The Health Care Council of Chicago’s (HC3) core purpose is to harness the collective intelligence and resources of Chicago’s health leaders and stakeholders to drive meaningful change and positively influence the conditions that impact the health of the city’s communities. In March 2023, HC3 is proud to launch a podcast series exploring how we leverage our resources to catalyze sustainable, durable health care solutions that help achieve health equity in Chicago and beyond.
Led by David Smith, co-founder of HC3, Founder and CEO of Third Horizon Strategies (THS), and host of the Cost of Care Podcast, alongside Meghan Phillipp, Executive Director of HC3 and VP of Community Impact at THS, the HC3 Podcast will feature business leaders, health care providers, community members, and political advocates that are breaking down barriers, challenging the status quo and thinking differently to advance sustainable solutions and opportunities that build and support healthier communities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The Health Care Council of Chicago’s (HC3) core purpose is to harness the collective intelligence and resources of Chicago’s health leaders and stakeholders to drive meaningful change and positively influence the conditions that impact the health of the city’s communities. In March 2023, HC3 is proud to launch a podcast series exploring how we leverage our resources to catalyze sustainable, durable health care solutions that help achieve health equity in Chicago and beyond.
Led by David Smith, co-founder of HC3, Founder and CEO of Third Horizon Strategies (THS), and host of the Cost of Care Podcast, alongside Meghan Phillipp, Executive Director of HC3 and VP of Community Impact at THS, the HC3 Podcast will feature business leaders, health care providers, community members, and political advocates that are breaking down barriers, challenging the status quo and thinking differently to advance sustainable solutions and opportunities that build and support healthier communities.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this episode of the HC3 podcast, Dr. Thomas Nutter, Chief Behavioral Health Officer at Cook County Health, discusses the organization's ambitious efforts to transform behavioral health care access across Cook County. Drawing from over 20 years of experience, including leadership roles at Hines VA, Dr. Nutter shares how Cook County Health is addressing critical challenges in mental health and substance use treatment through innovative programs and community partnerships.
The conversation explores Cook County Health's new Office of Behavioral Health and its dual mission of improving internal services while strengthening the county's entire behavioral health ecosystem. Dr. Nutter details significant initiatives, including the distribution of $44 million in community grants, the investment in lifesaving Narcan vending machines, and the development of a county-wide behavioral health strategic plan. He emphasizes how recent community summits brought together hundreds of local stakeholders and highlighted key priorities around workforce development, access to care, and reducing stigma.
Dr. Nutter shares insights on addressing the behavioral health workforce crisis, including plans for a "learn and earn" fund to support new professionals entering the field. He also discusses the critical role of community partnerships and the importance of meeting people where they are, particularly in addressing the opioid crisis and expanding access to life-saving interventions.
Dr. Thomas Nutter joined Cook County Health as Chief Behavioral Health Officer in August 2023. Prior to this role, he served as Chief of Mental Health at Hines VA for seven years, where he gained extensive experience in administrative psychiatry and health care system transformation. A board-certified psychiatrist, Dr. Nutter has dedicated his career to improving behavioral health services and expanding access to care.
Follow HC3 on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/hc3
This episode of the HC3 podcast is brought to you by Third Horizon. HC3 is administratively and strategically managed as an initiative of Third Horizon. Third Horizon is a Chicago-based but nationally present boutique advisory firm focused on shaping the future state of health care. thirdhorizon.co
Follow Third Horizon Strategies on LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/company/3rdhorizon
For more information about live events, webinars, and other updates on the work of HC3, visit www.HC3.Health.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.