Sangamon County Seeks Applicants for Mental Health Commission

The Sangamon County Board approved a resolution at its January meeting that will place a ballot question before voters in the March 2026 Gubernatorial Primary Election, asking whether to establish a Mental Health Board to support local mental health services. The proposal, a recommendation of the Massey Commission, was approved with broad support from the County Board and community leaders.

Mental Health Boards, established under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, are designed to provide a structured and accountable system for planning, funding, and delivering mental health services at the local level. These boards are empowered to allocate a portion of local property tax proceeds and additional revenue sources to sustain and improve mental health programs, ensuring resources are targeted effectively to meet the needs of the community. By creating a dedicated Mental Health Board, Sangamon County could better coordinate mental health care, expand access to treatment, and improve outcomes for individuals facing mental health challenges, developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders.

In addition to the referendum, the board established a commission of up to nine citizens, nominated by the Board Chairman and approved by the County Board, to study the need for mental health services in Sangamon County. The commission will examine successful Mental Health Boards in other communities, assess local service needs, and educate the public about the costs and benefits of creating a Mental Health Board for the County.

The commission will hold its meetings in full compliance with the Illinois Open Meetings Act, ensuring transparency in the process. By December 1, 2025, a final report detailing the commission's findings and recommendations will be submitted to the public.

The Sangamon County Board is seeking a diverse group of citizens with varied backgrounds to serve on the commission. Interested individuals are encouraged to submit their 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, 300 S 9th St, Floor #2, Springfield, IL, 62701 (Former State Journal-Register Building).

The deadline to apply is Friday, February 14th, 2025, at 5:00 PM.