Letter: Mental health boards deserve support

I live in Arlington Heights and am the mother of a son with schizophrenia. Having schizophrenia changed his life and it changed mine, also. That is why I am working with a group of volunteers to create 708 Community Mental Health boards.

This November, there is a referendum on the ballot in seven townships - Addison, Lisle, Naperville,Schaumburg, Winfield, Wheeling, Vernon and Will County - to improve services for people living with mental illnesses, substance use issues and developmental disabilities.

In talking with folks about this for more than a year, many, including our local police chiefs, wish there were more services available. One that I hear often is having a mental health crisis center. Right now, the only options are hospitalization or jail, and most people, including my son, don't want either of those. Sadly, Cook County jail is the largest mental health treatment facility in our area, which is not cost effective.

The second I've heard is for support services, such as police social workers. One of the most difficult things for a family is keeping their loved ones on medication and in treatment. Having support from an outsider has been proven very effective.

The referendums ask for a small tax increase - less than the cost of a large pizza in most cases - to provide for these services. And the funds generated can be used only to fund services for people in those townships. None can go to the county or state.

When you vote, please vote yes to improve mental health, substance abuse and developmental disability services in your township.

Lorri Grainawi

Arlington Heights