Chicago Joins the Shine Hope Company’s Network of Hopeful Cities, Providing New Resources to Support Behavioral Health
Partnership with The Shine Hope Company
The Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has partnered with The Shine Hope Company (TSHC) to join its Hopeful Cities initiative. The program is designed to boost mental health resources and teach Chicago residents how to cultivate hope through an evidence-based framework grounded in science, which shows that hope is measurable, teachable, and can be developed to support mental wellness.
Programming Available at No Cost
Programming is available at no cost to all Chicago residents via The Shine Hope Company on the Hopeful Cities website. This includes the Children and Adult Hope Scales, which allow individuals to measure their hope, and the Shine Hope Infographic, featuring clickable links to information on the Five Keys to Shine Hope.
Addressing Mental Health Challenges
In 2024, Illinois ranked 8th among states with the highest prevalence of mental illnesses, affecting nearly 2.1 million residents (22.01%). Nationwide, 1 in 5 people experience anxiety, 29% are diagnosed with depression, 45 million Americans (17.82%) struggle with substance use, and over 1 in 3 women and 1 in 4 men reported intimate partner violence.
Access to Free Resources and Community-Focused Programming
Through the Hopeful Cities initiative, residents of Chicago—across neighborhoods, schools, workplaces, places of worship, and more—will gain access to free, accessible resources and community-focused programming that promote hope and teach crucial life skills.
Commissioner’s Statement
“As we confront the complex health challenges in our communities, we constantly seek ways to build resilience through resources and support for healing and growth,” says Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. “The Hopeful Cities initiative provides us with the means to do just that. Hope is a powerful tool that can be learned and put to use daily and in stressful situations as an important coping mechanism. Through this work, we intend to build a more hopeful and healthy city.”
Hopeful Cities Resources
Chicago residents can access a range of tools designed to increase hope, including the Five-Day Global Hope Challenge, digital posters and brochures, and the My Shine Hope Story and My Shine Hope Hero Templates. Additionally, the Hopeful Minds Parent’s Guide provides practical tips for practicing skills to create a hope-filled home.
Conclusion
The Hopeful Cities initiative is a critical step towards addressing the mental health challenges faced by Chicago residents. By providing free, accessible resources and community-focused programming, we can build a more hopeful and healthy city. We encourage all Chicago residents to take advantage of these resources and join the movement towards a brighter future.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the Hopeful Cities initiative?
A: The Hopeful Cities initiative is a program designed to boost mental health resources and teach Chicago residents how to cultivate hope through an evidence-based framework grounded in science.
Q: What resources are available to Chicago residents?
A: Chicago residents can access a range of tools designed to increase hope, including the Children and Adult Hope Scales, the Shine Hope Infographic, the Five-Day Global Hope Challenge, digital posters and brochures, and the My Shine Hope Story and My Shine Hope Hero Templates.
Q: How can I get involved?
A: You can get involved by taking the Five-Day Global Hope Challenge, sharing your own hope story, or attending one of the free QPR suicide prevention trainings offered by CDPH.
Q: Where can I find more information?
A: You can find more information on the Hopeful Cities website or by contacting CDPH directly.
