Stronger Together

Building a More Equitable Behavioral Health System in Cook County

Two women laughing together on a park bench.

Investing in Communities.
Building Capacity.
Strengthening Systems.

The Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health (OBH) invest in innovative programs, partnerships, and community-driven solutions that strengthen behavioral health systems and expand equitable access to care.

By leveraging public and private resources, we support high-impact initiatives that strengthen the workforce, improve crisis response, advance equity, and address local priorities across Cook County.

Group photo of Cook County health and community leaders gathered together at an event.

  • 52

    Partners

  • +300

    Applications

  • 72,380

    Residents Reached

  • 65,435

    People Screened

  • 23,654

    Connected to Care

How Stronger Together Creates Impact

  • Two adults smile with a young child sitting on one adult’s shoulders at a community event.

    Invest in Communities

    Support community organizations delivering prevention, treatment, recovery, and crisis services where they are needed most.

  • Two adults and two children smiling together at a community event.

    Build Organizational Capacity

    Strengthen the infrastructure, knowledge, and sustainability of behavioral health organizations through funding, training, and technical assistance.

  • Child crouching beside a colorful sign that reads, “Together we build stronger communities,” at a community health event.

    Strengthen Systems

    Foster collaboration and coordination across healthcare, community organizations, and public systems to create a more connected behavioral health system.

Guiding Principles

The Stronger Together Initiative is grounded in principles that continue to guide our work.

  • Advancing Health Equity

    Supporting organizations and communities experiencing the greatest behavioral health needs while reducing barriers to care.

  • Cultivating Inclusion

    Promoting culturally and linguistically responsive behavioral health services that reflect the diverse communities of Cook County.

  • Fostering Collaboration

    Strengthening partnerships among community organizations, healthcare providers, schools, faith communities, and public-sector partners to maximize collective impact.

  • Authentic Community Engagement

    Supporting solutions developed with communities—not just for communities—by valuing lived experience, local leadership, and community voice.

  • Systems Alignment

    Improving coordination across healthcare, behavioral health, education, and community services to create a more connected behavioral health system.

  • Innovation & Evidence-Based Practice

    Encouraging evidence-based, evidence-informed, and innovative approaches that strengthen organizations and improve outcomes.

Areas of Investment

  • Prevention & Early Intervention

    Supporting programs that promote wellness, build resilience, and connect people to care before crises occur.

  • Treatment, Recovery & Support Services

    Expanding coordinated, trauma-informed, and culturally responsive behavioral health treatment, recovery, and support services.

  • Crisis Care

    Strengthening community-based crisis systems and expanding safe alternatives to emergency departments through coordinated systems of care.

Three adults working together at a laptop.

Our Partners

Stronger Together is powered by community organizations, healthcare providers, hospitals, educational institutions, faith-based organizations, and public-sector partners working together to improve behavioral health across Cook County.

Together, these partnerships expand access to care, strengthen communities, and improve behavioral health outcomes.

Two women smiling and working together with a mobile device.

Funding Resources

Strong organizations build strong communities. Explore funding information, technical assistance, and practical resources to support organizations applying for and implementing Stronger Together initiatives.

Current Funding Opportunities

When funding opportunities become available, this page will serve as the central location for applicant resources, including:

  • Funding announcements (NOFOs/RFPs)

  • Information sessions

  • Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Application materials and templates

  • Technical assistance

  • Important dates and deadlines

Current Status

There are no active Stronger Together funding opportunities at this time. Please check back for future opportunities.

Icon of a piece of paper with a bent corner.

Annual Report

For a deeper look at the initiative's progress, partner accomplishments, and community impact, explore the Stronger Together Annual Report.

Download the Annual Report

Growing Stronger Together

Stronger Together reflects the OBH's ongoing commitment to investing in organizations, strengthening partnerships, and expanding access to high-quality behavioral health services across Cook County.

As the initiative evolves, this page will continue to feature new funding opportunities, capacity-building resources, partner stories, and community impact.