Springfield, IL (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A new effort aimed at improving mental health services in Sangamon County is taking shape, with the county’s Mental Health Commission set to hold its first meeting Wednesday.

The commission was established to assess the need for mental health services in the community and explore the potential benefits of a 708 Mental Health Board. The Sangamon County Board unanimously approved the commission’s creation on Jan. 13, following a recommendation from the Massey Commission. The commission is expected to submit a final report of findings by Dec. 1.

Commissioners were nominated by Sangamon County Chairman Andy Van Meter and approved by the county board in March. The appointed members are:

  • Marty Fairchild, former Sangamon County Farm Bureau director and trustee for the Rochester Fire Department
  • Janice Gambach, former executive director of Memorial Behavioral Health
  • Chris Jones, Springfield police officer and Crime Stoppers coordinator
  • Dr. Gina Lathan, Sangamon County Board member and Public Health Committee member
  • Mike Murphy, president and CEO of the Greater Springfield Chamber of Commerce
  • Josh Sabo, executive director of Heartland Housed
  • James Schackmann, Sangamon County Board member and chair of the Public Health Committee
  • Dr. Kari Wolf, chair of psychiatry at SIU Medicine

Pam Neuman’s nomination to the commission will be considered at the county board’s April meeting. She is a former Sangamon County Farm Bureau member and serves on the USDA-Illinois Farm Service Agency board.

Van Meter appointed Mike Murphy as chair of the commission.

Commission meetings are open to the public. Wednesday’s meeting will be held at the Sangamon County Building, Committee Room 223 located at 200 S. 9th St. in downtown Springfield starting at 6 p.m.