LWVRBA supports the creation of mental health 708 boards in communities that choose to support such boards through referendum to bridge gaps in funding shortfalls. Besides providing grant money for services and facilities, 708 Boards should support community education.
Approved:
Action leading to and based on this position:
Through our study on 708 Community Mental Health Boards in 2015, we discovered there were many unmet needs for the prevention and treatment of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse. LWVRBA supported a referendum to create a Mental Health 708 Board at the Township level. The referendum passed, and in 2017 the Bloomingdale Township Community Mental Health Board was formed under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act (405 ILCS 20/0.1 et seq.). It currently provides over $1 million a year in grants.
Community Mental Health Board - Bloomingdale Township
The League of Women Voters of Roselle/Bloomingdale Area supports a comprehensive and coordinated system of mental health services as part of a broader system meeting the health needs of DuPage County residents.
County health departments should ensure adequate facilities and services to treat and house individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues, and integrate these services with those of other community agencies.
Adequate county funding should be tied to identified needs, effectiveness, best practices, and non-duplication of services. LWVRBA supports the creation of mental health 708 boards in communities that choose to support such boards through referendum to bridge gaps in funding shortfalls. Besides providing grant money for services and facilities, 708 Boards should support community education.
Services and education should include: screening and evaluation, community hospitalization, medication management and counseling, crisis intervention, case management, day treatment, life skills programs, residential programs, job training, social and recreational activities, educational services, family support and respite programs, and transportation.
Local zoning ordinances should include provisions for residential programs for individuals with mental illness, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse issues. All health programs and facilities should meet State standards, including minimum training requirements for professionals and other personnel.
