Civic Engagement Lunch Talk – Andy Clarno, PhD

“We Gotta Stop Criminalizing Mental Illness:” Movement-Led Research on Mental Health Supports in Chicago

Join Andy Clarno, associate professor of Sociology and Black Studies, and Sha’ Kurra Evans, PhD candidate in Sociology and Black Studies, and the Institute for Policy and Civic Engagement at IPCE’s Civic Engagement Lunch Talk Series on Tuesday, March 11th from 12-1pm in Daley Library R. 1-470.

Follow this link to RSVP: bit.ly/ClarnoRSVP

In spring 2023, the Collaborative for Community Wellness (CCW) conducted an anonymous survey of 650 residents across Chicago, asking people to describe their visions for an ideal mental health crisis response system. The last question on the survey asked: “Do you have a story that you would like to share about a past experience with mental health crisis response?”

From July through October 2023, a team of sociologists from the University of Illinois at Chicago interviewed people who offered to share their stories. They talked about access to mental health services,  listened to stories about mental health crises, and discussed their visions for a more just and effective mental health support and crisis response system. The CCW then incorporated their research into its ongoing struggle to transform mental health care in Chicago.

In this presentation, Andy Clarno and his team will discuss movement-led research through the lens of the collaboration between the UIC research team and the CCW.

UIC is committed to maintaining a barrier-free environment so that individuals with disabilities can fully access programs, services, and all activities. For accessibility accommodations or more information, email ipce@uic.edu or call (312) 355-0088.