Originally aired Feb. 24, 2026.
As Sangamon County voters head to the polls, a major decision is on the ballot: whether to create and fund a new Mental Health Board aimed at transforming how the community responds to mental illness, substance use disorders, and developmental disabilities.
Ryan Croke, Illinois First Assistant Deputy Governor for Health and Human Services, visits Community Voices to share this personal passion and explain how the March 17 referendum represents a pivotal opportunity. The proposal would establish a “708 board” — authorized under Illinois law — funded by a half-cent sales tax increase (50 cents on every $100 spent). Groceries, medicine, and services would remain exempt. The measure is projected to generate nearly $14.7 million annually, with most funds going directly to local service providers.
Why now? A county study found nearly 8,000 adults in Sangamon County live with severe mental illness, almost 30,000 residents struggle with substance use disorders, and over 40% of surveyed residents reported unmet mental health needs in the past three years. Meanwhile, 70% of the county jail population has a diagnosed mental illness, and emergency rooms and law enforcement frequently serve as first responders to mental health crises.
Supporters — including law enforcement, medical professionals, business leaders, and both local political parties — say a dedicated funding stream would allow for coordinated crisis response, case management, housing support, and early intervention. Other Illinois counties have reported strong returns on investment and reduced strain on jails and emergency rooms.
With early voting underway through March 17, residents can request a nonpartisan ballot and weigh in on what advocates call a once-in-a-generation opportunity to strengthen public health and safety in Sangamon County.
Transcripted by AI with human review.
Randy Eccles: This is Community Voices on 91.9 UIS. I'm co-host Randy Eccles. Today we're joined by Ryan Croke, who is the first assistant deputy governor for health and human services in the state of Illinois. He is also personally working to educate the public about the potential Sangamon County Mental Health Board and the upcoming referendum.
Ryan Croke: I think every family in Sangamon County has likely had an experience with the mental health system or knows a loved one facing such challenges. Our community has the opportunity to vote on a referendum that would infuse new resources into infrastructure to support people facing mental health challenges, substance use disorders, and intellectual or developmental disabilities.
Randy Eccles: The referendum is March 17. It aims to create the board and fund it through a half-cent sales tax increase—specifically, 50 cents on a $100 purchase.
Ryan Croke: State law allows jurisdictions to establish a "708 board" via referendum to provide sustained funding for behavioral health services. Sangamon County is currently the largest county in Illinois without a dedicated source of funding for this purpose. Having this board allows us to fund services in a coordinated and structured fashion rather than through the current "chaotic" reliance on jails and first responders. I want to emphasize that voters of any political stripe can participate; you can request a nonpartisan, referendum-only ballot at the county courthouse through March 17.
Randy Eccles: If someone is considering their vote, what is the specific change or impact they should expect? It's been mentioned services exist but are currently siloed.
Ryan Croke: A mental health study body spent a year reviewing our community and found nearly 8,000 adults living with severe mental illness and 30,000 residents struggling with substance use disorders. Over 40% of residents reported an unmet mental health need in the last three years, and 90% of professionals report it is not easy to connect clients to necessary care. This signals a desperate need for better-coordinated, earlier interventions.
Randy Eccles: Will the people on this board be paid?
Ryan Croke: No, they would be unpaid volunteers with professional backgrounds. They would play a coordinating and funding role rather than providing direct services themselves. For example, in Winnebago County, similar boards have funded over 100 frontline staff and expanded specialty courts. Currently, 70% of our jail population has a diagnosed mental illness, and local public safety officials—including the sheriff and state’s attorney—are strong advocates for this because our justice system is bogged down by people in need of healthcare.
Randy Eccles: The proposal is for a 50-cent tax per $100, estimated to provide almost $14.7 million (annually). Most would be granted to organizations, but would there be an executive director to manage the work?
Ryan Croke: Most counties have at least one staff person to lead the work, but we are not talking about an elaborate bureaucracy. The vast majority of funds would go toward direct services like crisis co-response with law enforcement, intensive psychiatric case management, and housing supports to divert people from emergency rooms and jails.
Randy Eccles: This is a sustainable source of revenue for local services.
Ryan Croke: Exactly. We have nearly 400 unhoused people in Sangamon County, many of whom face mental health or substance use challenges. Devoting local revenue to this is a public safety issue. Smaller counties like Piatt have already passed similar referendums; it’s time for Sangamon to do the same.
Randy Eccles: Has there been any significant opposition?
Ryan Croke: I’m not aware of any organized opposition. It is important to note that this sales tax exempts groceries, medicine, and services like haircuts or car repairs. While affordability is a concern, we are already "paying the price" through the high costs of our jails, courts, and emergency rooms.
Randy Eccles: Any last thoughts?
Ryan Croke: The return on investment is striking; for every dollar put into mental health services, we see a return of over four dollars. The tragic murder of Sonya Massey served as a visceral reminder that those in crisis need care and treatment. This is an unprecedented opportunity to help our neighbors.
Randy Eccles: Some might think this is just an urban problem, but rural areas face high levels of depression and anxiety as well.
Ryan Croke: Some of the strongest advocates have been the Illinois Farm Bureau in Sangamon County. There is still a stigma in agricultural communities, and leaders there believe this small investment will yield significant savings and support for their families.
Randy Eccles: Ryan Croke, thank you for joining us. Again, the referendum ends March 17. You can vote at the Sangamon County Courthouse on 9th Street. We will also post the Mental Health Board Commission report at nprillinois.org (above).
