Springfield, IL  (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – Sangamon County voters will decide in April 2026 whether to establish a 708 Mental Health Board and approve a tax levy to fund it. Created under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act, the board would fund efforts to improve mental health access and address critical service gaps.

The county board voted to place the referendum on the ballot after a recommendation from the Massey Commission. The commission is named for Sonya Massey, who was experiencing a mental health crisis when she died after being shot by a Sangamon County deputy.

James Schackmann, a county board member and chair of the public health committee, emphasized the potential impact of a mental health board. “This can really go about making long-term positive impacts in our community,” he said. Schackmann, who has experience with one of his own family members facing a mental health challenge, said discussions about creating a 708 board had been ongoing, but the Massey Commission’s recommendation brought the issue to the forefront.

“I live in Springfield. I drive the streets of Springfield every day. I see folks on the streets of our community who may be struggling with getting appropriate help. Agencies can benefit from the formation of a community health board and reach people to make sure they are taking their medicine and getting the help they need to be a productive member of society,” Schackmann said.

Alicia Lehman, system administrator for behavioral health and social services at Memorial Health, highlighted the need for diverse funding sources. “Behavioral health services are incredibly important and tie into overall wellness in the community. Any additional funding can help sustain those services, grow them, and increase access,” she said.

Mental health was singled out as a priority for all five Memorial Health hospitals in their Community Health Needs Assessment. Lehman said one of the organization’s core objectives is to increase accessibility to behavioral health care and work with social service agencies and other nonprofits to create joint programming and community events aimed at reaching different populations.

Lehman said a shortage of social workers and counselors and the stigma around seeking mental health care are a couple of the key mental health challenges in the area.

The county board’s approval allows for the creation of a committee to research local mental health needs and report findings by Dec. 1, 2025. The committee has been allocated $50,000 to assess needs, identify priorities, and review successful models from other areas with 708 boards.

Residents interested in serving on the committee can submit a letter of interest to the county board by Feb. 7. Letters and supporting documents can be emailed to county@sangamonil.gov or delivered to the board office at 300 S. 9th St., second floor.

The proposed tax levy to fund the mental health board’s work could be as high as 0.15%, though the county board could set a lower rate. Schackmann noted potential cost savings for the county. “Studies show that for every $4 invested in mental health services, $7 can be saved in law enforcement costs,” he said.

Macon and McHenry Counties are examples of government entities with 708 Mental Health Boards.

“This is ultimately a decision for the voters,” Schackmann said. “But it’s a step toward addressing the mental health challenges in our community and making a meaningful difference.”