Illinois Mental Health Planning and Advising Council Meeting Notes-
No Quorum for Official Business
(approved by Members 05/01/2025)
Council Member Attendees: Chris O'Hara, Jim Wilkerson, Joan Lodge, Michelle Churchey-Mims, Nanette Larson, Patty Johnstone, Ray Connor, Ron Melka, Sarah Robinson Torres, Shirley Davis, Sue Schroeder, Thane Dykstra and Tiffany Burnett.
Other Attendees DMH: Christina Smith, Brock Dunlap, Nic Pleske, Lisa Betz, Nanette Larson, Melissa Guy
Call to Order/Introductions: 12:33 pm meeting called to order by Ray Connor
Approval of January 9, 2025 Minutes: Quorum not met, approval delayed until May 1, 2025.
Division of Mental Health Report: (Christina Smith, Brock Dunlap, Lisa Betz)
- Lisa Betz-Beacon Care Portal for families looking for BH services beacon.illinois.gov. access to programs in the community that can assist in IL and in other states. Of the 269 valid cases requesting assistance, closed 72% 196 closed and linked with community resources, 88 cases pending disposition.
- Brock Dunlap: status of FY 26 DHS Budget has been released. A memo went out regarding potential budget cuts at the federal level. MH services remain a priority. DHS received no cuts in funding, received $ 14.5 in additional funding. $12.5 M Williams and Colbert, other small minor repairs or improvements. DHS merger with SUPR: now listed as one combined agency. Overall FY 26 DHS budget $1.6 Billion.
Committee Reports:
- C&A (Chair- Michelle Churchey-Mims): minutes were distributed to council members prior to the meeting for review.
- Development Committee: (Chair- Nanette Larson) documents were sent out to council members prior to the meeting. Chair reviewed recruitment documents, bylaws and reiterated that all council members must serve on a committee and complete training requirements.
- Ron Melka responded and recommended making changes to the order of the recruitment document and some language changes.
- Chris O'Hara requested clarification on the trainings as they are due annually regardless of how many committees they sit on. He also reported no change in reimbursement.
- Joan Lodge inquired if there is another member of DMH who a member of the full council with Leigh Ann Reinert's retirement will be. Christina Smith confirmed that she will not be assuming council membership. Nanette Larson does represent DMH with regard to the requirement for Block Grant Funding. Brock will take it back to DMH to determine if further action is needed.
- Nannette provided an overview of the By-laws with the goal of updating with recommended council changes. The document is currently in track changes format and Nannette explained how to do that. Areas in yellow need review by council members Ron Melka clarified that the committee is requesting a review and to make changes. He expressed some challenges with formatting possibly for some.
- Nannette reiterated the following: Any member of the Council may propose amendments to these bylaws. These bylaws may be amended by the Council at any time, provided that written notice of such a proposed amendment is provided to the Council at least 30 days prior to the meeting at which such an amendment is approved and that any amendment is approved by a majority of the Council quorum present at such meetings.
- Nanette requested/asked to have the council members review and any revisions to be sent back directly to Nanette via email by March 24th . The Development committee meets on March 26th and will review the revisions and send those to the council to meet the 30 day requirement in time for the next council meeting in May.
- Adult Inpatient (Chair-Open): Shirley Davis reported she is not chair and that this committee has not been meeting. Meets are held the 1st Thursday of the month at 10:00am. Currently the Chair position is absent. Nanette, Chair of Development committee, advised that the previous Chair retired and the person who replaced the chair on the council has declined to be Chair.
- Justice Committee Report: (Chair- Scott Block): meeting minutes distributed to council members, no other report. Ron Melka expressed interest in this committee.
IHFS Report
- Kristine Herman, Bureau Chief IHFS-no report
Old Business: None
New Business: Chris O'Hara DMH federal funding impact. Brock reported that currently our funding is stable and currently funding is not in any categories placed at risk for cuts. If changes occur DHS will inform the council.
Public Comment: None
Motion to adjourn: made by Meeting adjourned at 1:16 pm, all aye, motion carried.
Next Council meeting: May 1, 2025
Respectfully submitted,
Joan Lodge, IMHPAC Secretary
