Madison County Mental Health Board to host Mental Health, Addiction Legislative Forum

The Madison County Mental Health Board will be hosting a a Mental Health and Addiction Legislative Forum at the end of the month.

The event will be held from 9:30 a.m. to noon on Friday, Feb. 28 at the Madison County Administration Building (County Board Room), 157 N. Main St., Edwardsville, Ill.

Mental Health Board Executive Director Deborah Humphrey will emcee the program assisted by Program Manager Eli Horner.

“The primary goal of this event is to educate and create an awareness of the needs of individuals in our communities who are battling with a mental illness and addiction and to advocate for appropriate treatment, healthcare and recovery support,” Humphrey said.

The Forum will give legislators a platform to introduce themselves and share their respective legislative role(s) in the 104th General Assembly session. Attending legislators include Senator Erica Harriss and State Representatives Amy Elik and Katie Stuart.

Harriss said this event is “an opportunity to listen and learn from professionals and, more importantly, family” about current mental health and addiction issues they are facing.

Humphrey said following the legislator’s introductions there will be a period of public comment from stakeholders who have first-hand knowledge of the mental health and addiction needs and issues present in Madison County. Individuals scheduled to share represent agencies who provide direct mental health and addiction treatment and support services, other key sectors leaders who experience related issues, public health, schools, law enforcement, and housing/homeless providers and a family impact presentation.

“Their insights and experiences are vital in addressing mental health and wellness, addiction treatment and recovery,” she said.

In closing, a brief wrap-up session will give focus to comments and questions from invited political leaders and the attendees to provide time for dialogue on the issues presented.

National Mental Health & Addiction Statistics:

• 1 in 5 U.S. adults and 1 in 6 youth ages 6-17 experience a mental illness each year (NAMI).
• 55% of U.S. adults with a mental illness receive no treatment – over 28 million individuals (MHA).
• Statistics show Madison County suicide rates of 16.6% per 100,000 population, higher than Illinois at 11.7% and the CDC national rate of 14.2% (2015-2023).
• Drug overdose rates in Madison County from 2015 -2023 were 40.7% per 100,000 higher than Illinois at 28.7% and CDC national rate at 28.3%
• 44% of individuals incarcerated have a mental illness, 60% have an addiction, and 50% have both (SAMHSA).
• 20-25% of the U.S homeless population suffers from a severe mental illness (HUD)
• There should be an optimum of 60 beds per 100,000 and a minimum of 30 beds per 100,000 population (JAMA Psychiatry). Metro East has 29 per 100,000 adult inpatient beds and declines and no child and adolescent beds.

The public is welcome and encouraged to attend. For more information, visit the Madison County Mental Health Board on Facebook.

You can also obtain further information, or register to give public comment, by contacting Humphrey’s office at (618) 296-4358 or by emailing [email protected].