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Joliet council approves $240,000 for ThriveWorks community mental health program; officials cite program outcomes
Summary
The council approved a $240,000 expenditure for the ThriveWorks community mental health program; city and fire department officials described program usage and claimed reductions in teenage suicides attributed to the initiative.
The Joliet City Council on Feb. 4 approved council memo 88-25 to fund the ThriveWorks community mental health program in the amount of $240,000.
Chief Carrie of the fire department summarized the program for the council, saying the program launched in July 2022 and has provided “over 15,000 therapy sessions to Joliet residents,” with 30% of users aged 10 to 20. Chief Carrie also said the partnership with schools “has led to no teenage suicides in Joliet in the past two years, which is a 50 percent decline.” That data and interpretation were presented to the Public Safety Committee and referenced during the council’s consent agenda approval.
Councilwoman Susanna Ibarra publicly thanked the police department for its response to a peaceful protest and also acknowledged the program’s role; the public safety committee minutes noted the ThriveWorks expenditure among other items.
Why it matters: the funding sustains access to mental health services the city says are reaching thousands of residents, including adolescents. Council approved the expenditure as part of consent items during the Feb. 4 meeting.
Votes: Council approved the consent agenda containing the ThriveWorks expenditure by recorded voice/roll call; the consent agenda passed with the recorded ayes by council members.
Ending: The city will provide the appropriation for ThriveWorks and continue to highlight program use and partnerships with schools; officials urged residents to use available resources.
