Community Behavioral Healthcare Association

CBHA was proud to join Sue Schroeder, CEO of Stepping Stones of Rockford and her amazing team, along with local legislators, community leaders, and partners, to celebrate the opening of Stepping Stones’ new headquarters on East State Street!

This exciting milestone represents a continued investment in our communities and the future of behavioral health services in the Rockford region. The expanded facility will provide additional space to grow programs, enhance services, and meet the increasing need for mental health care.

Congratulations to Sue and the entire Stepping Stones team on this incredible achievement!

CBHA CEO Blanca Campos joined Illinois state leaders and stakeholders for the launch of The Care Compass: A Strategic Framework for Behavioral Health Access and Integration, led by Illinois’ Chief Behavioral Health Officer. This important initiative provides a roadmap for strengthening our state’s behavioral health system.

As part of the launch, Blanca moderated a panel of providers, elevating the perspectives and experiences of those delivering care in communities across Illinois. Provider voices are essential to translating statewide priorities into meaningful action and ensuring that system transformation reflects the needs of the individuals and families we serve.

CBHA looks forward to continuing to partner with state leaders, providers, and stakeholders to advance a more accessible, coordinated, and effective behavioral health system for Illinoisans.

"The Illinois Department of Human Services has scaled back its plans to close 75 minimum-security mental health beds at Choate Developmental Center in Anna, opting to keep 25 beds open while phasing out the remaining 50 by July 2027.

The department says it also plans to reopen about 200 beds at three other state-run psychiatric hospitals in Alton and Chester in southern Illinois and Hines in the Chicago suburbs."

State says it will keep 25 mental health beds at Choate, expand regional jobs Illinois will retain 25 mental health beds at Choate while expanding psychiatric services and jobs across the region.

Medicaid changes are coming. Are you prepared?
New federal Medicaid community engagement requirements are scheduled to take effect in 2027, with certain exceptions and exemptions. For individuals who may be affected, understanding reporting requirements and eligibility reviews is an important step toward maintaining coverage.

The Link & Option Center encourages community members to stay informed, review official Medicaid updates, and seek assistance when navigating changes to their benefits.
Our Carrie Cares Mobile Mental Health Clinic remains committed to connecting communities with healthcare services and support.
For more information about our services, call 708-331-8111 or visit
https://f.mtr.cool/akwjh8wx3c

"State officials announced a special enrollment period through December 31, 2026, for approximately 9,300 Illinoisans who lost Medicaid coverage effective October 1 as a result of provisions included in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Residents seeking coverage through the special enrollment period can contact the Get Covered Illinois customer assistance center at 1-866-311-1119 or visit GetCovered.Illinois.gov."

Get Covered Illinois offering health coverage to 9,300 residents affected by Medicaid cuts Approximately 9,300 Illinois residents who lost Medicaid coverage due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act can now enroll in health insurance plans through Get Covered Illinois until December 31, 2026…

"The state has erased over $1.4 billion in medical debt for almost 700,000 Illinoisans for pennies on the dollar, two years after launching a new relief program."

Illinois medical debt relief program surpasses $1B goal in two years Illinois has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents, surpassing its original $1 billion goal.

"Hundreds of people gathered at Rock Valley College on Saturday to raise awareness about mental health and su***de prevention while supporting community members across the Stateline."

Rockford Out of the Darkness Walk brings hundreds together for su***de prevention Hundreds of people gathered at Rock Valley College on Saturday for the annual Rockford Out of the Darkness Walk to raise funds for the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention Illinois Chapter an…

"Researchers with the addiction recovery guide site AddictionResource.net found in their recent study that Illinois has reduced its deaths by overdose more than nearly any state in the nation."

STUDY: Illinois overdose deaths fall by over 44% since 2019 A study by AddictionResource.net found that Illinois achieved the ninth largest reduction in overdose deaths nationwide between 2019 and 2025, dropping from 27.7 to 15.4 deaths per 100,000 resident…