HAS provides a continuum of multicultural and bilingual (English/Spanish) behavioral care and social services that empower individuals, families, and communities. (HAS) traces its roots back to the summer of 1972, when two individuals in recovery came together, concerned by the absence of organized treatment services in Chicago’s Hispanic communities on the northwest side. By 1974, a formal assess
ment confirmed a critical need for bilingual, culturally responsive behavioral health services. That same year, HAS—originally known as Hispano Alcoholism Services—officially opened its doors, marking the beginning of a decades-long commitment to healing and hope. Healthcare Alternative Systems delivers a comprehensive continuum of care through six core program areas: Substance Use Treatment, Mental Health Services, Domestic Violence Intervention, Residential Treatment Programs, Anger Management, and Community Engagement. Across all areas, HAS is committed to culturally responsive care that meets individuals where they are—physically, emotionally, and socially. Our Community Engagement work is grounded in proactive outreach and the belief that wellness starts with access. Through multiple initiatives, we directly address critical health and social challenges in the communities we serve:
Our Community Health Worker (CHW) Initiative helps individuals and families navigate the social determinants of health. CHWs provide direct referrals for nutrition assistance, housing, primary care, mental health services, and job support, connecting people with the resources they need to thrive. In neighborhoods disproportionately affected by the opioid epidemic, our Harm Reduction team provides life-saving Narcan distribution, overdose prevention education, and access to harm reduction supplies. We partner with local and statewide coalitions to expand the reach of this vital work. Our Gambling Disorder Outreach team conducts community-based prevention and education efforts, raising awareness about the risks of problem gambling and offering direct connections to treatment and support services. Through these interconnected efforts, HAS continues to improve health outcomes, reduce stigma, and uplift communities across the Chicago area. Today, Healthcare Alternative Systems (HAS) remains a leading provider of behavioral health services for Latino and Black communities across Chicago. Our mission has grown to reflect the rich diversity of the neighborhoods we serve. We proudly support English- and Spanish-speaking individuals of all backgrounds—men, women, and youth—through culturally responsive, accessible care. As community needs have evolved, so have our services, expanding to address complex behavioral health challenges with compassion, innovation, and integrity. After nearly fifty years of service, growth, and impact, HAS remains deeply committed to our local roots, our community-driven mission, and our belief that healing happens when care meets people where they are. Which is why our current HAS CARES values encompasses the following:
Compassion–Meeting people where they are
Advocacy–Reducing stigma and expanding access to care
Respect–Honoring the dignity of every individual
Empowerment–Equipping people with the tools to heal and thrive
Service–Supporting individuals at every step of their journey
