Systems in Sync Brings Behavioral Health Partners Together to Strengthen Connections Across Cook County
On October 6, just days before World Mental Health Day on October 10, partners from across Chicago and Suburban Cook County gathered for Systems in Sync: Partnering to Improve Access to Behavioral Health Services. The event brought together people working across the behavioral health landscape to build relationships, share perspectives, and strengthen the partnerships needed to improve access to services and support community well-being.
The gathering was a reminder that improving behavioral health outcomes takes more than the work of any single organization or sector. It takes a connected network of partners who understand one another’s work, recognize opportunities to collaborate, and can work together to respond to the needs of their communities.
Building a More Connected Behavioral Health Community
Systems in Sync is an initiative of the Alliance for Health Equity Mental Health Workgroup, convened by the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI). The initiative serves as a catalyst for partnership and collaboration across Chicago and Suburban Cook County, with a focus on increasing awareness of behavioral health programs and initiatives, strengthening relationships across sectors, and supporting organizations as they develop and sustain partnerships.
The initiative creates opportunities for connection throughout the year through quarterly virtual meetings highlighting developments in the behavioral health field and an annual, free, in-person gathering each fall.
The 2026 event continued that work by bringing together partners representing different communities, organizations, and areas of the behavioral health system. Through interactive presentations, a panel discussion featuring young adults with lived experience, guided opportunities for connection, and collaborative activities, participants had space to learn from one another and begin building relationships that can extend beyond the event itself.
Turning Connection into Opportunity
While presentations and shared learning are valuable, the heart of Systems in Sync is the opportunity to connect with people doing related work across the region.
When organizations understand one another’s programs, priorities, and challenges, they can more readily identify opportunities to share resources, coordinate efforts, and build partnerships. These relationships can help reduce silos, strengthen collaboration across sectors, and create new pathways for people seeking behavioral health support.
This year’s gathering also incorporated opportunities for mutual support and creativity, including a connection card and an activity book (link for download). These elements encouraged participants to engage with one another in meaningful ways and helped make relationship-building a central part of the experience.
Continuing the Work Together
The timing of Systems in Sync during the week of World Mental Health Day offered a meaningful opportunity to reflect on the importance of collective action to support mental health and well-being.
Improving access to behavioral health services requires community knowledge, cross-sector collaboration, and sustained commitment. By bringing partners together, Systems in Sync helps create the conditions for relationships that can support this work overtime.
IPHI and the Alliance for Health Equity Mental Health Workgroup thank everyone who participated in this year’s event and contributed to a successful day of connection, learning, and collaboration. We are especially grateful to the Quinn Center for their donation, the Cook County Health’s Office of Behavioral Health and the NAMI Metro Suburban for their participation, and JJ McNeal for moderating our young adult panel, featuring Stephina Williams and Ashleigh Weddington. Thank you all for sharing your expertise and perspectives!
Explore the Event Photos
Explore highlights from Systems in Sync and download photos from the day, captured by IPHI’s Courtney Clay.
View and download event photos here: (Coming Soon!)
Learn more about Systems in Sync, the Alliance for Health Equity, and the Mental Health Workgroup at allhealthequity.org.