Jack Bentley, Mike Murray, Diane Page and Roxana Reck prepare to deliver the 708 Mental Health Referendum Petition in York Township on July 31. Photo courtesy of 708 Advocacy Group
Demand for mental health and substance abuse services has surged by 200% since the COVID-19 pandemic, and local volunteers are stepping up to meet this critical demand.
This summer, dedicated community members have been working to improve the quality of life in their neighborhoods by securing additional funding for these essential services.
In Illinois, our 708 Mental Health Commissions provide a powerful solution to increase funding and support for agencies that address mental health issues, substance abuse and developmental disabilities. These commissions are established by ballot measures approved by local voters.
Made up of local, unpaid volunteers who serve their communities, 708 Boards provide small grants each year to fund vital programs. These grants are designed to fill gaps in services, such as reducing long wait lists and eliminating arbitrary service terminations.
Importantly, grants are pass-through funds with no administrative costs, and all funds go to directly support community needs.
On Nov. 5, residents of York, Wayne and Winfield townships will have the opportunity to vote on whether to create 708 mental health boards in their communities.
Easter Seals, a prominent grant recipient, has seen the positive impact of these funds firsthand.
“708 committees have mobilized across our service area to support efforts that will significantly improve the health of our communities. As a grant recipient, we are able to use these funds to improve mental health and pediatric therapy services to help all children and their families thrive,” said Theresa Forthofer, resident and CEO of Easterseals of DuPage and the Fox Valley.
A “yes” vote on Referendum 708 would approve a modest tax increase to fund expanded services.
For example, in Winfield Township, local volunteer Syed Paulsen explained that the proposed tax on homeowners would be $16 per year on an assessed value of $100,000, less than the cost of one meal out. Overall, this small donation makes a big difference to the well-being of the community.
To date, 708 successful mental health board referendums have been conducted in Addison, Bloomingdale, Lisle and Milton townships.
About Defender of 708
Advocate for 708 is a committed volunteer organisation supporting towns and municipalities in establishing 708 Community Mental Health Boards.
Through their efforts, Advocate for 708 has successfully established nine 708 committees in DuPage and Cook counties that collectively provide more than $16 million in grant funding annually to support organizations addressing mental health issues, substance use disorders and developmental disabilities.
To learn more about our work and how to get involved, visit www.advocatefor708.org
Connect with us on Facebook: www.facebook.com/Mentalhealthboards4DuPage.
