New Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery Launches
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker announced that the newly formed Division of Behavioral Health and Recovery (DBHR) has officially begun operations. Housed in the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the new division integrates the former IDHS Division of Substance Use Prevention and Recovery (SUPR) and Division of Mental Health (DMH).
July 1, 2025
State of Illinois Recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) are highlighting the important resources offered to residents and families across the state.
May 1, 2025
Illinois Department of Human Services Announces Summer EBT Benefits for the 2024-25 School Year
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for the 2024-25 school year starting in May.
April 24, 2025
Trump Administration Slashes $28 Million for Mental Health and Substance Use Services
CHICAGO - The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, notified the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) this week that the Trump Administration would terminate up to $28 million that Congress directed to Illinois for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
March 26, 2025
Pritzker Administration Announces Illinois Overdose Deaths Declined 8% in 2023
SPRINGFIELD - The Administration of Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois recorded an 8.3% drop in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%. Specifically, opioid overdose deaths declined 9.7% in the state, compared to 3% nationally. The new data shows 3,502 overdose deaths in Illinois from all causes in 2023, 317 fewer than in 2022.
March 6, 2025
State of Illinois Recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Lottery, and the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois and are highlighting ways the state is working to prevent gambling disorder and support those in need of recovery.
March 3, 2025
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act (HB793) into law alongside bill sponsors Representative Theresa Mah and Senator Cristina Castro. The Dignity in Pay Act primarily implements a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage authorizations in Illinois, joining 18 other states in doing so. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) and the Illinois Department of Labor will lead the 5-year process-eliminating subminimum wage for people with disabilities by December 31, 2029.
January 22, 2025
Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of BEACON Children's Behavioral Health Portal
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs. BEACON is now live for use by Illinois residents and can be accessed at beacon.illinois.gov.
January 15, 2025
More Press Releases
Peoria nonprofit Art Inc. expands program offerings into gun violence prevention | WBCU
The Peoria nonprofit Artists ReEnvisioning Tomorrow Inc., or Art Inc., is extending its programs, and its reach, into issues like gun violence prevention and workforce development.
June 18, 2025
State of Illinois Honors Leaders Advancing Housing Access and Justice Across Illinois | Effingham Radio
The State of Illinois today recognized and celebrated the exceptional leadership of seven people and organizations leading work across Illinois to prevent and end homelessness through the Home Illinois Summit Recognition of Service awards.
June 15, 2025
Inside Illinois' journey to build a centralized platform for child welfare services | Route Fifty
A digital transformation among six child welfare agencies in Illinois is helping to break down silos and connect families with the mental and behavioral health services they need.
June 11, 2025
Summer grocery benefits available for school-aged children | Marshall County Tribune-Courier
Summer is here, but that doesn't mean students have to stop receiving free lunches!
When school is out for the summer, Summer Electronic Benefits Transfer provides $120 in grocery benefits per eligible school-age child. Summer EBT can be used to purchase food from authorized retailers in participating states - including Kentucky, Illinois, and Missouri.
June 5, 2025
2025 Pride Message from IDHS Secretary Quintero
Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero shares a message in celebration of Pride while highlighting the important work that IDHS is doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.
IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: 2024 IDHS Accomplishments Video
As we close out another remarkable year at IDHS, Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on all we've accomplished together. From expanding critical programs to reaching more families in need, we thank our staff and all our partners for their hard work, compassion, and commitment.
IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: Hispanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on the culture and impact of the Latino/Latine/Latinx community. Learn more about their personal journey and the giants who inspired them to stand up for what is right.
DRS Director Patrick: ADA Celebration & Disability Pride
In celebration of the anniversary of the ADA, Department of Rehabilitation Services Director Rahnee Patrick discusses her journey as a disability activist, and she emphasizes the importance of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and disability pride in the ongoing work to secure equity for people with disabilities.
A Legacy of Neurodiversity Pride
"My community needs to gain more equity and inclusion, and that is where the advocacy for and by myself and others comes in." IDHS is honored to share insights from Daniel Olsen, a summer intern at the IDHS Office of Communications in Springfield. The article details his journey from shame to celebration.
2024 Pride Message from IDHS Secretary Designate Quintero
Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero shares a message in celebration of Pride while highlighting the important work that IDHS is doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.
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