Community Behavioral Healthcare Association

01/29/2026

"A Senate test vote on Thursday to avoid a partial government shutdown failed, signaling Democrats, Republicans and the White House are still at odds amid their negotiations on Department of Homeland Security funding in the massive spending package that must pass by end of day Friday."

The country is facing a partial shutdown this weekend if lawmakers can't find a deal over a DHS funding measure.

01/29/2026

Walk in for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) Services — no appointment needed.

Pillars Community Health offers walk-in hours to support recovery:
📍 The Fillmore Center (Berwyn) — Mondays, 12 – 4 p.m. & Thursdays, 12 – 4 p.m.

During walk-in hours, you can connect with:
✔️ Substance Use Disorder treatment options
✔️ Insurance and benefits enrollment support
✔️ Referrals for Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR)

Prefer to plan ahead? Appointments are also available at times that work for you.

💜 We’re committed to making care more accessible, breaking down barriers, and supporting every step of recovery.

📞 Call 708-PILLARS (708-745-5277) to learn more.

01/29/2026

“A group of Republican senators is open to splitting the Homeland Security appropriations measure off from a six-bill government funding package that needs to pass by Friday to avoid a partial government shutdown...”

A group of Republican senators is open to splitting the Homeland Security appropriations measure off from a six-bill government funding package that needs to pass by Friday to avoid a partial gover…

01/28/2026

How does one bear the unbearable grief in a culture that often does not understand? Grief touches all of us in some capacity, but how do we hold space for it with clients or acknowledge grief? Often, grief and loss is all the love that people have for certain objects, people, places that are no longer with them, and it's within the absence, that the love then has nowhere to go and turns painful.
However, grief can be a place and space to process, integrate, and deeply honor grief. Please join Jacquelyn Jennings and Cassie Niedhammer as they provide practical strategies for supporting bereaved clients across the lifespan. In participating in this training, learners will:
-Examine contemporary grief theory and identify complicating factors for grief
-Implement evidence-based techniques with mourners of all ages
-Assess the need for further investigation and learn about resources

01/27/2026

01/24/2026

🚨 SNAP rules are changing on February 1.

Federal changes mean more SNAP recipients will be considered Able-Bodied Adults Without Dependents (ABAWDs) who must meet or be exempt from work requirements to qualify for SNAP.

IDHS has sent initial notices and a copy of an exemption form to all current and new customers who are directly impacted.

SNAP recipients can also now use this screener to see if they are subject to, meeting, or may be eligible for an exemption from SNAP Work Requirements: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

01/22/2026

“Hunger is a medical issue. Limited or inconsistent access to nutritious food directly affects health outcomes, health care costs and quality of life..."

Hundreds of thousands of Illinois residents are expected to be pushed out of the federal food assistance program for people with low incomes as soon as May 1.

01/20/2026

01/20/2026

Kane County Health Department and Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Partner to Offer Mental Health First Aid Training Countywide

The Kane County Health Department (KCHD) is working with the Family Service Association of Greater Elgin Area to offer Mental Health First Aid training in Kane County.

Mental Health First Aid training teaches participants how to identify and respond to signs of mental illnesses and/or substance use disorders, similar to traditional first aid and CPR training. They learn risk factors and warning signs for mental health and addiction concerns, strategies to help someone in both crisis and noncrisis situations, and where to turn for help.

Kane County provided a grant of $75,000 to FSA to provide initial training to a cohort of 15 trainees, who in turn will offer low-cost training to other community members throughout 2026. The goal is to have 2,000 Kane County residents trained using an evidence-based, early intervention approach.

“We are excited to partner with the Family Service Association to offer this training to residents of Kane County,” said Michael Isaacson, KCHD Executive Director. “Mental Health First Aid is an important skill for teachers, parents, first responders, and anyone with a strong interest in community well-being. Having more residents trained to recognize and help those who are experiencing substance use or mental health crises is a valuable way to reduce stigma around mental health in our community.”

Mental Health First Aid is designed for a wide range of community members, including:
• Teachers, school staff, coaches, and youth-serving organizations
• Healthcare workers, public health professionals, and community health workers
• First responders, EMS, fire, 911 dispatch, and law enforcement
• Faith leaders and ministry volunteers
• Library, parks, and municipal staff
• College faculty, student support teams, and campus safety
• Human resources, corporate staff, retail and customer-service teams
• Nonprofit workers, social service case managers, crisis line volunteers
• Senior service providers, shelter workers, and housing programs
• Veteran service organizations, re-entry programs, and advocacy groups

According to the National Council for Mental Wellbeing, more than 4.5 million people have been trained in Mental Health First Aid. Studies of Mental Health First Aid in the United States show that those trained have increased mental health literacy, increased confidence in helping an individual in distress and more.

“FSA is committed to providing accessible, holistic behavioral health services that strengthen children, families, and communities,” said Janeth Barba, CEO of FSA. “By equipping more people with the skills to recognize and respond to mental health challenges, we help connect individuals to professional support earlier when it’s needed. This training is one more way we’re building supportive, informed, and compassionate communities.”

Organizations, businesses and individuals interested in learning more or becoming trained in Mental Health First Aid should contact Ashley Kellenberger at AKellenberger@fsaelgin.org or (847) 695-3680 for more information.

01/15/2026

CBHA CEO Blanca Campos spoke to the Chicago Sun-Times about the threat of recent SAMHSA funding cuts to mental health and substance use services. Notably, in less than 24 hours, the Trump administration reversed course and announced it would not cut nearly $2 billion in funding—showing the power of collective advocacy by providers, partners, and communities standing together to protect essential services.

In less than 24 hours, the Trump admin­is­tra­tion reversed course and said it would not cut nearly $2 bil­lion in fund­ing to sub­stance abuse and men­tal health pro­grams across the coun­try. Fol­low­ing swift bipar­tisan back­lash to news that the...