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Fred de Sam Lazaro:
Experts say there is a lack of Black mental health professionals across the country, despite a growing demand for such services.
In 2012, the city of Chicago closed half its public mental health clinics, mostly ones located on the South Side. By 2020, according to one analysis, the provider-to-population ratio in some areas was about a 10th of the national rate.
Officials have announced plans to reopen at least one clinic and expand services elsewhere, but:
Janelle Goodwill, University of Chicago: There’s still a great deal of work to do in order to ensure that those who are in need and at risk are receiving the support that could ultimately save their life.