On March 17, 2026 Sangamon County voters passed a referendum to create the Sangamon County Mental Health Board (SCMHB) after recommendations from the Massey Commission and the Sangamon County Mental Health Commission. The Massey Commission was formed after the murder of Sonya Massey by a Sangamon County deputy sheriff on July 6, 2024, which prompted community action to prevent future tragedies. The Massey Commission’s mission is to take action and make recommendations that expand safe and equitable access to services by addressing systemic racism and mistrust in law enforcement and other helping professions.
The referendum authorized the creation of the board to be funded with a half-percent (0.5%) increase in the sales tax. It is expected to generate more than $14 million annually.
The Sangamon County Board appointed members to the new Sangamon County Mental Health Board in May & June 2026. Read more about the board members here.
Revenue from the increase will start to be collected on July 1, 2026, but is not expected to be sent to the county for use by the SCMHB until November 2026. In the meantime, the SCMHB began meeting in May 2026 to begin its work to set up a brand-new organization.
In September 2026, SCMHB selected Dr. Tatyana Y. Gardner, an experienced public health leader and Springfield native, to serve as the board’s first executive director. Read more about her appointment HERE. She began her service in October 2026. To reach her, please email tatyana.gardner@sangamonil.gov or call the office at 217-535-3210. If you cannot attend a board meeting or study session in person and would like to submit a comment to the board, please send to mail to: mentalhealthboard@sangamonil.gov at least 24 hours prior to the meeting.
SCMHB Meetings
Board Meeting, November 18, 2026 - 4 p.m.- Sangamon South Audiorium, 300 S. 9th Street, Springfield
Study Session, November 10, 2026 - 12 p.m.- Sangamon South, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 300 S. 9th Street, Springfield
Study Session, November 4, 2026 - 12 p.m.- Sangamon South, 3rd Floor Conference Room, 300 S. 9th Street, Springfield
Board Meeting, Wednesday, October 28, 2026, 4 p.m.
Study Session, Thursday, October 22, 2026 from 5 p.m. to 8 p.m.
Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, August 26, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, July 22, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Upcoming meetings at 4 p.m. in the Sangamon South Auditorium at 300 S. 9th Street, Springfield, Ill.:
The board conducts its meetings in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
To contact the Sangamon County Mental Health Board, email mentalhealthboard@sangamonil.gov.
Click here to read the SCMHB's by-laws.