An Annual Opportunity You Won’t Want to Miss!
On Tuesday, October 6, the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) and the Alliance for Health Equity’s Mental Health Workgroup will bring together behavioral health professionals, community organizations, health systems, public health partners, and others working across the mental health and wellness landscape for a free, full-day gathering focused on connection, collaboration, and improving access to behavioral health services.
The event will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago in the Woodlawn community. Lunch will be provided and all are welcome.
Why Attend Systems in Sync?
Behavioral health work doesn’t happen in isolation. Improving access and supporting community wellness requires connections across organizations, sectors, and areas of expertise. Systems in Sync was created specifically to make space for those connections.
The unique event, which only happens once per year, aims to strengthen partnerships across Chicago and Suburban Cook County, increase awareness of behavioral health programs and resources, and support organizations as they build and strengthen partnerships.
Last year showed just how valuable that space can be, with more than 80 people representing over 50 organizations attending the inaugural Systems in Sync event.
Participants left with a clear message about the importance of connection:
“Now more than ever we have to work together collaboratively.” Panel Member
“It’s really people-to-people connections that are going to be making a difference in the times we’re living in.” - Panel Member
Not Your Average Networking Event
Systems in Sync is designed to move beyond exchanging business cards. The day will give participants opportunities to learn from community partners, hear directly from young adults with lived experience, make new connections, and build practical skills for collaboration.
The 2026 event will feature:
- Interactive presentations from community partners
- A panel discussion featuring young adults with lived experience
- A guided connection session designed to help participants build relationships across organizations and sectors
- Interactive workshops focused on building capacity for partnership and collaboration
- Opportunities to learn about behavioral health programs, initiatives, and resources across Chicago and Suburban Cook County
- Time and space to connect with other people doing behavioral health work in the region
Workshops will be led by community experts, including Cook County Health’s Office of Behavioral Health and the Quinn Center.
Whether you work in a behavioral health organization, health system, community-based organization, public health, social services, or another field connected to mental health and wellness, this event is an opportunity to step outside of your usual circles and connect with people who can become collaborators, partners, and resources.
Come Ready to Connect
Systems in Sync is ultimately about recognizing that no single organization or system can address the behavioral health needs of Chicago and Suburban Cook County alone.
As one 2025 event co-host put it, “When we lead with connection, compassion, and partnership, we create pathways to healing that no one system can build on its own.”
If behavioral health is part of your work, this is a room worth being in.
Systems in Sync will be held Tuesday, October 6, 2026, from 9:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago, 6400 S. Kimbark Ave., in Woodlawn. The event is free, and lunch will be provided. Registration is open through September 28.
Questions can be directed to a member of the AHE team at ahe@iphionline.org.
Want to Help Us Share the News?
Share our flyer, social media graphic, or event registration link within your network.
