Community Triage Center opens in Chicago, also serves suburbs

Cook County Health & Hospitals System last week opened the new pilot Community Triage Center.

The center provides 24/7 intervention and stabilization services for individuals who are at-risk of detention or hospitalization due to a mental health or substance abuse condition. Primary services include mental health crisis assessments and stabilization, health assessments, and referrals for treatment, case management and follow-up. This is the first walk-in clinic of its kind in Chicago.

"Substance abuse and mental health disorders are not criminal justice issues, they are health issues," Toni Preckwinkle, chairwoman of the Cook County Board, said in a news release. The center provides walk-in services for residents 18 and older, as well as individuals from the Cook County Jail in need of follow-up care.

"We hope to reduce unnecessary and costly hospitalizations and detentions and, more importantly, ease the incalculable suffering of those living with uncontrolled behavioral health conditions," said Dr. Jay Shannon, CEO of the county health system, which is investing $3 million in the center this year.