SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Coalition for Better Mental Health Care is teaming with legislators to push for new mental health funding and reform. House Bill 2486 and Senate Bill 1763, filed by state Rep. Deb Conroy and state Sen. Heather Steans would steadily increase state investment in mental health treatment over the next four years, by $50 million. The vast majority of new state funding would come through the state’s Medicaid program, drawing at least a 50 percent match in federal dollars. Ottawa Attorney Alexis Ferracuti, member of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Illinois chapter says it’s a first step in the right direction. Ferracuti says that on March 6th AFSP plans to actively advocate the bill in Springfield, asking for support from state legislators and discuss funding.
Weekdays 9 a.m. to 2 p.m.
