Wheeling Township partnered with Harper Business Solutions to host a weeklong series of stakeholder engagement
sessions — in person and virtually — that wrapped up Friday.
According to a news release where the May 20 to May 24 meetings were announced, the effort was part of a larger community needs assessment that researchers at Harper, which is based at Harper College in Palatine and specializes in such work, are assisting the township with to identify gaps or deficits in mental health services and/or resources for community members.
“The township is thrilled to be moving to this phase of the community needs assessment, which will
bring together a strong cross section of our community members to help us determine how mental
health services can be strengthened and how the township can help,” Wheeling Township Supervisor
Kathy Penner stated in the release.
The sessions were designed to bring together residents, mental health service provider representatives
and community leaders throughout the township, the release states.
Officials said in the release that Wheeling Township, which is headquartered in Arlington Heights, seeks
individuals to share insights on current services available and any service gaps or barriers individuals
could experience if they are in need of mental health support.
“We look forward to Harper’s final report which will serve as a guide for the Mental Health Board
moving forward, and that will include research and data to support any initiatives that will bolster
mental health service offerings for those who need them,” Penner stated in the release.
Sean Bailey, chief researcher for Access to Growth Learning Solutions on behalf of Harper College, stated that residents’ involvement is “crucial to shaping a more supportive and effective mental health service
framework in our community.
Officials explained in the release that the research helps determine the status of service delivery to
individuals facing mental health challenges as well as what potential new resources or service could be
made available or promoted more comprehensively to ensure community awareness.
“Your insights are invaluable to us as we strive to understand and meet the mental health needs of
Wheeling Township,” Bailey stated about community participation.
Wheeling Township includes all or parts of Arlington Heights, Buffalo Grove, Des Plaines, Glenview, Mount Prospect, Northbrook, Palatine, Prospect Heights, Rolling Meadows and Wheeling
People with questions about stakeholder engagement related to the Community Mental Health Board,
or looking for information on programs or services for themselves or someone they know may call the
township, the release states.