SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WAND) - A group of community members with the Sangamon County Mental Health Commission researched the need for more mental health care in the county. They concluded that a dedicated mental health board was needed to streamline care in the area.
Sangamon County voters will have a question on their ballots, asking if they support a half percent sales tax increase to fund a mental health board being created. That increase would be the equivalent of 50 cents on a $100 purchase.
"It's not that we lack the medical expertise or even the programs in the community or the ability to create these programs," said Josh Sabo, a member of the Sangamon County Mental Health Commission. "It really is that we have a gap between how services like this are funded."
Members of the commission shared certain findings with groups of citizens on Friday. One key statistic was that the Sangamon County Jail has become the largest mental health facility in the county, based on the number of people incarcerated who also need mental health care. The commissioners argue that improved mental health care would keep people out of the hospital and jail, even if they need mental health help.
"There are services that are available nationally or that we know are available in other communities that we can't access," said Dr. Kari Wolf, a member of the Sangamon County Mental Health Commission. "But people who are suffering from depression and anxiety just can't get those services to keep them from going into crisis and keep them and their family and their lives from falling apart."
Members of the commission also said that by keeping funding local, there is less uncertainty than state or federal grant funding. Having a local board will also allow them to hold providers accountable for the care they provide.
Top Stories:
Several cities declare snow emergencies ahead of snowstorm in Central Illinois
New technology aims to boost officer safety in Springfield
Unity Christian tabs veteran Donna Dulle as Lions' next volleyball coach
Business robbed near Coles County Courthouse, investigation underway
Copyright 2026. WAND TV. All rights reserved.
