I’m Speaking on June 5 in Chicago (Alternative Response)
Hello everyone,
It’s conference and convention season in Chicago–June is that time of the month where the weather is just right. So, we have conferences and convenings left and right as people try to take advantage of this beautiful weather. Since August 2023, I have been working as the Mental Health Policy Analyst at Access Living. Since then, I have devoted my time to advancing policies that expand access to mental healthcare. Last fall, Access Living and our partners had a major success when HB 1085, a mental health parity law, passed the Illinois House and Senate. Beginning January 2027, private insurance companies can no longer treat mental health and substance use services treatment differently than general healthcare. This means more providers will be adequately compensated and more people will be able to access mental health and substance use services in Illinois. Another policy I have been working on is advancing the implementation of the Community Emergency Services and Supports Act (CESSA), a law Access Living wrote that Governor Pritzker signed into law in 2021. When implemented, CESSA will ensure that more people who are experiencing mental health crises get a local, mental health response. Along those lines, this week, I will be speaking at the Advancing the Field of Alternative Response 2026 Convening in Chicago (June 4 – 5) hosted by the Policing Project at NYU Law, Center for Innovations in Community Safety (CICS) at Georgetown Law and the Alternative Mobile Services Association. I am excited to join practitioners, researchers, and leaders who are building what comes next for this field. If you’re doing this work, or want to, meet me there: 2026arconvening.splashthat.com
I am speaking twice on Day 2, June 5:
First, I am speaking at the Chicago Plenary Session, Built by Community: Chicago’s Path to Alternative Response from 9:30-10:30.
Second, I am speaking at the Workshop entitled, “Winning the Law is Not the Finish Line; Lessons from New Jersey, New York, and Illinois” from 1-2 pm. To see the full schedule, visit this link: https://drive.google.com/file/d/12KXI_vzdlWMbATc1ZjRgVB5Lj5BwkSJr/view
The sun is shining. The weather is just right. I am excited to join some amazing change makers from across the country this week.
Take care,
Jessica
