Lindsay Bridegum

Mental Health Specialist Substance Use @Chicago Public Schools

Chicago, IL, US

Support collaboration efforts across CPS departments and facilitate relationships to ensure internal alignment of efforts to achieve cross-cutting substance use initiatives, including the establishment and support of a centralized substance use services referrals process and a Substance Use Taskforce; Partner with community-based organizations to increase access to substance use services, safe and supportive environments for students with marginalized identities and circumstances; Lead efforts central to the District’s Healing-Centered Project; Establish professional development strategy and opportunities for school staff and stakeholders; Engage strategic partners to create district strategy for substance use services referrals including but not limited to hospital systems, healthcare providers and systems, and community-based organizations; Lead the development, implementation, and monitoring of policies that promote mental health and substance use support among students and staff; Assist with the development and implementation of internal and external OSHW communications strategy in collaboration with department leadership; Support the development and execution of parent/caregiver engagement strategies to support mental health and substance use initiatives; Establish outreach and communication strategy for the district’s mental health and substance use programming and initiatives; Assist with budgets and expenses related to substance use initiatives; Support efforts on grant writing and management; Serve as a member of the Health and Wellness Materials Review Committee and provide guidance on mental health and substance use-related education curricula; Provide network and district-level technical assistance on policy implementation; Conduct research on current resources, policies, best practices, and guidance that will inform program implementation and outcomes of substance use initiatives; Support and participate in the District’s Healthy CPS initiative.