CHICAGO ~ Chicago Mayor and Health Commissioner Speak Out Against Trump's Decision to Cut Mental Health and Addiction Funding

In a recent decision by President Trump to cut $2 billion in funding from mental health and addiction services, Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige have expressed their concerns and disappointment.

Mayor Johnson, who has a personal connection to the issue, shared his own family's tragic experience with untreated trauma and addiction. He stated, "My older brother Leon was a caring father who was taken from us far too soon because he did not get the help he desperately needed." He emphasized that providing resources for mental health and addiction should not be a partisan issue and called on the President to reverse his decision.

Commissioner Ige also spoke out against the funding cuts, highlighting the importance of strong mental health systems in building safer communities. She praised Mayor Johnson's leadership in expanding access to mental health services in underserved neighborhoods through the Mental Health Expansion Initiative (MHEI). This initiative has served over 100,000 individuals in the past few years.

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The CDPH has also made significant progress in reducing overdose deaths through data-informed strategies. Since 2023, Chicago has seen a 37% reduction in overdose-related deaths, making it the leading city in this area. This progress can be attributed to efforts such as distributing Narcan door-to-door in high-impact areas, making it available through vending machines and newsstands, and providing harm reduction trainings.

Commissioner Ige also highlighted Chicago's success in opioid abuse prevention. She stated that the city now leads the nation with its robust and data-driven overdose response system. By expanding access to free naloxone through public libraries, newsstands, and community outreach, Chicago has seen a significant decline in overdose-related EMS responses and deaths.

The press release included a photo of Mayor Johnson's brother Leon playing the saxophone, provided by the Johnson family. This serves as a reminder of the lives lost to addiction and mental illness and the urgent need for proper funding and resources to address these issues.

In light of these statements from Mayor Johnson and Commissioner Ige, it is clear that the decision to cut funding for mental health and addiction services will have devastating consequences. The city of Chicago stands united in calling on President Trump to reverse this decision and prioritize the well-being of its citizens.

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