Lilly Measure to Increase Access to Mental Health Access in Underserved Communities Now Law

SPRINGFIELD, Ill.  – State Rep. Camille Y. Lilly’s, D-Chicago, measure to increase access to coordinated mental health services is now law.

“We need to end the negative stigma surrounding mental health issues and better treat those in need of mental health services,” Lilly said. “It is critical that the state take a proactive role to help people who are suffering from a lack of appropriate mental health care.”

Under the Lilly-sponsored House Bill 2247, the Illinois Department of Human Services (DHS) will create a comprehensive and coordinated community-based pilot program to address Illinoisans with a mental health diagnosis. As part of the pilot project, DHS will implement programs in areas that have a high need for mental health services and enhance access to services through social media campaigns, community partnerships and educational institutions that provide programs in mental health or social work. The purpose of Lilly’s legislation is to explore how to best improve access to mental health services for the state’s most vulnerable and underserved citizens.

“This law will provide Illinois a path forward on how to humanely treat and provide access to people who currently lack needed mental health care,” Lilly said. “Building a stronger Illinois means that we must work to lift up our most vulnerable citizens, and I’m glad my colleagues in the General Assembly and Governor Pritzker also recognized this need.”