Integrating and Building Lives
From Homelessness to Self-Sufficiency - Health care, Mental Health, Social Determinants of Health, & Sustainable Measures
Reimagining Our Pathways
April 20, 2023
8:00 AM CT- 10:00 AM CT
Continental Breakfast Included with Ticket
(Fresh fruit, granola, yogurt, fresh pastries, coffee, tea and water.)
at
A Safe Haven Foundation
2750 West Roosevelt Rd, Chicago, IL 60608
Parking is available at A Safe Have Foundation. Info provided upon registration.
This panel will discuss the challenges of the homeless and their path to self-sufficiency. The speakers will address mental health challenges, access to health care, insurance issues, opioids, substance abuse, prevention and recovery, social determinants of health, health disparities, and integrating again into communities.
According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, 3,013 individuals died of an opioid overdose in Illinois in 2021, which is a 2.3% increase from 2020 and a 33% increase from 2019.1 This nationwide increase is largely due to the rise of synthetic opioids such as fentanyl, as reported in the Statewide Semiannual Opioid Report from May 2022. The rate of opioid overdose fatalities has increased disproportionately among non-Hispanic Black individuals who are 45-65 years old.2
The human cost is not measurable - beyond our grasp and requires more attention. This topic is important because of the human cost, and the social and economic impact is greater than anticipated by experts. In addition, the COVID-19 pandemic exacerbated the disparities existing in our communities. An integrated effort is needed to address homelessness and the challenges associated with returning to a healthy, sustainable life.
A Safe Haven Foundation
Access Community Health Network
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Cook County Department of Public Health
The Institute of Medicine of Chicago
West Side Heroin and Opioid Task Force
