Prairie State Wire

SPRINGFIELD, IL – Governor JB Pritzker has joined forces with state leaders, mental health advocates, and others to commemorate Mental Health Awareness Month and discuss ongoing state initiatives aimed at improving services for individuals grappling with mental health issues and their families. The Governor participated in a roundtable discussion on Wednesday, May 15, at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library in Springfield. This event was organized by the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative and also highlighted the success of the Certified Recovery Support Specialist (CRSS) program which provides trained peer support to individuals recovering from mental health and substance use disorders. The event also celebrated recent graduates of the program.

The Transformation Initiative was launched by Gov. Pritzker in March 2022 to enhance access to mental health services for young people. Among the initiatives being developed by the Transformation team is the BEACON portal, an online resource designed to connect families to publicly funded mental health services that is expected to launch this summer. The team is also working on a Mental Health Bill of Rights, a set of goals aimed at ensuring that all Illinoisans who need it have access to trauma-informed, evidence-based care.

“Our goal has always been to make Illinois the best state in the nation to raise a family,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “That’s why my administration is working to improve our statewide mental and behavioral health infrastructure for people of all ages. Our whole-of-government approach will ensure that everyone has the services and support they need to live happy and healthy lives.”

"Mental wellness is essential for a happy life, and we are committed to ensuring everyone has access to the help they need," said Lt. Governor Juliana Stratton.

“This Mental Health Awareness Month is an important reminder both that mental health challenges impact many Illinois families, and that help is available,” said Dr. Dana Weiner, Director of the Children’s Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative.

“Mental health is public health,” said Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH).

"Mental health is a vital component of a person’s overall well-being, and the Illinois Department of Human Services will continue to prioritize the access, availability, and effectiveness of mental health services in partnership with community organizations, local and federal government, and our sister agencies," said Dulce M. Quintero, Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Secretary Designate.

“HFS is committed to expanding capacity and broadening access to high-quality behavioral health services for children across Illinois,” Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) Director Elizabeth Whitehorn said.

“Mental health is health.  In the same way we prioritize monitoring and treating things like diabetes or heart disease, we must prioritize monitoring and supporting mental health ,” said Illinois DCFS Director Heidi E. Mueller.

“Access to mental health services is absolutely vital to rehabilitation of the youth served by IDJJ, and to their families," stated Robert Vickery, Acting Director of the Illinois Department of Juvenile Justice.

"Illinois has charted a path forward for our schools to prioritize the mental well-being of every student,” said State Superintendent of Education Dr. Tony Sanders.

As part of Mental Health Awareness Month activities, the Transformation Initiative is also distributing materials to promote a sense of calm and wellness. These include a collaborative Spotify playlist with songs from mental health advocates across the state as well as tips on dealing with stress using the acronym “AWESOME”.