Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System

National Hispanic Heritage Month is celebrated each year from September 15 to October 15 in the United States to honor the contributions and influence of Hispanic culture on the nation's accomplishments, traditions, and history. We were deeply privileged to be invited to attend the Hispanic Heritage Night at School District 300, Golfview Elementary School, where we had the unique chance to be immersed in Hispanic culture. The event featured enjoyable arts and crafts, delectable cuisine, and an opportunity to educate students and their families about behavioral health services, which are vital to our overall well-being.

This month, Chicago's bustling metropolitan area, along with numerous visitors, gathered to experience and join in the Bank of America Chicago Marathon. We are thrilled to announce that among this year's marathon participants was none other than our Business Development Manager, Ida W., who triumphantly completed the 26-mile race. This milestone represents a significant personal victory for Ida and serves as a beacon of inspiration, joy, and encouragement for her family, friends, and all of us at SBHS. Her journey of setting a goal, diligently working towards it, and ultimately achieving it exemplifies her dedication and work ethic, which she demonstrated throughout her marathon preparation and completion. Alongside celebrating her remarkable feat, Ida shared her "why" that drives her passion for running. She expressed, "Running invigorates my mornings with a refreshed mindset. I began running 14 years ago, shedding 38 pounds. My diet was atrocious, and my knees were starting to ache. Due to hereditary health concerns in my family, I chose to alter my diet and improve my fitness. I started by walking and gradually progressed to running, falling in love with its impact on my life, and I haven't looked back! The marathon had been on my bucket list for quite some time, and this was undoubtedly my year to do it!" The Chicago Marathon is considered a premier athletic event and is one of the most prestigious marathons globally, being part of the six World Marathon Majors. Its route winds through 29 of Chicago’s lively neighborhoods, offering a perfect chance to explore various parts of the city. Join us in celebrating Ida and everyone who conquered this impressive marathon feat!

In recognition of Breast Cancer Awareness Month this October, our Intake department stylishly joined forces, donning pink attire to rally support for those who have been affected with breast cancer. Promoting awareness about this disease empowers individuals to understand its prevalence, emphasizing the significance of mammograms as the most effective screening method for breast cancer.

Professionals in the healthcare sector engaged in the Utilization Management (UM) process carry the obligation of harmonizing quality, risk, and cost considerations. The objective of UM is to uphold the quality and efficiency of healthcare provision by treating patients at the right level of care, coordinating every available healthcare advantage, and guaranteeing the most effective treatment approach. This week, we wish to honor our Utilization Management Department, under the leadership of Director Jessica Lipinski. Jessica mentioned that her team has been outstanding in their collective effort to maintain the smooth operation of the department during several changes, one of which involved accepting her as their new director. She highly values their commitment to do everything possible for the department and the hospital as a whole. Cheers to our Utilization Management team!

Last week, we celebrated Healthcare Foodservice Week with our amazing Dietary Staff who go above and beyond preparing and providing all of our delicious meals to our patients and staff. It is so important to highlight the hard work and dedication that is consistently poured into every meal and served in our hope cafe, special events, all celebratory achievements, and special luncheons that are provided to everyone at our hospital. To our Dietary staff, we thank you, we honor you, and we appreciate you for your commitment to uphold our core values of service excellence that each of you have demonstrated within your roles. Happy Healthcare Foodservice Week!

On a global scale, World Mental Health Day serves as a platform for promoting mental health awareness and education. Regular screenings for depression and mental health is essential in proactively caring for one's mental well-being. Let's unite to shed light on mental health challenges worldwide and work together to show our support for mental health initiatives.

Everyone, including friends, family, and colleagues, is affected by mental health issues, even if they don't personally experience them. In the United States, one out of every five adults faces a mental health condition annually, impacting their loved ones. Since 1990, Mental Illness Awareness Week has been recognized in the first week of October in the United States, thanks to the efforts of the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI). Mental illness can be very isolating. It can be challenging to maintain relationships when all you want to do is withdraw. Many people don't realize the profound impact mental illness can have on a person's life. This lack of understanding often leads to feelings of shame when reaching out to friends, family, or mental health professionals for help. Today, we aim to raise awareness for Mental Illness Week by shedding light on the internal battles many individuals face daily. If you're struggling with a mental illness or know someone who is, be a source of support and reassurance by letting them know they're not alone.

Last month, we had the wonderful opportunity to participate in the resource fair organized by the DuPage County Health Department and the Veteran's Resource Fair in DuPage County. These events provided a direct platform for families and individuals in the community to explore the various programs and services designed to support families in need. Our time at the fairs was truly remarkable as we engaged with attendees and shared information about the behavioral health services tailored for veterans. It was nice to see that our services had a significant impact on the many residents and families who attended the events.

We had a fantastic experience participating in the U46 School District Explore 2024 Event. The event brought together numerous middle school students to explore different pathways that highlight the connection between the curriculum and future career possibilities. Witnessing the enthusiasm and keenness of the students was truly inspiring, as they were able to grasp a practical understanding of what it takes to reach their educational and career goals. We extend our gratitude to the Alignment Collaborative for Education (ACE) team and our dedicated Hospital School Liaison, Cassandra, for collaborating with us and organizing such a well-received and invaluable event for the next generation.

As we conclude Suicide Prevention Awareness Month and Recovery Month, it is crucial to emphasize the significance of speaking out to support those struggling with suicidal thoughts and dealing with grief. While September is dedicated to raising awareness about this mental health issue, it is important to remember that there is no better time than now to advocate for yourself or others affected by suicide. As a provider in mental health services, we have prioritized amplifying our voice alongside other organizations committed to preventing suicide. Our recent Suicide Prevention Awareness and Recovery Resource fair was a collaborative effort with various behavioral health providers who joined us in ensuring that the event was informative and beneficial for all participants, including those under our care, their families, our staff, and members of the community. We extend our gratitude to the Kenneth Young Center, Suicide Prevention Services of America, Brighter Life Behavioral Services, Family Focus DuPage, Greater Family Health of Elgin, Newport Academy, Summit Behavioral Health Care, Eating Recovery Center and Pathlight Mood & Anxiety, as well as the Boys & Girls Club of North Central IL for their support and contribution. If you or someone you know is having suicidal thoughts, please call or text 988. #SPM24, #BeThere