Community Behavioral Healthcare Association

05/06/2026

05/06/2026

05/05/2026

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov

05/05/2026

“No amount of money will ever put right the devastating effects of Purdue’s and the Sacklers’ prioritization of profits over people’s lives and the welfare of our communities,” Raoul said in a statement. “I will continue to ensure settlement funding is distributed equitably throughout the state to help support programs that are trying to mitigate the opioid addiction crisis.”

The money will be paid out for recovery and treatment programs over the next 15 years.

05/01/2026

via National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Want to learn more about the Transformation Workforce Career Accelerator? We are hosting three informational sessions this month on the candidate application process, starting on Tuesday, May 5. Register today: https://bit.ly/4t7sHLO

Want to learn more about the Transformation Workforce Career Accelerator? We are hosting three informational sessions this month on the candidate application process, starting on Tuesday, May 5. Register today: https://bit.ly/4t7sHLO

04/30/2026

Stay Informed About Upcoming Medicaid Changes

The federal government is enacting changes that may affect some Medicaid customers starting January 2027. Many customers will not be affected. Illinois Medicaid will contact you if these changes apply to you. Make sure we can reach you. If you receive mail from the State of Illinois, open it right away - your coverage may depend on it.

Update your address, phone number, and email today:Visit
abe.illinois.gov
Call 877-805-5312

04/26/2026

Last week in Springfield, I unanimously passed legislation to raise awareness about the statewide 988 Su***de and Crisis Helpline. House Bill 4982 will require pharmacies to display signs with information about the statewide 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline and other awareness and assistance information.

Many Illinoisans who are the most in need of the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline are unaware that this service exists. Displaying information about this service at pharmacies allows us to meet patients where they are at and, hopefully, provide an intervention for those facing crisis.

We are specifically targeting pharmacies for this effort because there are a number of medications that list suicidal ideation or increased depression as side effects. I am thankful for the unanimous, bipartisan support this bill received and look forward to continuing my work on this bill alongside my colleagues in the Senate.

04/24/2026

A new study published in JAMA finds that su***de rates among teens and young adults declined after the launch of the 988 National Su***de & Crisis Lifeline in 2022.

This is an important reminder that investing in accessible, community-based crisis support works. When people can quickly connect to help—whether by call, text, or chat—it can save lives.

As conversations continue about funding and sustaining our behavioral health crisis system, this data underscores the value of ensuring strong, ongoing support for 988 and the full continuum of care: someone to call, someone to respond, and somewhere to go.

Su***de rates among teens and young adults declined in the two years after the launch of the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline.

04/22/2026

Stop by and meet the KCHD staff and help us share the word about the 988 Su***de and Crisis Lifeline!

We’ll be at our Aurora building at 1240 N. Highland Ave. on Thursday, April 23 from 4:30 - 6:30pm with free resources for the community, including:

• 988 Su***de & Crisis Lifeline yard signs
• Gun cable locks
• Naloxone

These simple tools can help save lives and support safer, healthier communities. We hope to see you there!

04/22/2026

A feature article in the American Psychological Association’s (APA) Monitor on Psychology examines the increased adoption of contingency management for stimulant use disorder, noting that new federal and state policies are accelerating access.

Contingency management is a highly effective incentive-based treatment for stimulant use disorder.