Community Conversation: Student Mental Health 

WBEZ Chicago and Illinois Latino News (ILLN) will host a second virtual Community Conversation on Thursday, August 18 at 7 pm (CST) as part of their partnership in best serving the public.

Between the pandemic, remote learning, school work and social media, Chicago students have lots to be stressed about. Ahead of the 2022-2023 school year, WBEZ and Illinois Latino News are aiming to help parents prepare to keep their kids healthy while learning. This virtual event will be built based on survey responses from Chicago parents.

COVID19 revealed inequities in healthcare, and other determinants of health among Hispanics-Latinos. ILLN and WBEZ collaborated on their first Community Conversation: Lessons Learned From the COVID-19 Pandemic in March.

Dr. Marina Del Rios, the first person in Chicago to receive the vaccine was among the guest speakers.

“There’s been an improvement, but we’re seeing a delay,” said Dr. Del Rios about getting Spanish dominant Hispanic Latinos information in their language of choice. ”(It) speaks to the importance of having a diverse body of decision makers in public health in hospitals and clinics so that messaging is created we ensure it is multilingual and culturally competent.”

Hugo Balta, Publisher of ILLN, was the moderator of that event. “Now, more than ever, it is crucial for local news outlets to listen to the needs of the public they serve in helping shape the content we produce,” Balta said of the Community Conversation’s inclusive approach. ”A survey ahead of the event is imperative in letting us know what issues matter most to the communities we serve.”

Community Conversation: Student Mental Health in Chicago Schools to be held on 8/18 will be built based on survey responses from Chicago parents.

Click here to fill out our back-to-school survey and let us know your questions about student mental health.

To register for the free event, click here: Community Conversation.

This virtual event will be available in both English and Spanish.

Our goal is to give you the information and resources you need to start the next school year off on the right foot!


About WBEZ Chicago

WBEZ is Chicago’s NPR news source and one of the largest and most respected public media stations in the country, serving the community with fact-based, objective news and information. WBEZ’s award-winning journalists ask tough questions, dig deep for answers and expose truths that spark change and foster understanding. In addition to its local and national news programming, WBEZ Chicago is home to a growing portfolio of popular podcasts, including the “Making” series of Making Beyoncé, Making Obama and Making Oprah; an investigative podcast series, Motive; 16 Shots: A podcast about the fatal police shooting of Laquan McDonald; Nerdette; and Curious City. WBEZ Chicago has a legacy of innovation as the birthplace of nationally acclaimed programs such as This American Life, and Wait Wait…Don’t Tell Me!, and the ground-breaking podcast, Serial. 

About ILLN

The online news publication ILLatinoNews.com is one of five independent statewide coverage, Hispanic-Latino editorial focus English language news, and information websites under the ownership and leadership of nationally recognized journalist and media advocate, Hugo Balta. 

ILLN’s mission is to provide greater visibility and voice to Hispanics-Latinos in Illinois – an underrepresented community in mainstream newsrooms and news coverage.

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