Chicago activists call for increased mental health funding Mansur Shaheen | Apr 14, 2021 Share this: Activists in Chicago are calling for the city to invest in mental health clinics across the city. Many fear the country will suffer a mental health crisis as the COVID-19 pandemic draws to a close and activists hope the city will work to invest in mental health programs in the city. Southside Together Organizing for Power held a demonstration on Monday where they petitioned Chicago Mayor Lory Lightfoot to further invest in mental health services in the city. The protest came on the nine year anniversary of former Mayor Rahm Emmanuel closing half of the city’s mental health clinics as a part of austerity measures.