Systems in Sync 2026

Systems in Sync is a free event for professionals in behavioral health and related fields to build partnerships.
About this Event

Systems in Sync: Partnering for Equitable Mental Wellness is hosting a free event for professionals in behavioral health and related fields to come together and build partnerships to improve access to behavioral health services in Chicago and Suburban Cook County, convened by the Illinois Public Health Institute.

The theme for the Systems in Sync 2026 event is partnering to improve access to behavioral health services. The free event will be held on Tuesday, October 6, 2026 at First Presbyterian Church of Chicago in Woodlawn. The event will consist of interactive presentations from community partners, a panel discussion featuring young adults with lived experience, workshops to build capacity for partnership and collaboration focused on improving behavioral health access, and a guided connection session. While focused on those who work in mental health and connected areas in Chicago and Suburban Cook County, the event is open to all. Lunch will be provided.

Systems in Sync: Partnering for Equitable Mental Wellness is an initiative of the Alliance for Health Equity Mental Health Workgroup which is convened by Illinois Public Health Institute. The goals of the initiative are:

· Serve as a catalyst for partnership and collaboration in the behavioral health space in Chicago and Suburban Cook County

· Increase mutual awareness of behavioral health programs and initiatives across sectors and organizations

· Highlight the importance of partnership and collaboration in the current political environment

· Provide ongoing support and resources for behavioral health organizations creating and strengthening partnerships

In support of these goals, we hold quarterly virtual meetings that spotlight news, events, programs, and developments in the behavioral health space and an annual, free, in-person event in the fall. The inaugural event was held last year, with a theme of sharing space and initiating connections. Over 80 individuals from more than 50 organizations attended last year’s event.

There is free street parking available or there are multiple options for public transit:

• Take the Green Line to Cottage Grove and walk 0.4 miles east
• Take the Metra Electric (ME) Line to 63rd Street and walk 0.2 miles south and west
• Take the 63 bus to 63rd & Kimbark and walk 0.1 miles

Does your group or organization want to present?

There are many opportunities to support the event including tabling, guiding a connection session, and hosting an interactive workshop. If you are interested in any of these options, please email ahe@ iphionline.org by Sept. 4 for workshops or Sept. 25 for tables and connection sessions. As there is limited space available, participation is not guaranteed.

Quotes from the 2025 event:

"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

"When we lead with connection, compassion, and partnership, we create pathways to healing that no one system can build on its own.” - Event Co-host