Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson and city council members unveiled an ordinance Thursday that would pave the way for implementing his plan to expand mental health clinical services and non-police responses for those experiencing behavioral and mental health crises. [Health News Illinois]

The ordinance would establish a working group to develop a suggested framework for how to implement the Johnson administration’s plan. Members would look at budgetary needs, sources of revenue, staffing recruitment, retention strategies, capital and facility needs, and metrics to evaluate success.

The group would include Chicago Department of Public Health staff as well as stakeholders from other city organizations.

"Together, we will work to implement more holistic, collaborative solutions for the mental health crisis we face and ensure all Chicagoans have access to necessary resources and care,” Johnson said.

The working group would be tasked with submitting its recommendations to city leaders by the end of May.

Johnson’s mental health plan consists of several components, including the reopening of city-run mental health clinics that were closed under former Mayor Rahm Emanuel and the hiring of community health workers.

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