Why Veterans Need More Than Veterans Day
The Illinois Department of Veterans Affairs told state lawmakers this week they need more staff and better access to housing and healthcare. The numbers back up the critical need to take care of veterans. The rate of suicides among veterans is nearly double that of the civilian population, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. But Northwestern University professor Michelle Shumate says mental health treatment and suicide hotlines aren’t enough to help veterans as they transition to civilian life. Shumate has been researching how organizations that help with housing, food, and jobs can contribute to better mental health for veterans. She shares what she hears from veterans about what they need.
Guest: Michelle Shumate —Delaney Family University Research Professor, Northwestern University
Chicago Veterans Day Events:
The city is hosting a ceremony at Soldier Field at 11 a.m.
Auditorium Theatre is hosting tours for veterans and their families from 10:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.
Vax Info for CPS Families:
Follow us on Twitter: @CityCastChicago
Sign up for our newsletter: chicago.citycast.fm
Subscribe To Our Newsletter

Stay connected to City Cast Chicago and get ready to join the local conversation.
Latest Episodes
Data Center Moratorium, 'ICE Out' Pledge, and Chicago Singles Mingling
Last week, Mayor Brandon Johnson signed an executive order aiming to modernize regulations and oversight for Chicago’s data centers. He a...

CPD Traffic Stops Down, Chicago’s West Nile Risk, and Even More Belugas OTW
The Illinois Department of Transportation has released the most recent traffic stop data from police departments across the state. While...

Funeral Home Under Investigation, Aspira Charter Files Bankruptcy, and Chicago Fire Heats Up
The owners of multiple South Side funeral homes are under a microscope after state officials discovered they had been mismanaging human r...

Will CPD Ever Actually Investigate ICE? Plus, The Other Washingtons
Earlier this week, a coalition of Chicagoans who allege they were victims of misconduct and violence during Operation Midway Blitz filed...

Why Did Bally’s Pause Hotel Construction? Plus, 24 Hours in Chicago
Over the weekend, Bally’s Casino hit the brakes on all non-gaming construction in protest of Chicago’s forthcoming expansion of video gam...

Let’s Play Chicago Scattergories! Plus, Moving Tips
Back in June, we played a Chicago-themed game of Scattergories during our live taping at Switchyards Chicago. Host Jacoby Cochran compete...

Will Local Grocers Survive SNAP Cuts? Does Chicago Have A City Council Problem?
Today we’re talking about the impact SNAP cuts are having on grocers across Chicago, the relationship between the mayor and alders headin...

‘Your City Could Be Better’: Naked Neighbors, Unwelcome Pets, and Other City Life Dilemmas — Presented By City Cast Chicago
As much as you love Chicago, city living inherently means sharing space and resources with your neighbors, and y’all certainly have compl...

Why Are More Young People Moving to Chicago? Plus, How To Recycle Your Electronics
While cleanup at Grant Park is ongoing following a massive, rain-soaked Lollapalooza, Mayor Johnson called this year’s festival “the prel...

Cook County Ups Healthcare Relief. Plus, Ariana Grande Supports ALMA Chicago
Over 200,000 Cook County residents are at risk of losing their healthcare coverage by 2028. In response, Cook County is planning to spend...

