Stuart Raises Awareness for Mental Health and Addiction Services

​GRANITE CITY, Ill. – To address concerns about drugs and addiction while connecting stakeholders to local resources, state Rep. Katie Stuart, D-Edwardsville, hosted a Mental Health Roundtable focused on problems of addiction at Chestnut Health Systems in Granite City.

“Although I’ve introduced legislation to help mitigate the effects of the opioid crisis and other addiction issues, it’s important to recognize the incredible work being done in our community and for local stakeholders to know more about the services we have here in Madison and St. Clair County,” said Stuart. “This round table helped to connect schools, public safety and social services to each other to work together to solve the crises we face in our community.”

The Mental Health Round Table was made up of mental health professionals from Chestnut Health Systems and Centerstone. Representatives from each organization outlined their programs and services available to residents of all ages. Stuart and other local legislators, Rep. Monica Bristow and state Sen. Rachelle Crowe, hosted the event for community members to learn more about the work being done in the Metro East.

“Our sincere thanks to state Reps. Stuart and Bristow and to state Sen. Crowe for their interest in this topic,” said Dennis Wilmsmeyer, who serves on Chestnut Health Systems’ Board of Directors. “For far too long, mental health conditions and addiction have carried stigma. Forums such as this help to educate, inform, reduce stigma and build much-needed awareness of available services. The level of interest and engagement were very encouraging and we look forward to continued dialogue.”