Friends,
It is hard to believe August is already upon us, and with that a new season. I hope you are well and taking care of yourselves in this ever-changing environment.
I want to take a moment to recognize the devastating impact that the new Federal Medicaid cuts will have on many Illinoisans. Not only will an estimated 330,0000 Illinoisans be at risk for losing coverage, but working families will be burdened with more administrative red tape and hospitals and nursing homes across the state, especially in rural areas, will risk closure.
In addition to these cuts, a Federal Executive Order (Ending Crime and Disorder on America's Streets - The White House) was issued. In the EO, the President directed the Secretary of Health and Human Services to take action to "ensure that discretionary grants issued by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration for substance use disorder prevention, treatment, and recovery fund evidence-based programs and do not fund programs that fail to achieve adequate outcomes, including so-called "harm reduction" or "safe consumption" efforts that only facilitate illegal drug use and its attendant harm."
Moving forward, SAMHSA funds will no longer be used to support poorly defined so-called "harm reduction" activities; rather, SAMHSA is providing guidance to State agency leadership and to grantees through new award terms and conditions that provide clarity on what supplies and services previously defined under the umbrella of harm reduction can be supported with SAMHSA funding. This information will be updated on SAMHSA's website.
While these changes will be significant, we are doing all that we can to mitigate the negative impacts. I am confident that we will continue to work together to care for the citizens of our state. I want to thank all of you who are working every day to support others. The sacrifices that have been made do not go unnoticed.
Wishing you the very best,
Inger Burnett-Zeigler, PhD
Chief Behavioral Health Officer
Trump Administration Orders Termination of National LGBTQ+ Youth Suicide Hotline
Effective July 17, 2025, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) will close the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline's LGBTQ+ Youth Specialized Services program, also known as "Press 3 Option".
Visit SAMHSA Statement on 988 Press 3 Option for SAMHSA's full statement.
Federal SNAP Cuts: What does this mean for Illinoisans?
Trump and Republicans passed the "Big Beautiful Bill", now Illinois is raising awareness over the devastating impacts it will have on working families, specifically the large cuts to the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP). SNAP has been a permanent, 100% Federally funded food program for more than 60 years. It has helped low-income children, families, seniors, Veterans, and individuals with disabilities buy the food that they need to live and for good health. The bill, at minimum, puts the SNAP benefits for more than 1 in 5 Illinois participants-constituting more than 360,000 Illinoisans-at risk.
"Here in Illinois, we have been working to combat food insecurity for years, and while no state can backfill these costs, the State of Illinois will continue to fight against these harmful impacts and stand up for working families," said Governor JB Pritzker.
By increasing the age of individuals who the Federal government considers to be Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) from 54 to 64 and no longer counting children ages 14 to 17 as dependents, the bill increases that population in Illinois from less than 190,000 to nearly 450,000. In imposing bureaucratic work requirements on that entire, increased population, more than 340,000 individuals are at risk of losing life-sustaining food benefits.
The current SNAP program has a huge, positive economic impact on Illinois. According to the National Grocer's Association, SNAP supports more than 18,000 jobs in Illinois, across both the grocery and other supporting industries, including agriculture, manufacturing, and transportation. Together, these jobs generate nearly $1B in wages, annually. This bill takes an axe to these jobs and wages, reducing them by at least 20% by denying food supports to more than 1 in 5 current SNAP participants and, with risk of the match requirements, could reduce them significantly more.
For additional information on how these changes will affect Illinoisans, visit The State of Illinois Newsroom.
Back-to-School Season
We would like to wish all students, educators, and staff a happy back-to-school season. While going back to school is exciting, it can also be a stressful time for some. If you are experiencing heightened stress and anxiety during this time, remember to take some time for yourself. Self-care looks different for everyone, but some ideas include connecting with loved ones, exercising, fueling your body with proper nutrition, and getting enough sleep.
If you're feeling tension this back-to-school season, this tip sheet from the National Institute of Mental Health can help you differentiate between stress and anxiety and provide some ideas for how to cope with both. We hope this upcoming school year is filled with learning and success!
Celebrations throughout August and September
National Suicide Prevention Month & World Suicide Prevention Day
September is recognized as National Suicide Prevention Month. World Suicide Prevention Day also falls on September 10th. While suicide prevention should be a prevalent topic year-round, this time gives us a chance to focus on providing necessary resources and coming together to support this incredibly important cause.
Suicide is the third leading cause of death among 15-24-year-olds. Youth of color (ages 5-17), LGBTQ+ (ages 13-24), and middle-aged men (ages 45-64) are at increased risk.
According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), 46% of people who die by suicide had a diagnosed mental health condition, but 90% may have experienced symptoms of a mental health condition. Mental health crises can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate. It is crucial to know the warning signs of suicide and have honest conversations with loved ones who you suspect may be struggling. Some of these warning signs include increased substance use, aggressive and reckless behaviors, and withdrawal from family, friends, and community. Any signs of a behavioral health crisis should be addressed quickly and treated as an emergency.
If someone appears to be struggling with suicidal thoughts, there are several free resources available to help. The Suicide Prevention Resource Center provides several resources for those in crisis and those looking to support. This includes prevention plans, toolkits, and online courses. Call or text 988 to be immediately connected to the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline or visit 988lifeline.org to chat with a mental health professional. The Illinois Department of Public Health also has many resources available at Suicide Prevention. You can also text NAMI to 741-741 to be connected with a trained crisis counselor.
National Recovery Month
We also dedicate September to substance use recovery. National Recovery Month focuses on promoting evidence-based treatment options and recovery strategies to help those who are actively struggling with substance use, as well as those who are in recovery. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), seven out of ten adults who have had a mental health condition or substance use condition are in recovery.
Recovery is possible with the correct resources and support. There are a multitude of pathways someone can take to recovery, such as peer support, treatment assistance, and faith-based practices. Although support is crucial to recovery, it is important that the person seeking recovery chooses the path that is most appropriate for themselves. Everyone recovers differently, and many people implement multiple strategies and pathways on their journey to recovery.
For those seeking help for themselves or others, the Illinois Helpline is available for assistance at any time. SAMHSA has a Recovery Month Toolkit that includes several resources for those seeking recovery, as well as infographics and information that can be shared to show support. Mental and substance use disorders are serious conditions that can impact anyone. By sharing resources and showing support, we can all help make a difference in the lives of those who are seeking recovery or in recovery.
Hispanic Heritage Month
National Hispanic Heritage Month spans from September 15th to October 15th. This month celebrates Americans with Spanish, Mexican, Caribbean, Central American and South American heritage. The month begins on September 15th to celebrate Independence Day for the countries Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, and Nicaragua. September 16th and 18th celebrate independence days for Mexico and Chile, respectively, and Columbus Day, or Dia de la Raza, falls on October 12, 2025. The National Hispanic Heritage Month website is a great resource to learn more about the significance of this month, as well as some impactful Hispanic/Latinx people in American history.
During this month, we turn our attention to mental health care and treatment of Hispanic/Latinx Americans. According to NAMI, although Hispanic/Latinx communities show similar vulnerabilities to mental health conditions, they often experience disparities in both access to and quality of treatment. More than half of young adults (ages 18-25) in these communities may not receive treatment for serious mental health conditions. Some barriers to care include language barriers, poverty, lack of health insurance coverage, legal status, and stigma.
Cultural awareness and competency are incredibly important when seeking mental health treatment. A lack of understanding can lead to misdiagnosis and leave a person feeling unheard and discouraged. The NAMI Hispanic/Latinx page provides several strategies and resources for members of these communities seeking culturally competent care in mental health spaces.
NAMI Light the Darkness Gala 2025
In May, Dr. Burnett-Zeigler was honored to attend the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Light the Darkness Gala. Alexa James, former CEO of NAMI Chicago, recently transitioned out of this role. We want to thank her for her dedication and wish her the best on her next journey.
Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) 2025 Pride Month Celebration
In June, Dr. Burnett-Zeigler joined IDHS staff on a self-guided tour through the Legacy Walk Project, a dynamic outdoor LGBTQ history exhibit in the Lakeview neighborhood of Chicago, which has been known nationally and internationally as "Boystown", to celebrate Pride Month. Pride is both a celebration of identity and a bold act of resistance. Together, we can reclaim space, deepen our connection, and renew our shared commitment to equity for all.
DuPage County Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) Visit
In June, Dr. Burnett-Zeigler visited the DuPage County Health Department for a preview of the soon-to-open Crisis Recovery Center (CRC). The CRC will embody what it means to offer "A Safe Place for Help," providing 24/7 access to care for individuals in behavioral health crisis, regardless of age or circumstance.
This innovative center is designed to meet people where they are-with the right care, by the right professionals, at the right time. The CRC provides up to 24 hours of stabilization, ensuring individuals have the time and support needed to safely de-escalate, begin recovery, and connect to appropriate follow-up services.
What truly sets this model apart is its capacity to serve individuals across the lifespan. The CRC will provide immediate, developmentally appropriate care for children and youth in crisis-an area where access has long been limited. It will also offer specialized sobering and withdrawal management services for adults experiencing substance use crises, filling a critical gap in care and helping to divert individuals from the unnecessary use of 911 calls, emergency rooms and jails. The CRC is on schedule and set to open in late summer 2025.
CCBHC Annual State Meeting
In August, Dr. Burnett-Zeigler had the pleasure to attend and participate in the SAMHSA hosted CCBHC Annual State Meeting.
The purpose of the CCBHC State Meeting is to provide states the opportunity to engage in mutual learning and build upon their CCBHC knowledge and experience. This was accomplished through peer to peer sharing with other states as well as meeting with Federal officials, the CCBHC State Technical Assistance Center (S-TAC), and CCBHC Subject Matter Experts.
Suicide Prevention Summit
In September, Dr. Burnett-Zeigler will participate in a Suicide Prevention Summit, hosted by Riveredge Hospital and other community partners.
The focus of this event is Suicide Prevention with the mission of bringing together diverse voices and communities in a shared space of learning, healing, and action to advance suicide prevention efforts through education, collaboration, and empowerment.
Goals of the 2025 Summit
- Build Cross-Sector Collaboration
- Center Diverse Voices and Lived Experience
- Promote Evidence-Based Practices and Innovation
- Foster Community Resilience and Connection
- Encourage Action and Accountability
Signing of SB1560
In July, Dr. Burnett-Zeigler was delighted to attend the bill signing for SB1560 with Governor Pritzker, Dr. Dana Weiner, Chief Officer for Children's Behavioral Health Transformation and other state leaders and advocates. This landmark legislation will require universal mental health screening be offered to students in grades 3-12 annually, beginning in school year 2027-28.
Since 2022, the Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative has partnered with the Department of Human Services, Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Department of Children and Family Services, Department of Juvenile Justice, Department of Public Health and the Illinois State Board of Education to implement the Blueprint for Transformation: A Vision for Improved Behavioral Healthcare for Illinois Children (pdf).
"We are counting on today's youth to lead us into a bright future, we have to keep them healthy and strong", said Dr. Dana Weiner. "Our Governor has been a compassionate and committed champion in this work, ensuring that our state is a national leader in efforts to identify and respond to mental health service needs so that Illinois youth can be healthy and strong."
This dedicated team has worked tirelessly over the last few years to ensure that school districts, and communities, have what they need to administer and respond to a brief screening tool designed to detect emerging mental health needs among students so that crises and more serious problems can be averted.
