Rally for Mental Health Planned June 29 In Elk Grove Village

ELK GROVE VILLAGE, IL — A "Rally for Mental Health" is planned at the end of the month in Elk Grove Village. The rally is scheduled for 5:30 p.m to 7:30 p.m. June 29, at Busse Woods South, Shelter #6, at Arlington Heights and Higgins roads.

Organizers said the event will be both informative and a rally for the creation of 708 Community Mental Health Boards in both Schaumburg and Wheeling townships. It will include a family friendly picnic with food, refreshments, and games. Local elected officials as well as the public will be invited. Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison will be the MC for the event. In the case of rain, we are at a sheltered location. This is a free event.

Joining Morrison will be representatives from local mental health agencies speaking on the need for increased mental health services in our areas, and how the 708 Community Mental Health Boards will be a valuable funding source to help serve this great need. They will also highlight the effectiveness of these Boards as they are already in place in many townships and counties throughout Illinois, according to organizers.

708 Boards provide important connections between townships and their communities in providing targeted and comprehensive care to help those affected by mental illness, addiction, or developmental disabilities. These are appointed volunteer boards that are directly funded to provide grants for mental health services by a small increase in property taxes of up to 0.15 percent for the residents in townships. A goal to raise $1.5 million would be reached by a small increase of $25 a year for the average homeowner in Schaumburg and Wheeling townships.

In order for these boards to be created, petitions are circulating to get a referendum on the November ballot in each of these townships that allow for this property tax increase to be used to create these boards. Those who obtain at least 5 signatures and bring their petitions to the event will be awarded a prize at the rally. There will also be petitions available to sign and a notary at the event. The petitions and more information on the 708 Boards can be found at this link https://www.advocatefor708.org/ as well as in the attached flyer. This event is organized by the Schaumburg 708 Mental Health Board Coalition, the Mental Health Board for Wheeling Township, and Reclaim NW Suburbs as a member of the coalition. Sign-up for this event is required and is at https://actionnetwork.org/events/rally-for-mental-health?source=direct_link&

Reclaim NW Suburbs conducts educational events and actions to promote racial, social, economic, and environmental equity in the northwest suburbs. For updates on this event and more information on Reclaim NW Suburbs, visit the Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/Reclaimchicagonwsuburbs