Illinois Mental Health Planning and Advising Council Meeting-Minutes 03/02/2023

Illinois Mental Health Planning and Advising Council Meeting Minutes

(approved by Members 05/04/2023)

March 2, 2023 - 12:30pm

Co-Chair: Sue Schroeder & Ray Connor

• Call to Order/Introductions: Meeting called to order by Sarah Wiemeyer-Treasurer at 12:37pm
• Approval of January 12, 2023 Minutes: (All) motion to approve: Michelle Churchey-Mims and Chris Ohara seconded Minutes approved (all say aye) one abstention Fred Friedman
• HFS Report (Kristine Herman not able to attend no report)

• Committee Reports:
  • C&A (Michelle Churchey-Mims) : continue to meet monthly focused on Pathways to Success and the committee is looking forward to working with new Children's MH and the blue print recently published. https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov/Documents/childrens-health-web-021523.pdf.
  • Adult Inpatient (Shirley Davis) February meeting minutes were sent out to members. The committee reported being out of compliance with meetings. FOID cards were brought up and individuals concerned about going inpatient for fear of losing FOID card. Individuals detained in jail has gone down. Jacob Meeks expressed interest in attending and participating in this committee. no future date for the committee meeting is scheduled. Chris O'Hara shared similar concern regarding FOID as this can impact First Responders-police officers. Discussed opportunity for nursing homes to assist with back log of wait times for hospital bed. Fred Friedman shared his personal experience with MH system and lack of help received. Fred believes the purpose of this council is to give advice on the state of the MH system.
  • Development Committee: (Ron Melka), attendee Fred Friedman serves on the committee he discussed reimbursement for participation in IMHPAC especially those individuals with Lived Experience who are not employed by an agency maybe a financial burden. He stressed those members who work for an agency are they representing themselves or the agency. Irwin Kerzner is in the process of reviewing survey results. Once the survey results are finalized, they will be shared with the council.
  • Justice Committee Report: not currently meeting. Action: this committee will require a review based on survey results and other interested parties; Scott Block. Shane Hassler reported that he volunteered to participate in this committee. Jacob Meeks also has expressed interest in this committee. Meetings will need to be established in the future.

• Division of Mental Health Report: (Lee Ann Reinert, Brock Dunlap, Nanette Larson, Ryan Rollinson, Lisa Betz, Megan Miller-Attang)
  • Lee Ann Reinert: the bi annual plan is due to SAMHSA in September and awaiting the template however DMH wants to begin with a review of the draft of the block grant. There has been a lot restructuring within the Department. A special sub-committee will need to be convened to review the plan in April. Council members who want to participate send an email to Lee Ann and Irwin. Ron Melka, Mike Davis, Michelle Churchey-Mims, Jacob Meeks all have offered to participate in the sub-committee.
  • CESSA regional meetings are meeting and a lot of work being done and needing to be done. Brock Dunlap: Gov. focusing on MH and budget 35.2M increase for next FY 24. $ earmarked: $4.5 increase housing for Williams, SOAR $2M, $4 Front Door Diversion, COLA increase from previous years/contract, State Operated Facility (SOF) to cover costs for inflation and for psychiatric coverage. NOFO FY 24 Living Room announced increased funding by $10M for emergency room alternatives. Any questions can be directed to Nanette Larson. Nanette indicated a TA session is scheduled for March 13th for the NOFO Living Room. He expressed concern over DMH communication specific to the Living Room and not being able to view the NOFO. He was able to locate the email send out. Brock directed members to the DHS/DMH website. DMH to follow up with encryption services.
  • Lisa Betz: IL blueprint for transformation: https://www2.illinois.gov/sites/gov/Documents/childrens-health-web-021523.pdf. Also
  • Megan Miller-Attang: as of 2/26/23:
    • Colbert Transitions: 249
    • Williams Transitions: 190
    • Front Door Diversion:
      • 1878 Referrals
      • 692 Assessments
      • 368 Offers
      • 257 Accepted
      • 215 Diversions
• Other Business:
  • Chris O'Hara supports this idea and suggested another survey to members for participation. Lee Ann spoke about legislative bills and the multiple layers that need to be taken into consideration due to the structure. Perhaps the members of IMHPAC may want to consider creating a committee specific to Legislation. Ron Melka reported that there are a lot of bills out there and other advisory groups are aware of. Forming a committee would be a good place to start. Chris O'Hara supports this idea and suggested another survey to members for participation. He expressed concern over DMH communication specific to the Living Room and not being able to view the NOFO. He was able to locate the email send out. Brock directed members to the DHS/DMH website. DMH to follow up with encryption services.
• New Business: None
• Public Comment/ Q&A: Emily Miller reported that historically IMHPAC would provide details on legislative activity and bills. However, it can get a little difficult due to representation from members on variety of different agencies and would abstain from comment because of that. In addition, IMHPAC only meets bimonthly and legislative review may not benefit due to meeting times. Nannette provided an opportunity of Genna to introduce herself and to observe IMHPAC meeting. Genna G. CRSS/CPRS student/intern and PH.D candidate, a recipient of services and an individual with Lived Experience. Kimberly Haynes-LAN-53 South Suburb and mom with a child with Lived Experience.
• Next Council meeting: May 4, 2023
• Motion to adjourn: Motion to adjourn made by Ron Melka, seconded Shirley Davis meeting adjourned at 1:51 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Joan Lodge,

IMHPAC Secretary