Grundy County behavioral health staff add resources to website and plan outreach as services change

Behavioral health staff told the Grundy County Board of Health they expanded the department’s online resource list and trained front‑desk staff to refer people to crisis and community resources as behavioral health services change at the county level.

Sofia Cortez, behavioral health staff, said the website now includes information on how to access the Living Room and how to contact 988 via text. Sofia also said she added resources for private firms, community mental health facilities and nonprofits to the department’s list and invited agencies to request inclusion. Sofia and other staff reported they have been contacted by members of the public seeking help for issues such as DUI referrals and that the front desk has been trained in how to respond.

Staff also discussed broader shifts: one staff member thanked departing behavioral health staff for their work during a transition. Sofia said that she and Tanya will follow up on the Living Room listing and related materials so the public can find immediate‑support options that are alternatives to hospital emergency rooms.

IDPH liaison and hospital coordination: Board members asked whether the department had received feedback from the Illinois Department of Public Health about the discontinuation of some services; staff said they had reached out to Omayra Occello, the IDPH liaison, and that meetings are scheduled but that IDPH has not provided additional substantive direction about service discontinuation at this time. Staff also reported a meeting scheduled with the local hospital CEO to coordinate referrals and services.

Why it matters: Behavioral health resource availability and referral pathways affect residents seeking crisis support and ongoing care. The department emphasized training front desk staff and keeping online resources current while continuing discussions with IDPH and local partners.

Ending: Behavioral health staff will update the board on any changes from IDPH or local partners and continue to add and verify resources on the department website.