The Sangamon County Board approved a resolution to place a referendum on the March 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election ballot, asking voters whether to establish a Mental Health Board to support local mental health services. The proposal, a recommendation from the Massey Commission, received broad support from the County Board and community leaders.
Mental Health Boards, authorized under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, are responsible for planning, funding, and delivering mental health services at the local level. These boards have the authority to allocate local property tax revenue and other funding sources to sustain and improve mental health programs, ensuring resources are directed where they are most needed.
“This is about improving how we support mental health needs in our community,” said Public Health Committee Chairman James Schackmann. “It’s an issue that hits close to home for me, as I’ve experienced the challenges of dealing with mental health struggles in my own family. I believe the creation of a Mental Health Board would allow us to better coordinate services, secure funding, and focus on areas of greatest need. This is an opportunity to make lasting change in how we care for our community.”
In addition to placing the referendum on the ballot, the board has established a commission of up to nine citizens to study the need for mental health services in Sangamon County. The commission, whose members will be nominated by the Board Chairman and approved by the County Board, will analyze the effectiveness of Mental Health Boards in other communities, assess local service needs, and educate the public on the potential costs and benefits of forming a Mental Health Board in Sangamon County.
“I want to thank the Massey Commission for their thoughtful recommendation and their drive to improve mental health services in our community. Their work has been invaluable,” said County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter. “As we move forward, I encourage our citizens to engage with this process and help us inform the community about how a Mental Health Board could strengthen our mental health services and support those in need.”
The newly established commission will operate in full compliance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act to ensure transparency. It is expected to present a final report on its findings and recommendations to the public by December 1, 2025.
The County Board is seeking a diverse group of citizens with varied backgrounds to serve on the commission. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit a resume, a letter of interest, and any supporting documents (such as letters of recommendation) via email to County@SangamonIL.gov or deliver them in person to the Sangamon County Board Office, temporarily located in the Sangamon South Building at 300 S. 9th St., Floor #2, Springfield, IL, 62701 (Former State Journal-Register Building).
The deadline to apply is Friday, February 14, 2025, at 5:00 PM.