The Summit is in the process of developing detailed policy recommendations concerning the key issues in mental health policy. The links below connect to those policies which have been developed. However, the main problems in Illinois cut across all of these areas. They are:
- The lack of funding for mental health services. We cannot fix the mental health system when we rank no better than 35th among the 50 states in per capita spending on mental health services.
- The lack of coordination among mental health service providers. Illinois needs a mental health authority with responsibility to insure continuity of care and accountability for outcomes as persons with mental illnesses are cared for in public and private hospitals, nursing homes, community agencies and in the criminal justice system.
Below are links to specific policy discussions and proposals:
Mental Health Insurance Parity (Tennesse–parity)
Persons with mental illnesses in the criminal justice system
Access to psychotropic medications
Children’s mental health issues
Mental Health Summit 