House Bill 2084, sponsored by Senator Noland, established the task force and its scope of responsibility that includes addressing redundant regulations, improving access to care, and helping providers maintain financial viability with services that are cost neutral or cost saving. It spells out the makeup of the task force to include legislators and representatives of mental health provider and community stakeholder groups. The task force is scheduled to meet quarterly, subject to appropriation, and will present recommendations to the Governor and General Assembly, who may then vote to approve and adopt plan recommendations.

The Mental Health Services Strategic Plan will also engage the Department of Human Services' Division of Alcohol and Substance Abuse to ensure effective treatment for those who are dually diagnosed with both mental illness as well as substance abuse challenges.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 420,000 adults and 140,000 children in Illinois live with serious mental health conditions. The results of untreated or under-treated mental illness include suicide, dropping out of school, and incarceration, which put a greater burden on the state’s budget.

"Just as our public health care, human services and criminal justice systems are seeking to improve access to services and reduce costs through more community-based services rather than institutions, we will be looking for ways to do the same with mental health systems," Noland said.