Mental health board would fill urgent need

The League of Women Voters of Palatine, Barrington, Schaumburg Areas urge Palatine Township voters to approve the creation of a Community Mental Health Board, otherwise known as a 708 board. Passage of the referendum on the April 1 ballot will ensure local funding for critical mental health, substance use and developmental disability services. Similar boards exist in nearly 100 Illinois communities, strengthening local programs and closing gaps in care.

This initiative will provide up to $1.7 million annually to support programs through grants to local nonprofits and public services, such as The Bridge Youth & Family Services and public programs like crisis intervention social workers for our police departments.

Currently, there are over 90 such boards in Illinois. 708 Community Mental Health Boards evaluate needs, allocate funds and coordinate a comprehensive system of services for mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities and substance use disorders in order to benefit the citizens of a township. Governed by the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, 708 Board funding is created through a small local property tax and services may only be utilized by area residents.

Gayle Banakis, Camille Basak, Co-Presidents

League of Women Voters of the Palatine, Barrington, Schaumburg Area