Application Process Opens for Mental Health Board

Sangamon County is now accepting applications for residents interested in serving on the newly established Sangamon County Mental Health Board, following voter approval of a referendum in the March 2026 primary election.

The creation of the board comes after more than a year of study and public input. In January 2025, the Sangamon County Board formed a Mental Health Commission, as recommended by the Massey Commission, to assess local needs, review similar models in other communities, and develop recommendations. The commission submitted its final report in November 2025, calling for the creation of a countywide Mental Health Board to help coordinate and expand services.

The report identified gaps in access to care and challenges navigating the current system, while also noting strong public support for increased investment in mental health services. It outlined several priority areas for funding, including crisis response, case management, housing support, and community-based programs. The full report and supporting materials are available on the Sangamon County website.

The County Board approved initial steps to implement the measure at its April 7 meeting, including action related to establishing the associated tax. Revenue collection to support mental health services cannot begin before July 1, 2026.

The Mental Health Board will include up to nine members, who will be nominated by the County Board Chairman and confirmed by the County Board. The board will be responsible for evaluating community needs, setting funding priorities, and overseeing the distribution of resources to local service providers. Meetings will be conducted in accordance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act.

County officials are encouraging residents with a range of professional and personal backgrounds to apply. Those with experience in mental health services, healthcare, education, social services, public safety, and finance are among those sought for consideration.

Applicants should also be aware of statutory restrictions related to eligibility and potential conflicts of interest. Under Illinois law (405 ILCS 20/3a), members of a Mental Health Board may not be board members, employees, or otherwise compensated by any facility or service that operates under contract with the board. Any entity that expects to receive funding from the new tax must avoid placing affiliated individuals on the board in a way that would create a conflict.

Interested individuals are asked to submit a resume, a letter of interest, and any supporting materials, such as letters of recommendation, by email to County@SangamonIL.gov or in person to the Sangamon County Board Office, 200 S. Ninth St., 2nd Floor, Springfield.

The application deadline is April 20 at 5 p.m. Members of the previously established Mental Health Commission will assist in reviewing applications and identifying qualified candidates. The review committee will include Dr. Kari Wolf, Mike Murphy, Chris Jones, Dr. Gina Lathan, Melissa Warwick, Deborah Grant, and James Schackmann.

Final appointments to the Mental Health Board are expected to be considered by the County Board at its May 12 meeting.