State of Illinois Recognizes May as Mental Health Awareness Month
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker proclaimed May as Mental Health Awareness Month in Illinois. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE), and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) are highlighting the important resources offered to residents and families across the state.
May 1, 2025
Illinois Department of Human Services Announces Summer EBT Benefits for the 2024-25 School Year
CHICAGO - The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) and Illinois State Board of Education (ISBE) announced that Summer EBT benefits will be issued to families for the 2024-25 school year starting in May.
April 24, 2025
Trump Administration Slashes $28 Million for Mental Health and Substance Use Services
CHICAGO - The federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), a branch of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, notified the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) this week that the Trump Administration would terminate up to $28 million that Congress directed to Illinois for mental health and substance use disorder treatment.
March 26, 2025
Pritzker Administration Announces Illinois Overdose Deaths Declined 8% in 2023
SPRINGFIELD - The Administration of Governor JB Pritzker announced that Illinois recorded an 8.3% drop in overall drug overdose deaths in 2023, exceeding a nationwide decline of 4%. Specifically, opioid overdose deaths declined 9.7% in the state, compared to 3% nationally. The new data shows 3,502 overdose deaths in Illinois from all causes in 2023, 317 fewer than in 2022.
March 6, 2025
State of Illinois Recognizes March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Lottery, and the Illinois Gaming Board (IGB) recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month in Illinois and are highlighting ways the state is working to prevent gambling disorder and support those in need of recovery.
March 3, 2025
Gov. Pritzker Signs Bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker signed the bipartisan Dignity in Pay Act (HB793) into law alongside bill sponsors Representative Theresa Mah and Senator Cristina Castro. The Dignity in Pay Act primarily implements a plan to phase out 14(c) subminimum wage authorizations in Illinois, joining 18 other states in doing so. The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS), the Illinois Council on Developmental Disabilities (ICDD) and the Illinois Department of Labor will lead the 5-year process-eliminating subminimum wage for people with disabilities by December 31, 2029.
January 22, 2025
Gov. Pritzker Announces Launch of BEACON Children's Behavioral Health Portal
CHICAGO - Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Children's Behavioral Health Transformation Initiative (CBHTI) announced the public launch of the BEACON (Behavioral Health Care and Ongoing Navigation) care portal, a centralized resource for Illinois youth and families seeking youth mental health services and care, including state agency support and community-based programs. BEACON is now live for use by Illinois residents and can be accessed at beacon.illinois.gov.
January 15, 2025
More Press Releases
Gov. Pritzker Highlights Progress Reducing Gun Violence in Chicago | RiverBender.com
"The return on investment is priceless when we know these targeted efforts and dollars truly save lives," said IDHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero. "We thank Governor Pritzker for the continued prioritization of promoting innovative and comprehensive solutions to combat gun violence."
"Real solutions are possible when you ensure the work you do to prevent violence is grounded in the communities most impacted. We're proud of our progress and remain committed to empowering residents to shine a light on peace and safety in their neighborhoods," said Quiwana Bell, at the Illinois Department of Human Services.
April 19, 2025
A new $20 million grant is available for community organizations working on violence prevention efforts in Chicago | The Triibe
The Government Alliance for Safe Communities (GASC), a collaboration among state, county and city leaders, announced today the launch of a new $20 million grant to support community violence intervention efforts in Chicago and suburban Cook County.
The grant, known as the Cook County Community Violence Intervention (CC-CVI), marks the second round of funding from the GASC in 2025. It will be administered by the Cook County Justice Advisory Council (JAC). The grant will fund services such as street outreach and case management for residents most at risk of being victims or perpetrators of gun violence.
April 14, 2025
Trump administration cuts $153 million in Illinois public health, substance abuse programs | Chicago Sun Times
President Donald Trump's administration has rescinded $153 million in federal grant funding to Illinois programs for mental health services, substance abuse treatment and infectious disease prevention - cuts that Gov. JB Pritzker said will inflict "immeasurable harm."
State officials learned this week of $28 million in previously approved grants that have been slashed from the Illinois Department of Human Services, while $125 million has been pulled back from the state Department of Public Health, officials said Wednesday. ... Illinois DHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero called the cut "shortsighted and negligent."
"This funding has an invaluable return on investment - saving lives and rehabilitating those struggling so they can once again become thriving members of their communities," Quintero said.
March 26, 2025
Illinois clarifies no local laws can restrict homeless camping in public areas | My Stateline
The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) sent a letter Thursday reminding local governments that they do not have the authority to restrict homeless people from having camping in public spaces.
"In the last 15 months, at least 25 Illinois communities have passed ordinances criminalizing unsheltered homelessness. These approaches lead to increased isolation, additional barriers to housing and unnecessary cycles of incarceration," said Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley. "It is more important than ever that local and state policy recognizes the civil rights of all Illinois residents. The Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness looks forward to partnering with local communities in pursuit of an Illinois where all people have a safe place to call home."
March 13, 2025
IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: 2024 IDHS Accomplishments Video
As we close out another remarkable year at IDHS, Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on all we've accomplished together. From expanding critical programs to reaching more families in need, we thank our staff and all our partners for their hard work, compassion, and commitment.
IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero: Hispanic Heritage Month
In celebration of Hispanic Heritage Month, IDHS Secretary Designate, Dulce Quintero, reflects on the culture and impact of the Latino/Latine/Latinx community. Learn more about their personal journey and the giants who inspired them to stand up for what is right.
DRS Director Patrick: ADA Celebration & Disability Pride
In celebration of the anniversary of the ADA, Department of Rehabilitation Services Director Rahnee Patrick discusses her journey as a disability activist, and she emphasizes the importance of the Centers for Independent Living (CIL), the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), and disability pride in the ongoing work to secure equity for people with disabilities.
A Legacy of Neurodiversity Pride
"My community needs to gain more equity and inclusion, and that is where the advocacy for and by myself and others comes in." IDHS is honored to share insights from Daniel Olsen, a summer intern at the IDHS Office of Communications in Springfield. The article details his journey from shame to celebration.
A Pride Message from IDHS Secretary Designate Quintero
Secretary Designate Dulce Quintero shares a message in celebration of Pride while highlighting the important work that IDHS is doing to support the LGBTQ+ community.
April 2025 Stakeholder Newsletter
March 2025 Stakeholder Newsletter
February 2025 Stakeholder Newsletter
January 2025 Stakeholder Newsletter
