Lake County Gazette

Illinois Tenth Congressional District candidate Jim Carris expressed his support for two behavioral health organizations in the district, emphasizing their efforts to aid individuals struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorders. "I want to shout out two wonderful behavioral health organizations in #IL10 that are working to support youth, families, and individuals that are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder by providing resources and public education," Carris stated in a Facebook post on June 9.

"I want to shout out two wonderful behavioral health organizations in #IL10 that are working to support youth, families, and individuals that are struggling with mental health issues and substance use disorder by providing resources and public education," said Carris, according to Facebook. "My Deputy Campaign Manager and I attended a Naloxone (Narcan) Training organized by Nicasa Behavioral Health Services and Omni Youth Behavioral Health Services and not only do we feel more prepared to help residents of our District in an emergency, but we discussed the startling facts behind fentanyl and opioid use in Lake County."

According to Carris, the organizations he highlighted are Nicasa Behavioral Health Services and Omni Youth Behavioral Health Services. He noted the alarming statistics from the Lake County Coroner's Office: "In 2023, the Lake County Coroner's Office investigated 135 drug overdose deaths - 112 attributable to opioids and 97 of which contained fentanyl." Carris committed to assessing federal funding and programs available to nonprofit organizations and healthcare systems to better address the opioid overdose situation in the district. He also plans to advocate for new programs and grants aimed at more effective outreach and support initiatives. "Mental health and substance abuse often overlap, and my commitment is to help our #IL10 residents get access to the resources they need to heal," he wrote.

Screenshot of Jim Carris' June 9 Facebook post | Jim Carris For Congress Facebook page

Nicasa Behavioral Health Services has been serving Lake County since 1966, expanding its operations to five sites. The organization provides a range of services including education, prevention, harm reduction, early intervention, treatment, and recovery services throughout the county.

Omni Youth Services offers comprehensive behavioral health services through counseling and community programs designed for youths, families, and individuals. Their offerings include counseling, prevention efforts, family preservation programs, among other resources for youths.

Carris is a prominent figure in the local business community with deep roots in Lake County. His campaign website highlights his extensive background in business rather than politics. "Jim has spent his life in business, not politics, practicing law, running his own company and as a corporate leader," reads his campaign website.

Currently an accomplished attorney, Carris serves as Managing Principal, Executive Managing Director, and Market Leader at Colliers International. He is also the child of an immigrant; his father left Greece in pursuit of a better life.

Carris financed his own education by taking on various jobs such as painting houses, working in construction, washing dishes, and bartending—demonstrating a strong work ethic that has been a driving force throughout his life.