Christine Herman

José's son, who has schizophrenia, recently got into a fight that resulted in a broken window — an out-of-control moment from his struggle with mental illness. And it could increase his chances of deportation to a country where mental health care is even more elusive.

A Young Immigrant Has Mental Illness, And That's Raising His Risk of Being Deported

Christine Herman

Behavioral problems, criminal arrests and limited access to health care leave a father worried that his 21-year-old son will be deported to Mexico.

The Joliet Treatment Center, southwest of Chicago, is one of four facilities now providing mental health care to some of Illinois' sickest inmates. It's a start, say mental health advocates, but many more inmates in Illinois and across the U.S. still await treatment.

Most Inmates With Mental Illness Still Wait For Decent Care

Christine Herman

Nearly three years after the state of Illinois agreed in a court settlement to revamp mental health care in prisons and provide better treatment, a judge says the care remains "grossly insufficient."

Toni Hoy, at her home in Rantoul, Ill., holds a childhood photo of her son, Daniel, who is now 24. In a last-ditch effort to get Daniel treatment for his severe mental illness in 2007, the Hoys surrendered parental custody to the state. "When I think of him, that's the picture I see in my mind. Just this adorable, blue-eyed, blond little sweetie," Hoy says.

To Get Mental Health Help For A Child, Desperate Parents Relinquish Custody

Christine Herman

Doctors told Toni and Jim Hoy their young son needed intensive, specialized care away from home — institutional services that cost at least $100,000 a year. Insurance wouldn't cover the cost.

Policymakers in Illinois and other states want to make it easier to get medical marijuana for pain relief.

Lawmakers In Illinois Embrace Medical Marijuana As An Opioid Alternative

Christine Herman

Seeking solutions for the opioid crisis, policymakers in Illinois and many other states are looking to expand access to marijuana for chronic pain sufferers.

Many cancer patients seek treatment with medical marijuana.

When Cancer Patients Ask About Weed, Many Doctors Say Go For It

Christine Herman

About half of oncologists recommend medical marijuana to patients, though most feel ignorant of its proper medical use.

Physical therapist Ingrid Peele coaches Kim Brown through strengthening exercises to help her with her chronic pain, at the OSF Central Illinois Pain Center in Peoria.

For Chronic Pain, A Change In Habits Can Beat Opioids For Relief

Christine Herman

There's a growing consensus among pain specialists that lifestyle changes can be more effective than drugs in managing chronic pain. But the alternative approach requires patient commitment.

How Outdoor Workers Minimize The Suffering During Bitter Cold Winters

Christine Herman

In central Illinois, the temperature is below zero and that's before the wind chill. Some who work outdoors look for creative ways to minimize the suffering.