What is the 708 Mental Health Board?

The LaSalle County 708 Mental Health Board, in accordance with the Community Mental Health Act, exists to fund priority services and to provide awareness, education, and advocacy for mental health, substance use, intellectual/developmental disability, and related mental health services.

The Community Mental Health Act

The Community Mental Health Act of 1963, signed by President John F. Kennedy, established research centers and grants for facilities that provide assistance in combating mental illness and disabilities.

The LaSalle County 708 Mental Health Board operates under the provisions of H.B. 708, Illinois Revised Statutes, also known as the Community Mental Health Act.

JFK signing community mental health act.jpeg

Mental Health Funding in LaSalle County

Each year, funds are distributed to provide a limited number of core priority services for residents of LaSalle County experiencing mental health disorders, developmental disabilities, substance use disorders, and related issues. Contracts are awarded to community-based, nonprofit organizations that provide mental health-related services in accordance with 708 Board priorities, guidelines, and requirements.

We attempt to serve priority populations in LaSalle County that include seriously and persistently mentally ill adults, seriously emotionally disturbed children, people with intellectual or developmental disabilities, child welfare, victims of violence, and other related areas.

For a copy of the Community Mental Health Act, please contact the LaSalle County 708 Mental Health Board at (815) 434-0708.

Funding

Competently administer available levy funding through its statutory 708 mental health authority role and in accordance with the Mental Health Act/Illinois 708 statute and established funding eligibility guidelines.

Advocacy

Monitor county mental health/substance use, IDD, and related service needs/availability and advocate for existing and new funding with decision-makers based on identified needs of La Salle County residents.

Education

Serve in a consultative knowledge role to public health, service providers, health systems, decision-makers, and other service stakeholders.

Awareness

Promote mental health awareness, education, and access to services in LaSalle County.

Communication

Stay current with federal, state and other mental health system trends, legislation, funding changes, and best practices and work with the Illinois Department of Human Services/divisions in accordance with its statutory role.

Engagement

Actively participate in the Association of Community Mental Health Authorities of Illinois to gain knowledge and benchmark other activities/programs throughout the State of Illinois.

FOIA, Meetings, and Other Information

FOIA Requests contact 815-434-0708

LASALLE COUNTY 708 MENTAL HEALTH BOARD

NOTICE OF FUNDING APPLICATION AND TIMELINE

FISCAL YEAR 2027 (12/1/26 to 11/30/27)

- Funding Applications Available June 1st, 2026

- Application Submission Deadline: June 30th, 2026

- Board Assessment Committee Review & Scoring: July, 2026

- Board Approval: August 2026

- Contract Period: December 1st, 2026 – November 30th, 2027

If interested in requesting 708 Mental Health Board funding and to receive a copy of the FY 27 Funding Application and Guidelines, please contact the 708 Mental Health Board office at 815.434.0708.

708 Board Goals: FY 2026-2027

Goal #1: Update the service & budget process to continue to reflect 708 Board priorities and the allocation of available funding.

Goal #2: Assess LaSalle County mental health/substance use needs and advocate for funding increases with decision-makers based on local hospital needs assessments, the LaSalle County Health Department ICAN Needs Assessment, and regional, state, and national needs assessment data.

Goal #3: To raise awareness and understanding of good mental health, when to seek services, and what services are available.

Goal #4: Advocate and build awareness for needed mental health, substance use, and related services with key decision-makers and stakeholders.

Goal #5: Continue to participate in ACMHAI to gain knowledge and benchmark other activities/programs administered by 708 Boards throughout the State of Illinois.

Goal #6: Ongoing monitoring of federal, state, and other mental health system trends, legislation, funding changes, best practices, and ongoing work with the Illinois Department of Human Services Divisions in accordance with 708 statutory requirements.