DuPage Health Matters: A Foundation for Public Health

Why does DuPage Health Matters exist? 

DuPage Health Matters is a 501(c)(3) organization established for the purpose of funding innovative and strategic initiatives to benefit the residents of DuPage County. Without the funding from generous benefactors, initiatives such as improving substance use disorder treatment and behavioral health would be unable to be funded.   

Why should residents and businesses donate to DuPage Health Matters?

The Construction and Operation of a Central Receiving Center

A desperately needed Central Receiving Center (CRC) will divert individuals who have been identified with mental health and/or substance use disorders from the criminal justice system. The CRC will also provide a single point of access for law enforcement officers to drop off individuals experiencing a mental health and/or substance use crisis. Finally, the CRC will reduce the inappropriate utilization of hospital emergency departments by diverting individuals with mental health and/or substance use disorders. CRC healthcare employees will detox or transport individuals who are experiencing acute withdrawal from a substance use disorder to an emergency room. 

DuPage Health Matters, through a combination of public and private funding, can provide 21st-century^st century solutions to this problem that has claimed too many lives. 

In addition to the CRC, which will act toward increasing treatment, a secondary fundraising priority is linked to the DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team’s goal of prevention.  

The DuPage County Prevention Leadership Team (PLT) came together in 2011 following a county-wide health assessment, which identified substance abuse/mental health use were two of the top five health priorities facing DuPage County. This information led to a call to action among community leaders and the PLT was created with the goal of reducing substance use and increasing mental health among DuPage County youth, 18 years and younger.

The PLT program boasts a wide range of members from schools, police departments, private businesses, treatment centers, not for profits, the health department, emergency rescue services, and the court system. 

What fundraising opportunities exist? 

Giving Days DuPage is a online fundraising event to support local nonprofit organizations in DuPage County, including our 501(c)(3) organization, DuPage Health Matters (DHM).

Updated 1/10/23