The Sangamon County Mental Health Board is hosting its first public engagement event on Thursday, Oct. 22, from 5-8 p.m. at Sangamon South Auditorium, 300 S. Ninth Street.
The Mental Health Board is responsible for disbursing tax revenue to mental health programs in the county through a limited 0.5% sales tax levy (groceries, medication and services are excluded), which the county estimates will bring in roughly $14.7 million in its first year. The board is not expected to disburse funds any time soon.
One month after selecting its first executive director in Tatyana Gardner, who has a doctorate in public health, the Mental Health Board’s “study session will include a brief overview of the work and recommendations of previous commissions, like the Massey Commission and Mental Health Commission, as well as allowing time for public comment, hearing board members’ priorities for mental health programs and populations in Sangamon County,” according to a press release announcing the event.
Additionally, the “board will also discuss how those priorities can inform its draft one- and three-year plans and identify next steps. There will be no final action taken at the meeting.”
Thursday’s agenda lists public comment as the second item, following a review of prior commission reports and recommendations. Since the board’s second meeting in July, citizens have routinely complained about the board’s monthly 3 p.m. meeting time.
The Mental Health Board’s next official meeting is set for Wednesday, Oct. 28, at 4 p.m. at Sangamon South Auditorium.
