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As we move through the start of 2026, ACMHAI is focused on making sure you have what you need in your role as an ACMHAI member, from current governance documents to timely training and advocacy opportunities.
ACMHAI Bylaws
ACMHAI’s bylaws have been updated several times in recent years to reflect current practices, governance needs, and membership categories. As we begin 2026, we want to ensure both new and long‑standing members are well informed about the organization’s bylaws and how decisions are made. The bylaws outline ACMHAI’s organizational structure, officer duties, committee roles, and decision‑making processes, providing important context for how the Association operates and how members can engage. Please take a moment to review the most current version and share it with your board members and key staff. You can access the latest bylaws, here.
2026 Legislative Priorities
Our 2026 Legislative Priorities will frame ACMHAI’s advocacy work throughout the year, with a continued focus on protecting and strengthening mental health authorities. The priorities were reviewed by the standing committees with their input incorporated, and were presented to the full membership at the membership meeting last month; they are now posted on the ACMHAI website for members to view, here.
2026 Committee and Membership Meetings
ACMHAI’s committees and membership meetings provide ongoing opportunities to connect with peers, share best practices, and help shape ACMHAI’s work. Standing committees including the Children’s Behavioral Health, Intellectual/Developmental Disabilities, Legislative, and Membership Committees will continue to meet regularly in 2026. Please review the ACMHAI Committee and Membership Meeting Schedule and add the dates and Zoom links to your calendars. Access the full schedule, here.
Spring Membership Meetings
March 26–27, 2026
President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois
This year’s spring membership meeting will feature the following (invited) speakers on the state budget, legislative priorities, and policy developments affecting local mental health authorities:
State Agency Leadership (Invited)
- Dulce Quintero – Secretary, Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS), focusing on big‑picture behavioral health priorities for the coming year.
Illinois General Assembly (Invited)
- Senator Karina Villa
- Senator Sara Feigenholtz
- Representative Anna Moeller
- Representative Lindsey LaPointe
ACMHAI Lobbyists (Confirmed)
- Liz Brown‑Reeves, ACMHAI Lobbyist, Liz Brown‑Reeves Consulting
- Kristin Rubbelke, ACMHAI Lobbyist, Liz Brown‑Reeves Consulting
Hotel Information - Below is the link to access the ACMHAI hotel reservation page with the our group rate: https://www.hilton.com/en/attend-my-event/acmhaimembershipmeeting/. Please note the group rate cutoff date is March 5, so be sure to book your room early.
Meeting Registration will be available later this week! Watch your inbox!!
Upcoming Webinars and Trainings
ACMHAI will host a robust calendar of webinars and virtual learning opportunities throughout 2026. In addition to the trainings listed below, we are planning a more in‑depth follow‑up webinar with Engage Illinois, Easter Seals, Birth to Five, and another webinar on the Beacon/Pathways program. More information and registration details for those sessions will be shared soon.
February 17, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
ACMHAI Webinar: Gateway Foundation
Speaker: Maria Bruni, Chief Strategy Officer, Gateway Foundation
Gateway Foundation will host a special webinar for ACMHAI members highlighting its immediate access to care, comprehensive treatment services, professional training offerings, and collaborative approaches to addressing substance use and mental health needs across Illinois. As one of the state’s leading nonprofit providers, Gateway Foundation offers a full continuum of care, from inpatient and outpatient programs to correctional and community-based treatment initiatives. The session will also explore Gateway’s existing partnerships and opportunities for collaboration with local mental health boards. Register
April 15, 2026 | 12:00 PM – 1:00 PM
ACMHAI Webinar: Missouri – Children Services Funds – Putting Kids First
Speakers:
Todd Patterson, President, Public Progress
Emily Koenig, Executive Director, St. Louis County Children Services Fund
Jim Wallis, Director of Business Development, Chestnut Health Systems
This webinar will focus on the Children Services Fund and mental health board funding histories in Missouri and how they compare or intersect with Illinois’ local mental health authority structure. Register
Archived Recordings and Calendar of Events
Below are links to archived webinar recordings so members can revisit content or share it with colleagues who were unable to attend.
To keep up with additional webinars, committee meetings, membership meetings, and other offerings, please visit the ACMHAI Calendar of Events page regularly. The calendar is updated as new events and trainings are added and includes registration links where available: https://acmhai.org/events/.
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