SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- Governor Pritzker has signed legislation increasing access to mental health care and improving government responses to people having mental health crises.
One of the bills Governor Pritzker signed requires insurance companies to cover mental health treatment.
"We are supporting all of our friends and loved ones, because no family escapes mental illness," said State Senator Laura Fine (D-Glenview).
House Bill 2595 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2023. Illinois follows California and Oregon in requiring coverage for mental, emotional, nervous, or substance use disorders.
The other bill seeks to reduce the times when police respond to someone in a mental health crisis, because such encounters often escalate into violence.
"The Community Emergency Services and Support Act – also known as the Stephon Edwards Watts Act, requires all Illinois municipalities to coordinate 911 and 988 services, with the goal of prioritizing community care over incarceration or improper use of force when it comes to mental or behavioral health emergencies," Pritzker said.
When an individual is dispatched through a 911 system, HB 2784 ensures that an appropriate mobile response is available, requiring 911 call center operators to coordinate with a mobile mental and behavioral health services, established by the Illinois Department of Human Service’s Division of Mental Health (DMH).
The DMH helps individuals with mental illnesses recover and participate fully in community life. Under this law, DMH will provide guidance on coordinating mobile units, when responding to an individual who is experiencing a crisis. The Division will also establish regional advisory committees in each Emergency Medical Services (EMS) region to advise on mental and behavioral health emergency response systems. To ensure lasting change, the law requires appropriate responder training, which helps train police officers when responding to mental health emergencies.
Stephon Watts was an autistic teenager in crisis when he was shot to death by Calumet City police in 2012. His family was present for the bill signing.
The national 988 mental health crisis line will be established in the summer of 2022. This initiative – the first statewide approach of its kind in the nation – aims to reduce arrests for those with mental illnesses who are deserving of a specialist’s intervention.
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HB 2784 goes into effect Jan. 1, 2022.
“I’m proud and inspired to be a part of making bold changes to our mental healthcare services in Illinois that will help all Illinoisans receive the essential services and care they need, no matter where they live or their socioeconomic status,” said Governor JB Pritzker, in a statement. “Mental healthcare is healthcare. It’s medically necessary, it’s lifesaving, and it can help address the systemic trauma that has held many communities back for far too long.”
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