About

Since 2015, the Chicago IL Links Incorporated has focused its programming on mental health “Links2Hope Closing the Mental Health Gap in the African-American Community”. Mental health is a serious public health issue that significantly impacts African-Americans. There is a silent stigma around mental health issues and conditions in the African-American community, which is a significant hurdle to diagnosis, treatment, and management and forms the core of many social issues. These conditions are exacerbated by social and environmental factors, including structural and institutional racism, violence, and trauma. The double pandemic of 2020, the Coronavirus (COVID-19), and racial injustices have brought critical attention to the health disparities and the lack of access. African-Americans often fail to seek treatment due to the lack of awareness of resources and tools.  

The Chicago IL Links Incorporated recognizes that the problem is vast, but something has to be done. As a result, they are creating a mental resource guide that aims to promote wellness. This guide will be made available online, social media and other platforms to serve those who seek help when needed and/or wanted. This guide will be produced by social impact agency, Hook & Fasten and will feature community organizations in the greater Chicago area entrenched in this important work.