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 (.05%) 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.
The SCMHB hosted its first meeting on May 27, 2026 and plans to meet monthly on the fourth Wednesday of the month at 3 p.m. in the committee room on the 2nd Floor of the Sangamon County Building located at 200 S. 9th Street, Springfield, Ill. All agendas and approved minutes are included below.
Work with the SCMHB
Executive Director
The SCMHB has determined that one of its first tasks is to hire an Executive Director to help the board create a coordinated and integrated system of care which will serve to prevent mental health tragedies, improved mental health outcomes and increases access to mental health services. The board is seeking a compassionate partner who can work with all sectors of our community and system of care. The board hopes that together, echoing the sentiment of the Massey Commission Director, “This came as a cry for help. Let it end in care, let it end in accountability and let it end in a better Sangamon County.”
Read the job listing HERE. The deadline for sending an application is August 7th, 2026.
Request for Proposals for Legal Representation
The SCMHB is seeking proposals for legal representation for the board. Read the Request for Proposal (RFP) HERE. The deadline for submitting a proposal is August 7th, 2026.
SCMHB Meetings
SCMHB meetings are scheduled for the fourth Wednesday of every month at 3 p.m. in the committee room on the 2nd Floor of the Sangamon County Building located at 200 S. 9th Street, Springfield, Ill. Meeting agendas and minutes will be posted below. Minutes are posted after the approval of the board.
Wednesday, June 24, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Wednesday, May 27, 2026 at 3 p.m.
Upcoming meetings at 3 p.m. in the committee room on the 2nd Floor of the Sangamon County Building located at 200 S. 9th Street, Springfield, Ill.:
- July 22, 2026
- August 26, 2026
- September 23, 2026
- October 28, 2026
- November 25, 2026
- December 23, 2026
The board conducts its meetings in compliance with the Open Meetings Act.
To contact the Sangamon County Mental Health Board, email County@sangamonil.gov.