Illinois Association for Behavioral Health

03/13/2026

It's been one year since IABH's statewide prevention campaign, Generation Lead officially launched! Take a look through the photos below to see the impact and reach we've made in just one year.

03/13/2026

⭐️We’re excited to announce our 2026 IABH Conference Closing Keynote Speaker, Jim Craig.⭐️

Best known as the legendary goaltender behind the 1980 U.S. Olympic “Miracle on Ice” gold medal victory, Jim Craig helped lead one of the most inspiring underdog moments in sports history.

Today, Jim shares powerful lessons on teamwork, resilience, leadership, and rising to the challenge when the stakes are highest—insights drawn from that historic Olympic run and his decades of leadership and business experience.

We can’t think of a more inspiring way to close out the 2026 IABH Conference!

✨Registration opens next week — stay tuned!

03/11/2026

Today, IABH staff Ryan Aten, along with contract lobbyists Matt Hartman and Debbie Broadfield, were hard at work speaking with Illinois Senate and House staff about our legislative agenda and mental health as a whole.

These conversations are vital to help ensure lawmakers understand the importance of high quality behavioral health care across the state.

03/08/2026

Today we celebrate the women of IABH! The ones leading programs, supporting communities, advocating for change, and putting in the work every single day to move behavioral health and prevention forward across Illinois.

We are grateful for their leadership, dedication, and impact they bring to this work!

Happy International Women's Day.

03/06/2026

Please join us on Monday, March 16th for "Impact of Stigma on Pregnant and Parenting People with a History of/or Current Substance Use" presented by Michelle Kavouras! To learn more and register for this training visit ilabh.org/trainings!

03/04/2026

Please join us on Monday, March 9th for "Incorporating Knowledge and Techniques of SUD into Daily Practice" presented by Courtney Kibble! To learn more and register for this training, click the link in our bio or visit ilabh.org/trainings!

03/04/2026

We’re pleased to reintroduce Debbie Broadfield of Capitol Edge Consulting, LLC. as a contract lobbying partner for the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health. Returning alongside Debbie to support IABH is lobbyist Matt Hartman.

IABH previously worked with Capitol Edge from 2013–2021, building a strong partnership and trusted relationship through years of advocacy on behalf of Illinois’ behavioral health community. We’re excited to reconnect and build on that foundation as we continue advancing policies that strengthen behavioral health services, support providers, and improve access to care across the state.

Strong advocacy requires strong partnerships and we look forward to the work ahead together!

03/03/2026

March is Gender Equality Month! Join IABH in recognizing the contributions of individuals who have been marginalized based on gender and advocating for gender equity. This month serves as a call for inclusion, and emphasizes the need for equal rights and opportunities for all genders.

03/02/2026

Today, IABH invites everyone to participate in World Teen Mental Wellbeing Day 💚

This day serves as a reminder to prioritize the mental well-being of teens and ensure they have access to necessary support systems. Together, we can make mental health a priority.

03/02/2026

We’re excited to announce the promotion of Ryan Aten to Government Relations & Policy Analyst!

Since joining IABH in September 2024, Ryan has quickly become an integral part of our team. Over the past year, he has increasingly supported our advocacy and legislative efforts, working closely with our policy team to advance behavioral health priorities across Illinois.

Ryan brings a strong background in public health, crisis intervention, and policy development. Prior to IABH, he served as an emergency crisis interventionist in McLean County, supporting individuals experiencing behavioral health crises in both emergency room and community settings.

He holds a bachelor's degree in biology and sociology from Illinois Wesleyan University and a Master of Public Health from Benedictine University, along with a graduate certification in epidemiology and data analytics. His academic research and professional work have focused on mental health, prevention strategies, and community engagement, and he has also contributed to policy development and intervention efforts through the Illinois Public Health Association targeting populations at higher risk of HIV.

Ryan is also a Certified Mental Health Provider (MHP).

Please join us in congratulating Ryan on this well-deserved promotion as he continues helping advance behavioral health policy and advocacy for providers and communities across Illinois.

03/02/2026

Please join us on Monday, March 9th for "Incorporating Knowledge and Techniques of SUD into Daily Practice" presented by Courtney Kibble! To learn more and register for this training visit ilabh.org/trainings!

02/26/2026

💥 Call for Presenters: 2026 IABH Conference💥 We’re looking for dynamic presenters to join us at the 2026 IABH Conference and help shape conversations across prevention, treatment, and recovery.

Join over 300 behavioral health professionals from across Illinois and beyond to share insights, spark ideas, and strengthen our field together.

Conference: September 9–11, 2026
Proposal deadline: April 10
Location: Hilton Chicago/Oak Brook Hills Resort & Conference Center

✨ https://iabh.wufoo.com/forms/2026-iabh-conference-call-for-presentations/

We Advocatefor sound policies in the behavioral health field for those who are in need of services Established in 1967 Illinois Association for Behavioral Health (IABH) is a statewide organization representing addiction and mental illness prevention, treatment and recovery services agencies, staff,....