VIJAY PRABHAKAR ADDRESSES US HEALTH SECRETARY’s ROUNDTABLE IN CHICAGO.
Calls for Community Leaders’ Collaboration to Rid Englewood of Gun Violence.
By Jatinder Singh Bedi
CHICAGO - Dr Vijay Prabhakar joined President Biden’s Cabinet HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES SECRETARY XAVIER BECERRA at a Congressional RoundTable on Mental Health and Gun Violence held in Englewood, Chicago on 17 Mar 2023.
Speaking at the Roundtable, Dr Vijay Prabhakar described the AMEC-CAABH-MEDSTAR lead pilot project that has been launched in Englewood under the ‘GANDHI KING CENTER FOR NON VIOLENCE.‘ He stressed upon the importance of this initiative especially since the life expectancy in Englewood is only 60 years while — a few miles away— in Streetsville it is 90 years. Englewood has the highest crime rate at 86 percent.
Dr Prabhakar urged for a meaningful collaborative approach to reduce violence in Englewood by involving the Community leaders, health care providers, elected officials and the local law enforcement.
To reduce violence, US Congressman Jonathan Jackson, the host, called for a framework for collective action directed at resolving food insecurity, affordable housing, accessible health care, adequate education, workforce development, and providing jobs.
US Health Secretary Becerra declared that Gun Violence is a Health Problem. “President Biden and the U. S. Department of Health & Human Services is addressing the Gun Violence issue as a focused priority.”
Health & Human Services Secretary Becerra informed that over $300 million has been allocated to support and expand nationwide the Certified Community Behavioral Health Clinics. These clinic provide 24/7 crisis intervention and comprehensive behavioral health services to local communities.
Secretary Becerra added that the Biden-Harris administration has invested over $432 million in the “988” which is the “Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. This amount is 18 times more than what the previous administration allocated. “With these additional funds , we’re delivering on President Biden’s commitment to strengthen mental and behavioral health for all Americans, including people living in our nation’s most vulnerable communities,“ said Secretary Becerra.
The host Congressman Jonathan Jackson joined the other roundtable members to include: US Senator Dick Durbin, Region 5 H&HS Administrator Carbonagi, CMS President Dr Tariq Butt , CAABH Ambassador Dr Twin Green, Dolton Activist Andrew Holmes, Kennedy-King College Interim President Ms. Katonja Webb Walker, and Public Health expert Dr Vijay Prabhakar in an insightful discussion.
Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, Mayor of Maywood Nathaniel Roberts , Chicago ‘s 16th Ward Alderman Stephanie Coleman, Chicago ‘s 17 Ward Alderman David Moore, AMEC’s executive Dr Zenobia Sowell, and John Scott, VP, Chancelight Education, Nashville were also part of the audience.