Hospital Official Says Trump's Win Has Created A 'Public Health Crisis'
By Emma G. Gallegos in News on Nov 14, 2016 10:16PM
He's a trigger in human form (Getty)
Patrick Magoon, president and CEO of Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital of Chicago, said at a press conference with Rahm Emanuel and other local government officials that Trump's election has sparked a "public health crisis."
Magoon said on Monday that Illinois has witnessed a dramatic 200 percent surge in calls to mental-health hotlines. The nationwide figure is even higher, showing a 250 percent increase, he said. Julie Pesch, Director, Public Affairs at Lurie, told Chicagoist that the hospital is working with the Illinois Department of Public Health to further confirm, but preliminary reports from crisis-outreach departments support what appears to be a drastic spike.
Emanuel, Julie Morita of the Chicago Dept. of Public Health, Rep. Luis Gutierrez and others called on the state to provide more mental health resources in the wake of Trump's win. Illinois state Rep. Lisa Hernandez said she plans to file a bill asking for increased funding for counselors and crisis centers. CPS has upped its resources for students since the presidential election. At this morning's press conference, Emanuel affirmed his commitment to Chicago being a "sanctuary city" for immigrants.
Many of those calling in to crisis hotlines are those vulnerable groups who fear that life for them under a Trump administration could get even uglier. Trump recently reiterated his vow to deport millions of undocumented immigrants. Immigrant and refugee students fearing deportation (or their family's deportation) have been extremely fearful, angry, depressed and in some cases have failed to show up to school altogether in the wake of Trump's win. Trump's win has also been scary for LGBTQ Americans fearing they could lose rights gained during the Obama administration and for Muslims who worry they could be asked to join a national registry. Life has already has gotten ugly thanks to Trump supporters who've lashed out at these groups.
Magoon said Trump's platform has caused "significant distress and anxiety" and added, "This is clearly a public health crisis."
If someone you know exhibits warning signs of suicide: do not leave the person alone, remove any firearms, alcohol, drugs or sharp objects that could be used in a suicide attempt, and call the U.S. National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-TALK (8255) or take the person to an emergency room or seek help from a medical or mental health professional. LGBT youths can also reach out to The Trevor Project at1-866-488-7386. The Trans Lifeline is (877) 565-8860. And the National Sexual Assault Hotline is 1.800.656.HOPE.
[H/T DNA Info]