Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital Women’s Board Donates $1 Million Toward Behavioral Health Initiatives

LAKE FOREST, IL – September 5, 2024 – Local behavioral health patients now have better access to services and providers, thanks to generous donations from the Women’s Board of Lake Forest Hospital. Since 2022, the board has contributed $1 million dollars to help meet the ever-growing need for mental health care in the community.

According to a federal report, the number of adults struggling with mental illness went from about 17% in 2008 to more than 20% in 2019. That jump represents an increase of about 11 million Americans. Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports more than 1 in 5 adults live with a mental health illness.

Funding from the Women’s Board has directly addressed this issue by allowing Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital to expand its psychotherapy and psychiatry teams. This includes the addition of roles such as a licensed clinical social worker, case manager, and a psychiatry registered nurse to provide a comprehensive program. 

With the extra staff, the hospital can treat about 800 more behavioral health patients each year.

“The need for mental health care has increased since COVID-19,” said Juliet Spelman, MD, psychiatry at Lake Forest Hospital. “There are resources in and near downtown Chicago, but there aren’t as many psychiatrists in Lake County. So, we’re able to reach patients in Lake County and northern Cook County who need help, and our team is growing. The more providers we have, the more patients we can serve.”

Dr. Spelman says the expansion of case management has been crucial in providing care that extends beyond hospital walls.

“Our case manager can get people referrals for housing, financial, or legal help,” said Dr. Spelman. “Just touching base with patients to make sure they’re not lacking any social support. We were able to hire her because of the generosity of the Women’s Board.”

Over the past two years, Lake Forest Hospital has also launched a neuropsychiatry team and expanded access to mental health screening and resources in both primary and specialty outpatient settings. Investments in behavioral health care, like those from the Women’s Board, will continue to connect patients with the behavioral health care they need and help fight the stigma of mental health.

“With the continual increase of behavioral health needs across the area, the Women’s Board responded to raise funds to help grow the program at Lake Forest Hospital,” explained Ellen Verlen, Chairperson. “Support from the additional staff members has allowed for more patients to receive care and treatment.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.