Grassroots Effort Launches Petition for Mental Health Board in Downers Grove

A grassroots initiative is underway in Downers Grove Township as residents mobilize to gather signatures for a petition aimed at establishing a 708 Mental Health Board. This board would be placed on the ballot for the upcoming elections in November 2026. According to Debbie Hare, a member of the volunteer community group, “Downers Grove Township is the only township in DuPage County that doesn’t have a 708 board.”

The Illinois Community Mental Health Act allows for the creation of 708 Mental Health boards, which can be established by various units of government but require voter approval. These boards are tasked with assessing the funding of local organizations that address mental health issues, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorders. Currently, there are over 90 such boards across Illinois, often operating at the county level or under township management.

The petition drive has gained momentum, with nearly 1,000 signatures collected thus far. The group’s goal is to secure 5,000 signatures from township residents to ensure the referendum appears on the ballot. Hare emphasized the widespread impact of mental health issues, stating, “Most everyone these days knows someone affected in some way by mental health issues, developmental and intellectual disabilities or substance issues.”

The campaign officially kicked off in November, attracting around 65 attendees. If the referendum passes, the proposed tax rate for the 708 Mental Health Board in Downers Grove Township would be set at 0.025%. For a home valued at $400,000, this translates to an annual tax contribution of approximately $33.33. Hare highlighted the community-centric nature of the funding, noting, “The money raised in the community is required to stay in the community.”

Recent developments in neighboring townships highlight the potential benefits of such boards. The Lisle Township Community Mental Health Board, established in 2023, is set to allocate over $1 million to local social service agencies in fiscal 2026. Funding includes over $120,000 for Kids Matter, $100,000 for Trinity Services, and $85,000 for Easter Seals Medical Rehabilitation. Similarly, Naperville Township approved nearly $500,000 in funding, benefiting organizations such as NAMI DuPage and the Alive Center.

Mike Murray, a member of the advocacy group for the 708 initiative, noted that these boards began to emerge in DuPage County following a successful referendum in Bloomingdale Township in 2017. He stated, “It is a citizens’ initiative. No one likes to ask for increases in taxes. But it is a worthwhile investment for the community.” Murray clarified that the board would not create additional governmental layers but would provide small grants to existing organizations that lack adequate funding.

The historical context of mental health boards traces back to President John F. Kennedy, who signed the Community Mental Health Act in 1963. Murray recalled Kennedy’s vision of including individuals with mental health challenges in community life, stating, “Ultimately, the goal is to create a more loving community.”

The initiative is supported by Corin Hammond, who has been active in forming the Downers Grove Township Mental Health Advisory Committee. Hammond explained that the group is focused on coalition building and engaging with local agencies that provide essential services. She described their current efforts as “boots on the ground,” establishing relationships and understanding the community’s evolving needs, particularly as federal changes impact local services.

Hammond emphasized the universal relevance of mental health support, stating, “Everyone, all humans, are impacted by mental health. We all know someone or have experienced events ourselves.” She believes that when the referendum appears on the ballot, it will prompt residents to consider its implications for the community.

As the petition drive continues, the advocates for the 708 Mental Health Board in Downers Grove Township remain committed to raising awareness and garnering support for a cause that they believe will significantly benefit community members facing mental health challenges.