Letter: A serious need for mental health board

I am a 30-year Arlington Heights resident and a retired mental health counselor. Every day, the news details the increased need for support to those dealing with mental health issues, substance abuse problems or intellectual disabilities. Unfortunately, the availability of services to those individuals has not grown with the need. Those seeking help very often encounter long waiting lists and shortage of funding to get the help that they need.

The 708 mental health board referendum on the Nov. 8 ballot would serve to raise additional funding to increase the ability of the mental health support system to provide timely appropriate assistance to those in need of help with increased funding for the individuals and agencies who provide those services in Wheeling Township.

For about $28 per year about one and one half million dollars could be raised to serve this severe and growing need.

Please consider voting yes on the referendum on November 8 to help your neighbors in need of help.

Philip Geier

Arlington Heights