Piatt County Non-Profits Implement Mental Health Initiatives Following Referendum Approval

In Monticello, Illinois, the community is witnessing the positive effects of a mental health initiative launched nearly a year ago. Following the approval of a referendum last November, Piatt County has channeled funds into crucial mental health programs, providing essential support to local organizations committed to aiding those in need.

Residents are contributing approximately $75 more annually in property taxes, which has generated an estimated $618,000 in revenue for the county. This financial boost, as shared by Tony Kirkman, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center, is a significant step toward strengthening local mental health services.

The Piatt County Mental Health Center is one of four non-profit organizations benefiting from this newly levied tax. Others include Marisa’s Purpose, Hope Lives Ranch, and the Jamie Boone Project, all of which collaborate under the guidance of the 708 Piatt County Mental Health Board.

Kirkman emphasized the critical role these funds play in addressing a persistent challenge faced by The Center. “Being a small rural provider, we have a limited pool of local certified alcohol and drug counselors,” Kirkman explained. “Those who are qualified have numerous employment options, so offering a competitive compensation package is essential for retaining our drug counselors.”

In a related initiative, Springfield has introduced a mobile response unit to address mental health and addiction calls, further highlighting the region’s commitment to improving mental health care accessibility and effectiveness.

Kirkman also said being able to hang on to their counselors is one of the reasons why there have been zero deadly overdoses in Piatt County in the last year. He said the free Narcan boxes scattered around the county are another reason behind the trend.

Workforce retention is not the only way the referendum is helping The Center, however.

The funds are also being used for new initiatives, like having therapists three days a week at the Piatt County Nursing Home, Atwood-Hammond Grade School, and Monticello schools.

“It’s just been awesome,” Monticello Schools Superintendent Adam Clapp said. “It allows us to support students who are going through tough times in their day-to-day lives or even look at ways of supporting students through prevention.”

Clapp said the district’s old therapy program went away a few years ago, leaving a void to fill.

“When Tony approached me about the 708 referendum and bringing back this program we were really excited to get it started again,” Clapp said.

Kirkman said making sure these programs don’t leave the area is ultimately what the money is there for.

“There are so many great things happening in Piatt County, but making sure we can sustain those services is really important,” Kirman said.

Piatt County Non-Profits Implement Mental Health Initiatives Following Referendum Approval

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Piatt County Non-Profits Implement Mental Health Initiatives Following Referendum Approval

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