Advocates launching campaign to form mental health boards in Schaumburg, Wheeling townships
No sooner will Tuesday's primary election be over than an informational rally will be held Wednesday, June 29, for an effort to create 708 Community Mental Health Boards in Schaumburg and Wheeling townships through referendums on the Nov. 8 ballot.
The "Rally for Mental Health" will be held from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. at Busse Woods South, Shelter No. 6, accessible from the intersection of Arlington Heights and Higgins Roads in Elk Grove Village.
In addition to featuring speakers explaining 708 boards, next week's event will offer a family-friendly picnic with food, refreshments and games.
Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison will emcee the event.
708 boards are appointed volunteer panels that already exist in many counties and townships in Illinois. They work to provide targeted and comprehensive care to those affected by mental illness, addiction or developmental disabilities.
The boards are intended to eliminate gaps in service, such as long waiting lists or arbitrary cutoff limits.
Direct funding for 708 boards is provided by an increase in property taxes that under Illinois law cannot exceed 0.15% of a property's assessed value.
Supporters say that raising $1.5 million a year for each of the boards in Schaumburg and Wheeling townships would mean a $25 annual property tax increase for the owner of an average-priced home.
Petitions are circulating to get referendums on the ballot.
A notary will be available at the event to sign petitions, which can also be accessed at advocatefor708.org.
The event is organized by the Schaumburg 708 Mental Health Board Coalition, the Mental Health Board for Wheeling Township, and Reclaim NW Suburbs. The third group conducts educational events and promotes racial, social, economic, and environmental equity in the Northwest suburbs.
Registration for this event is required and can be done at actionnetwork.org/events/rally-for-mental-health?source=direct_link&.
For updates and more information on Reclaim NW Suburbs, visit the group's Facebook page at facebook.com/Reclaimchicagonwsuburbs.