Uptown Research Institute is a free-standing facility dedicated to the study and treatment of mental health disorders. For over fifteen years Uptown Research Institute (URI) has brought innovative treatment and compassionate care to residents of Chicago’s Uptown neighborhood and the greater Chicagoland community. URI has partnered with the world’s largest pharmaceutical companies, along with innovative biotechnology start-ups, to help develop novel treatments for chronic mental health disorders. Through clinical trials research, we work to discover the safety and effectiveness of new and emerging treatments for psychiatric conditions. As a leader in clinical trials, we offer patients one-on-one consultations to assess and recommend research and treatment opportunities. Our primary obligation is patient safety and wellness, ensured through Good Clinical Practice.

Below you will find several advocacy organizations in your area. Please feel free to reach out if you need support, education or want to get involved as an advocate for yourself and community. You will soon have the opportunity to participate in Project RockSTARR and have a donation made in your honor to one of organizations below. If you want to know more about Project RockSTARR, please go HERE.

Uptown Research Institute Local Advocacy Organizations:

NAMI is the nation’s largest grassroots mental health organization dedicated to building better lives for the millions of Americans affected by mental illness. Your local NAMI Affiliates and volunteer leaders work in communities across the country to raise awareness and provide essential and free education, advocacy, and support group programs.

Since 1979, NAMI Chicago has fought for families and individuals impacted by mental health conditions. We promote community wellness, break down barriers to mental health care and provide support and expertise for families, professionals and individuals in Chicago and beyond. Mental health affects everyone, no matter who they are or where they are from. That’s why NAMI Chicago is committed to showing up for everyone in our community—whether it’s Chicago’s first responders, students and school staff, a person on the other end of the phone, or in the community, meeting individuals where they are. NAMI Chicago knows that we heal on a community level. Read our Roadmap to Wellness here. At NAMI Chicago, we have the courage to believe that healing is possible. We work tirelessly, seven days a week to create a world that prioritizes mental wellness, and to bridge people into the care and support they deserve to live thriving lives of recovery.

NAMI Chicago
Phone: (312) 563-0445
Email: info@namichicago.org
www.NAMIChicago.org

MHA is a powerful voice for healthy communities throughout the nation and offers information, referrals, and resources for individuals living with any type of mental illness. One of MHA’s services includes online screening, which is one of the quickest and easiest ways to determine whether you are experiencing symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health conditions, such as depression or anxiety, are real, common and treatable. And recovery is possible.

Since 1909, Mental Health America of Illinois (MHAI) has worked to promote mental health, prevent mental illnesses and improve the care and treatment of people suffering from mental and emotional disorders. Our three main focus areas are to educate, to advocate and to inform.

As supporters, we know that mental health is vital to overall well-being and that countless people remain silent sufferers to diseases that cannot be seen. This is a battle that we must face as a united front, which is why advocates like YOU are critically important to help make change!

We are focused on promoting publicly-funded mental health services in Illinois for adults and children – to be both affordable and accessible. MHAI advocates for related legislation to eliminate medication Step Therapy and support Insurance Parity, as well as policies and practices that support adequate mental health services.

MHA of Illinois
1103 Westgate St Ste 302
Oak Park IL 60301
Phone: (312) 368-9070
Email: Becky@mhai.org
www.mhai.org

Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA) changes lives, saves lives and impacts lives, through education, peer support groups and advocacy for those diagnosed with a mental health illnesses and empowers their family and friends to embrace their independence, advocate for improved services, and to love them for who they are. What makes us unique is the fact that we are peer based and lead. What this means is that all of our meetings and all of our leaders are members or caring friends and family of members.

The Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance-Greater Chicago, originated as MDA (Manic Depressive Association) as an informal support by two women, Marilyn Weiss and Rose Kurlan, whose psychiatrist, Dr. Jan Fawcett, suggested that they meet with others to share their experiences. Together, they formed a grass roots organization which has grown prodigiously.  The first informal meetings started in 1978 in their homes. Then an article in the Chicago Tribune about the group brought attention to the women and their undertaking. The many phone calls forced them to initiate an answering service. Soon the group was meeting at What’s Cooking in Lincolnwood and some years later, and since, at The Devon Bank in West Rogers Park. Other locations now include Palatine, Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Evanston NorthShore Hospital, Brookfield, and our latest addition, Andersonville/Uptown Group.  All are hosting support groups for the Greater Chicago chapter. In addition, DBSA-GC sponsors an annual Symposium for the public and professionals.

DBSA Greater Chicago
6666 N. Western Avenue
Chicago, IL 60645
Phone: 773-465-3280
Email: Ewecanhelp@dbsa-gc.org
www.dbsa-gc.org

This list only includes those advocacy organizations that The STARR Coalition is affiliated with.  If you know of other advocacy organizations that could be included in this list, please contact us at starrcert@thestarr.org.  Thank you!

Download the pdf of the local advocacy organizations.