Speak up on lack of mental health help

There is some great work on mental health being done in Kane County, as evidenced by the effort of Judge Hull in the Treatment Alternative Court. But resources are limited.

This is what happens when taxpayers refuse to pay for the services that the community so desperately needs. When politicians' only strategy is "No Tax Increase," they may as well be saying "I will cut services to people that don't vote." We need to stop blaming the ineptitude in Springfield and work to solve these issues closer to home.

Kane County's Health Department offers no services for mental health or substance abuse. These are offered in Will, McHenry, DuPage and Cook. There is no county wide tax to support individuals with mental health, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. St. Charles and Geneva each have a 708 Board, commonly called Mental Health Board, and the other cities and townships in the southern half of the county also fund this effort and administer funds through the INC Board. There are no taxpayer supported services from 708 Boards in Kane County north of St. Charles.

It is beyond time that each Kane County resident look in the mirror and ask if we are doing enough to help those less fortunate in Kane County. The answer should be no - not even close. The public spoke very clearly in March of 2014 when they voted against a $70 annual property tax increase to help our neighbors with developmental disabilities. I can only hope that we are now more compassionate.

I urge you all to contact your local elected officials particularly the Kane County Board and let them know your outrage at the lack of supports available locally. I think we are all better than this.

Chuck Miles

Geneva