Community Behavioral Healthcare Association

10/21/2026

Medicaid changes are coming. Are you prepared?
New federal Medicaid community engagement requirements are scheduled to take effect in 2027, with certain exceptions and exemptions. For individuals who may be affected, understanding reporting requirements and eligibility reviews is an important step toward maintaining coverage.

The Link & Option Center encourages community members to stay informed, review official Medicaid updates, and seek assistance when navigating changes to their benefits.
Our Carrie Cares Mobile Mental Health Clinic remains committed to connecting communities with healthcare services and support.
For more information about our services, call 708-331-8111 or visit
https://f.mtr.cool/akwjh8wx3c

10/21/2026

"State officials announced a special enrollment period through December 31, 2026, for approximately 9,300 Illinoisans who lost Medicaid coverage effective October 1 as a result of provisions included in the federal One Big Beautiful Bill Act.

Residents seeking coverage through the special enrollment period can contact the Get Covered Illinois customer assistance center at 1-866-311-1119 or visit GetCovered.Illinois.gov."

Approximately 9,300 Illinois residents who lost Medicaid coverage due to the One Big Beautiful Bill Act can now enroll in health insurance plans through Get Covered Illinois until December 31, 2026…

10/19/2026

10/15/2026

"The state has erased over $1.4 billion in medical debt for almost 700,000 Illinoisans for pennies on the dollar, two years after launching a new relief program."

Illinois has erased $1.4 billion in medical debt for nearly 700,000 residents, surpassing its original $1 billion goal.

10/14/2026

"Hundreds of people gathered at Rock Valley College on Saturday to raise awareness about mental health and su***de prevention while supporting community members across the Stateline."

Hundreds of people gathered at Rock Valley College on Saturday for the annual Rockford Out of the Darkness Walk to raise funds for the American Foundation for Su***de Prevention Illinois Chapter an…

10/14/2026

"Researchers with the addiction recovery guide site AddictionResource.net found in their recent study that Illinois has reduced its deaths by overdose more than nearly any state in the nation."

A study by AddictionResource.net found that Illinois achieved the ninth largest reduction in overdose deaths nationwide between 2019 and 2025, dropping from 27.7 to 15.4 deaths per 100,000 resident…

10/13/2026

10/10/2026

💚 Wear green on October 10 in recognition of World Mental Health Day.

Tomorrow is an opportunity to raise awareness of mental health and highlight the resources available to support people across Illinois.

IDHS supports access to mental health care. Mental health support can look different for everyone, from connecting with community-based services to getting help during a crisis.

Learn more about resources available through IDHS: https://www.dhs.state.il.us/page.aspx?item=173457

10/10/2026

💚 World Mental Health Day | October 10, 2026

This year’s theme, “Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change,” reminds us that meaningful change starts with listening to the people who know mental health challenges firsthand.

We must do more than listen. We must ensure that people with lived experience help shape the policies, services, and systems that impact their lives. Their voices, insights, and experiences are essential to building more compassionate, accessible, and person-centered mental health care.

Today and every day, let’s continue breaking stigma, amplifying voices, and advocating for a world where everyone has access to the support they need.