The Sangamon County Board announced on May 11 the nominees for the newly created Sangamon County Mental Health Board, following voter approval in March and an extensive public application process.
The establishment of this board is considered important due to ongoing concerns about access to mental health services in the community. The board will oversee funding priorities and resource distribution to local service providers, aiming to improve support for residents needing mental health care.
According to officials, the county received 103 applications from residents wishing to serve on the board. Applicants submitted resumes and letters of interest, which were reviewed by a committee that evaluated professional experience and identified candidates with relevant backgrounds. “We are grateful to everyone who stepped forward and expressed an interest in serving on the Sangamon County Mental Health Board,” said Sangamon County Board Chairman Andy Van Meter. “We also want to thank the Mental Health Commission and the review committee for the time and care they put into this process. These nominees bring experience from mental health, healthcare, corrections, education, the courts and community service. The board has a lot of challenging work ahead to coordinate and strengthen our support for citizens who need help.”
The initial seven nominees are Jennifer Douglas, Janice Gambach, Steve Nardulli, Margaret Seymour, Leigh Steiner, William Moredock, and Brian Wojcicki. State law allows expansion up to nine members after a request from within the seated board; two additional nominees—Michael Gaines and David Racine—will be recommended when that occurs.
State Senator Doris Turner said: “The creation of this board began with the work of the Massey Commission following the murder of Sonya Massey, and I am proud the community came together to approve the creation of the board. This is a diverse and extremely qualified group of nominees, and their work will help Sangamon County build a stronger system of support for residents and families who need access to mental health services.”
Tony DelGiorno, Sangamon County Board Democratic Caucus Leader said: “For far too long our community has struggled with adequate mental health services for people in crisis… With gratitude to voters… we take this first step today… I am encouraged by team assembled as our first County Mental Health Board.” Mike Murphy added: “The quality of applicants made this a difficult but encouraging process… Now real work begins… this board will help turn community’s support into better access while easing pressure on law enforcement… by helping people find care earlier.”
Revenue collection supporting these services can begin no sooner than July 1; first distributions are expected after October 1. Meetings will follow Illinois Open Meetings Act requirements.
In related educational statistics, according to data from Illinois State Board of Education, there were 26,582 students enrolled across county schools during 2022-23 with an average student-to-teacher ratio of 14-to-1; teacher absenteeism was recorded at 34.1%, slightly below state average.
