PURPOSE OF 708 BOARD

 

The Jackson County Mental Health 708 Board, established by referendum in Jackson County, is authorized by legislative mandate (HB 708 as Amended to perform the following functions in Jackson County:

 

1. Levy and distribute taxes for services to the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, substance abusers and other populations requiring mental health care, as determined by the 708 Board relative to the particular needs of this County;

 

2. Monitor, coordinate, and evaluate mental health services and programs;

 

3. Review and comment on applications to state and federal agencies for mental health services;

 

4. Develop a community mental health plan, in cooperation with the Illinois Department of Mental Health and Developmental Disabilities, the Illinois Dangerous Drugs Commission, and other local planning and governmental bodies, as appropriate.

 

The seven-member 708 Board, appointed by the Chairman of the Jackson County Board, meets regularly the second Thursday during the following months: January, March, and May thru July, September, and November to execute and direct the work of the agency. All meetings are open to the public and meet at the offices of the different agencies that are being funded. The 708 Board is staffed by an Administrative Secretary and is located in the Archway building, at 2751 W. Main, Carbondale.

 

FUNDING

 

Services considered for funding include those to the mentally ill, developmentally disabled, substance abusers, and other populations whose mental health is negatively impacted by social or environmental conditions, as determined by the 708 Board

 

For the last several years, some 7 or 8 agencies annually have received funding. During this time between 83 and 87% of the 708 budget has been for Programming.