The Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois (ACMHAI) recently held its December membership meetings on December 5-6, 2024, at the Hyatt Regency Hotel in Schaumburg, Illinois. Based on a preliminary review of the meeting evaluations, the event proved to be a success! Thank you to the hard work of our Membership Committee!!

The Thursday Best Practice Training featured a series of informative best practice roundtable discussions, covering crucial topics such as funding methods, auditing, outcome measures, program evaluation, financial accountability, and needs assessments. We would like to express our sincere gratitude to the facilitators who led these engaging and productive conversations:

• Cheryl Potts, Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township
• Karin Frisk, McHenry County Mental Health Board
• Lynn Canfield, Champaign County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Boards
• Timothy Macken, LeAnne Shoemaker, and Marisa Hosier, Macon County Mental Health Board

The discussions provided valuable insights, exchange of knowledge, and practical strategies for addressing these important topics. To view the archived recording of the training, click here.

2025 ACMHAI Slate of Officers Approved

During the Friday Business Meeting, members approved the 2025 Slate of Officers for ACMHAI. The newly elected officers will begin their terms on January 1, 2025:

• President: Jason Holcomb, Winnebago County Community Mental Health Board
• Vice President: Amanda Teachout, Hanover Township Mental Health Board
• Treasurer: LeAnne Shoemaker, Macon County Mental Health Board
• Secretary: Sharon Mills, DeWitt County Mental Health Board

Thank you to the members of the Nominating Committee for their work on developing the 2025 slate, which include: Dalila Alegria, INC Mental Health Alliance, Jim Russell, Vermilion County Mental Health Board, and Leonetta Rizzi, McHenry County Mental Health Board.

Awards Presentation

In addition to the approval of the 2025 Slate of Officers, the Business Meeting was marked by the presentation of awards to recognize outstanding contributions to ACMHAI and community mental health services in Illinois.

Community Reports

We would like to express our sincere appreciation to the following individuals for their community reports provided as part of the Business Meeting:

• Taylor Hartman, Livingston County Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities Boards
• Quinette Hobson-Robb, Schaumburg Township Mental Health Board
• Yosh Yamanaka, Lisle Township Mental Health Board

Their presentations provided important updates and perspectives from their respective organizations and communities. We also extend our appreciation to those members who submitted written reports, contributing to a comprehensive overview. Download the report, here.

Spring 2025 Membership Meetings

Mark your calendars for ACMHAI's upcoming Spring Membership Meetings, scheduled for April 3-4, 2025, at the President Abraham Lincoln Hotel in Springfield, Illinois. This event will focus on legislative matters and advocacy, providing members with insights and strategies to effectively represent community mental health board interests. Stay tuned for more details about the agenda and registration information as we approach this important gathering.

ACMHAI SPONSORED WEBINARS

ACMHAI members can look forward to a series of informative webinars covering important topics, including:

• Rethinking Fitness to Stand Trial
• Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission
• Strengthen Your Network Through Leadership Capacity Building

Additional webinars are being planned for after January 2025 and will include suggestions from the December meeting evaluations to ensure continuous learning opportunities for ACMHAI members. If you attended the membership meetings this month and have not already completed the form, please be sure to fill out the evaluation soon.

Download Event Flyers:

Jan 14 - Illinois Guardianship and Advocacy Commission

January 21 - Rethinking Fitness to Stand Trial

February 11 - Strengthen Your Network Through Leadership Capacity Building

PARTNER NEWS

DMH Trade Associations - December Meeting: ACMHAI serves on the DMH Trade Associations coalition which includes DMH leadership and other trade association partners. The following is a summary of 988 Planning and CESSA Progress: Recent data shows significant improvements in Illinois' 988 crisis response system. The implementation of geolocation technology has led to a marked increase in in-state answer rates, with October and November 2024 seeing rates of 91.3% and 92.3% respectively. Looking ahead, the Department of Mental Health (DMH) is exploring the possibility of enhancing text and chat services in early 2025.

Other news reported by our friends at CBHA:

Pathways to Success

• The Pathways to Success program continues to evolve: The NB Stakeholder Workgroup is undergoing member selection, with approvals expected in February.
• New Pathways rates have been published, with HFS providing guidance on correct billing procedures.
• HFS is addressing issues with specific procedure codes, such as the child and family team meeting code.

Ongoing Considerations

• COVID-19 flexibilities remain unchanged at present.
• The status of Youthcare in the upcoming MCO rebidding process is yet to be determined.

• Lawmakers weigh potential benefits, concerns of using psilocybin to treat mental health

• Report finds ‘promising’ results from Chicago’s mental health crisis response pilot

• Veterans study finds virtual mental health care can significantly reduce suicide

• Illinois to receive $40M opioid settlement from Kroger

• Rosecrance, North Central Behavioral Health Systems set to join

• Advocates highlight funding, administrative challenges for substance use disorder treatment

• Piatt county votes in favor of mental health referendum

• Teen-led mental health support programs help youth reach youth in Chicago suburbs

ACMHAI | acmhai.org