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Audit of the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Mental Health Equity

August 12, 2025

Summary

The City of Chicago Office of Inspector General (OIG) conducted an audit of equity in the provision of mental health services as reflected in the Chicago Department of Public Health’s (CDPH) Mental Health Equity Initiative (MHEI) network. The objective of OIG’s audit was to determine the extent to which MHEI mental health sites provide equitable and integrated care.

Executive Summary

OIG concluded that CDPH is supporting equitable and integrated mental health services for Chicagoans through the MHEI network, which includes Mental Health Centers operated directly by the City (“City-run”) and those operated by nonprofit organizations contracted by the City (otherwise known as “delegate agencies”). However, to improve access to these services, CDPH should further integrate City-run Mental Health Centers and delegate agencies as one network, provide consistent administrative guidance, and improve the completeness and alignment of data across recordkeeping systems at its Mental Health Centers.

Audit of the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Mental Health Equity - publication cover