Health Calls Season 6, Episode 2 continues the United for Change theme with a focus on youth mental health in Chicago. Host Brian Reardon and executive producer Josh Matejka speak with Dr. Anoop Takher, Interim Chair of Behavioral Health at Saint Anthony Hospital, about the hospital's SPARK Program. Designed to eliminate long wait times for psychiatric evaluations, SPARK offers integrated care—including speech and occupational therapy—under one roof. Dr. Takher shares how collaboration with partners like the Carol Robertson Center and local schools has expanded access and improved outcomes for children and families. SPARK’s model offers a blueprint for other systems seeking to meet behavioral health needs with compassion, efficiency, and equity.

Resources

Learn more about Saint Anthony Hospital's SPARK program

Watch CHA's This is Catholic Health Care video on the SPARK program

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Learn more about The Catholic Health Association of the United States at www.chausa.org.