Here to Hear You campaign is to normalize seeking help for mental health issues and connect individuals and families with the support and resources they need.”

The project uses funding from a COVID-19 response grant from the Illinois Department of Public Health to buy advertising leading up to May, which is Mental Health Awareness Month.

Radio commercials began airing earlier this month on four English-language radio stations — WGCI, WVAZ, WPWX and WSRB — as well as four Spanish-language stations — WOJO, WPPN, WVIV and WLEY, according to an announcement of the campaign.

In addition to the broadcast spots, the campaign also includes streaming audio ads, which have been geo-targeted to focus on reaching people living in Cook County suburbs that have been disproportionately affected by the coronavirus.

Public health officials announced the streaming audio ads are aimed at suburban Cook County residents between 18 and 34 and in high-risk groups, including people who are Black, female, homeless and those who identify as LGBTQ+.

“This partnership with NAMI will amplify the availability of resources for those in need," Cook County Health CEO Israel Rocha said in a statement.

More than half of Americans who took part in a 2021 study reported recently feeling symptoms of anxiety and depression, while one in 10 said they had unmet mental health needs, according to public health officials.

Nearly two-thirds of adults reported trouble sleeping, while about 60 percent said they have felt nervous, anxious or on edge within the last week, according to an analysis of survey data.

The campaign started with a soft launch last month at Chicago Ridge Mall and River Oaks Mall, where a representative of NAMI Chicago was spoke with shoppers and distributed information at hot cocoa stations that offered a way to discuss mental health issues.

Anyone who is experiencing trouble sleeping, eating or getting through the day was encouraged to contact NAMI Chicago, which operates a confidential helpline at 833-626-4244 available from 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. weekdays and until 5 p.m. on weekends.

“Through the helpline, our trained staff work to share hope and connection with people on their mental health journeys,” NAMI Chicago Chief Executive Officer Alexa James said in a statement.

“We are available 7 days a week to meet callers where they are in their need for support and services," James said. "We’re enthusiastic about the Here to Hear You campaign and leadership Cook County Department of Public Health is demonstrating in sharing this message.”