Hartgrove Behavioral Health System

10/21/2025

Take a look back at the Becker's Hospital Review Behavioral Health Summit, where our CEO, Steven Airhart, joined a panel of healthcare leaders to talk about social determinants of health and why they can’t be ignored.

In the clip, he highlights how behavioral health facilities are often ahead of the curve when it comes to holistic care: treating both psychological and physiological needs together. His message was clear: we can’t settle for "good enough." Social determinants of health are still cutting lives short, and as caregivers, we must do more.

Our teams work every day to close those gaps, and we are proud to see Steven elevating this conversation along with other industry leaders. We look forward to seeing him take the stage again 🎤 in a couple weeks at the Becker's Healthcare 13th Annual CEO + CFO Roundtable in Chicago, where he'll join two sessions on behavioral health trends and health system crisis response.

10/20/2025

Announcing our October Employee of the Month, Pierre Wood! 🏆

As an intake counselor, he plays an incredibly important role at Hartgrove Behavioral Health System. He’s often one of the first points of contact for patients and families when they come through our doors. It’s a moment that can feel overwhelming or even scary, but Pierre consistently approaches it with kindness, patience and empathy.

Since joining us earlier this year, he has built a reputation for treating every person he meets with genuine respect and compassion. Intake counselors set the tone for the entire patient experience, helping families feel supported, understood and safe from the very start.

His manager, Taylor Oxenrider (pictured to his right), said it best: 💬 "Pierre's commitment to service excellence is evident in the way he goes above and beyond to ensure each interaction is thoughtful and supportive. His professionalism, teamwork and compassionate care make him a standout member of our staff and a true asset to our organization."

10/17/2025

This week, we were proud to host the Trauma-Informed Care Regional Champions Training at Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, welcoming a large group of behavioral health professionals from multiple facilities in our region, including Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital, Streamwood Behavioral Healthcare System, Riveredge Hospital, Southeast Behavioral Hospital, The Pavilion Behavioral Health System, Granite Hills Hospital and Behavioral Health Connections.

Trauma-informed care is an evidence-based approach that recognizes the lasting impact trauma can have on a person’s life, and it shapes how we deliver treatment. Trauma can change how the brain processes stress and relationships, and care that doesn’t account for that can unintentionally re-traumatize patients.

At its core, it’s about creating safety, building trust, empowering patients and ensuring every voice is heard. It also means being mindful of culture, history and identity while fostering collaboration and peer support.

The science continues to evolve, and refreshing these skills ensures providers deliver the most effective, compassionate care possible. We’re grateful to all the champions who joined us to sharpen their skills and bring these principles back to their facilities. 💙

Special thanks to Jennifer Morgan-Smith (pictured front right) for running such a great program!

10/16/2025

Eugenia Miller has always been welcoming to all since day one, and we are so glad to see that nothing has changed after all these years! 😁

Her experience with the community is second to none, and we are happy to give her a very well-deserved shout-out during Healthcare Security and Safety Week!

Thank you, Eugenia, for your continued dedication to patient and staff safety.

After 25 years in the Chicago Police Department (CPD), two master’s degrees in criminal justice and management, plus nearly a decade working security here since 2015, our security manager, Eugenia Miller, knows safety is about more than locked doors and protocols.

While in CPD, she was part of the Chicago Alternative Policing Strategy (CAPS) program when it first started and she was a D.A.R.E. officer, and she knows the Garfield Park neighborhood and community extremely well. Fun fact: she previously worked at our sister hospital, Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, from 1992 to 2002.

But it's more than the experience or credentials that makes Eugenia special. She makes it her mission to welcome families, reassure kids and remind them there’s nothing to be afraid of when they come through our doors. She knows the little things you do go a long way, and for our patients, those little things mean everything.

Eugenia wants people to know that we take every means possible to safeguard everyone in our hospital: "Garfield Park Behavioral Hospital is like a community, where everyone looks out for the best interest for the children and families we serve. They say it takes a village to raise a child, and this is a village." 🎯

Happy Healthcare Security and Safety Week to Eugenia and the whole security team that keeps our hospital both safe and welcoming! 💚

10/15/2025

High patient satisfaction scores don’t just “happen.” They result from countless people working together behind the scenes and on the front lines to make sure every patient feels supported from the moment they walk through our doors.

It takes nurses, doctors, therapists, social workers and mental health specialists who listen, guide and personalize care. Dietary staff makes sure patients have nourishing meals, housekeeping ensures clean and welcoming spaces, security offers reassurance and admin staff helps families navigate the logistics. And leadership keeps everyone aligned on one mission: putting patients first. 💙

We’re very proud of our people, these numbers and what they represent, which is patients leaving Hartgrove Behavioral Health System feeling heard, supported and truly cared for.

10/14/2025

October marks National Domestic Violence Awareness Month, a reminder that everyone deserves to feel safe in their own home. In addition to physical scars, abuse can have lasting effects on mental health, including anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and self-esteem issues.

But trust, dignity and hope can be restored 💜. Survivors need allies, support and access to mental healthcare to rebuild their lives. At Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, we believe in breaking the silence, supporting survivors and creating a future where home means healing, not harm.

If you or someone you know is struggling, remember: reaching out for help is a sign of strength.

10/13/2025

When you have spent 18 years with the Cook County Sheriff's Office and also run your own security company, you know a thing or two about keeping people safe.

Antonio Ferguson is one of the friendly faces behind our security team. He’s been with us for 5 months, and he’s already made a positive impact. Several of his family members worked in law enforcement, so safety and security are in his DNA. Here at Hartgrove Behavioral Health System, Antonio said he activated something new: the "security care" side of the job.

💬 "The 'security care' is a new chapter that I'm liking. It's definitely different from any other job I've worked because I'm not just security. Here, I get to help people in new ways."

Antonio is a proactive thinker who believes trust and respect are very important when it comes to safety and security, and he wants patients, visitors and staff to know he's here to help. Because care works best when everyone feels safe.

Happy Healthcare Security and Safety Week to the whole team that keeps our hospital safe and welcoming every day! 💙

10/09/2025

October is National Bullying Prevention Month, and it’s important to remember that bullying affects everyone involved, not just the person being targeted.

For kids who are bullied, the long-term impact can show up as anxiety, depression or difficulty trusting others. And the thing is, those who do the bullying are also at risk for lasting challenges, such as unhealthy relationships and struggles with anger or impulse control later in life.

That’s why prevention and support matter so much. Open conversations, teaching empathy and getting help from behavioral health professionals can break the cycle and create safer, healthier environments for all.

Stepping in early is key to protecting the child being hurt and helping every child build the skills they need to grow into compassionate, resilient adults. 💙

10/08/2025

Next up for National Depression and Mental Health Screening Month and Mental Illness Awareness Week, we're exploring the different types of depression.

Depression is a serious, complex mental health condition, and understanding its various forms is important for effective treatment.

Some common forms:
▶️ Major Depressive Disorder (MDD)
▶️ Persistent Depressive Disorder (Dysthymia)
▶️ Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)

Less common forms:
▶️ Atypical Depression
▶️ Psychotic Depression
▶️ Catatonic Depression

Take a deeper dive to learn more about them in our guide: http://spklr.io/6186BKEwn.

Depression is more than just feeling sad. It's a complex mental health condition that affects millions worldwide. Understanding its various forms is crucial for effective treatment. Different types of depression can manifest in unique ways. Each type has its own signs and symptoms. Recognizing these...

10/07/2025

💭 Myth: Talking about mental health makes things worse.
✅ Fact: Talking is often the very thing that begins to make things better.

When we open up, we take away the power of stigma and make room for healing. Outpatient treatment is designed to do just that 🎯. It helps people build coping skills, reduce stress and feel more confident navigating life.

Whether it’s for you or a loved one, reaching out can be the first step toward real progress. With outpatient care, support is here on your terms when you're ready.

10/06/2025

For Healthcare Foodservice Workers Week, let's give a well deserved shout-out to the incredible people (that's Lisa holding a yummy plate of pepper steak and rice 😋, and that's Antione with the photobomb through the window 🤣) who make sure everyone here is well-fed and cared for. They have an incredibly important job for all of Hartgrove Behavioral Health System.

Did you know food is more than just fuel? Yep, it's also healing. A good meal can be a source of comfort for our patients on tough days. It also provides the energy that keeps our staff going while they care for others (well, that and a lot of coffee! ☕).

Behind the scenes, our dietary team makes it all happen, and we're so proud to celebrate the pros who put thought, care and heart into every plate they serve. 💙

10/03/2025

💬 "I recall moments in my childhood when adults did not just listen, but really *heard* me, and then helped me. Those people and those moments were impactful, and I have always wanted to be that kind of safe space for kids. I chose a helping job for the benefit of others but along the way, I realized that this job is very fulfilling to me as well." – Bridget Paoletti, Clinical Coordinator, Schoolhouse Counseling Center.

That kind of energy drives our Schoolhouse Counseling Center programs every day!

Our school-based services make behavioral health support accessible where students spend most of their time: at school. By partnering closely with teachers, administrators, counselors and families, we help create a circle of care that makes a real impact in students’ lives. And when progress happens, everyone feels it. 🙌

For schools, that means an extra layer of assistance for staff who already carry so much. For families, it means less navigating the system alone. And for students, it means having someone right there who understands and can help them take meaningful steps forward. 💙