Wheeling Township has partnered with Harper Business Solutions to host a week-long stakeholder engagement series
Sessions — in-person and virtual — concluded Friday.
According to a news release announcing the meetings for May 20-24, the effort was part of a larger community needs assessment, in which researchers at Harper, based at Harper College in Palatine who specialize in such work, are helping the township to identify gaps or deficiencies. In mental health services and/or resources for community members.
“The town is thrilled to move to this stage of the community needs assessment, which it will
Gather a powerful cross-section of our community members to help us define the mindset
“Health services can be enhanced and how the town can help,” said Wheeling Town Supervisor
Cathy Penner stated in the statement.
The sessions are designed to bring together residents and representatives of mental health providers
Community leaders throughout the town, the statement said.
The Town of Wheeling, which is headquartered in Arlington Heights, is seeking it, officials said in the statement
Individuals to exchange ideas about current services available and any gaps or barriers in service to individuals
They can experiment if they need mental health support.
“We look forward to Harper's final report which will serve as a guide for the Mental Health Board
Going forward, this will include research and data to support any initiatives that will advance
“Offers mental health services to those who need them,” Benner stated in the statement.
Sean Bailey, senior research fellow at Access Learning Solutions for Growth on behalf of Harper College, said resident engagement is “crucial to shaping a more supportive and effective mental health service.”
framework in our society.
Officials explained in the statement that the research helps determine the status of service provision to
Individuals facing mental health challenges as well as potential new resources or services
Make it available or promote it more comprehensively to ensure community awareness.
“Your thoughts are invaluable to us as we strive to understand and meet your mental health needs
“The town of Wheeling,” Bailey said of the community involvement.
The Town of Wheeling includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows, and Wheeling.
People who have questions about stakeholder engagement related to the Community Mental Health Board,
Or they are looking for information about programs or services for themselves or someone they know can contact
Town, the release states.
