Diocesan Resources
CCHD Newsletter Helping People Help Themselves Issue 24.1 (2024)
CCHD Newsletter Helping People Help Themselves Issue 24.1
US Bishops and CCHD Work to Address Mental Health Crisis by Rhina Guidos
This issue focuses on the growing mental health crisis in the United States and highlights how CCHD-supported organizations are expanding access to mental health services, particularly in underserved communities. It also connects these efforts to the USCCB’s national mental health initiative launched in 2023.
The newsletter presents mental health as both a public health and social justice issue. By supporting grassroots organizations such as the Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Centers and COPA, CCHD helps communities expand access to care, reduce stigma, advocate for systemic improvements, and ensure that vulnerable individuals—especially youth and low-income families—can receive the support they need.
Addressing Mental Health Needs
In October 2023, the U.S. bishops launched a campaign to:
- Raise awareness about mental health challenges
- Reduce stigma surrounding mental illness
- Advocate for access to care and support services.
Chicago: Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Centers
Since 1991, the Coalition to Save Our Mental Health Centers has organized residents, faith leaders, and healthcare advocates to preserve and expand community mental health services in Chicago. The coalition emerged in response to closures of city-run mental health centers and successfully advocated for new community-based centers. Its efforts have helped open six mental health centers in Chicago neighborhoods.
California: COPA's Mental Health Advocacy
Communities Organized for Relational Power in Action (COPA), which serves Santa Cruz and Monterey Counties, identified mental health as a major community concern through conversations with parishioners and local residents. Organizing efforts intensified after community members shared stories of youth mental health struggles and suicide. COPA successfully worked with public officials and healthcare providers to secure millions of dollars in mental health benefits and services for low-income communities. The organization continues to address mental health challenges facing youth, young adults, and families following the pandemic.