Awareness to Action
Let’s show a little action!!!
Time for Action
Mental Health Issues
Substance Use Disorders
Intellectual Developmental Disabilities
Self-compassion/ Trauma-Informed Approach
988 Crisis Lifeline Resource Directory
You are not alone! Your mental health board is here to help!
Every citizen, every individual in our community will experience the impact of mental health concerns in his or her lifetime.
Statistics show that one in five (1:5) people in the U.S. will personally experience mental health issues. The other four people may be impacted in various ways, such as caring for someone who faces a difficult mental health journey. Some mental health issues can be prevented with education, awareness and understanding. Resources vary to address the diverse situations.
Most importantly, society must eliminate the stigma associated with mental health and wellness. Seeking help is a strength, not a weakness.
Mental health issues, substance use disorders and intellectual/developmental disabilities are the focus and purpose of McHenry County Mental Health Board. We were founded in 1967 as McHenry County’s “708 Board” (a local Community Mental Health Board established under the Illinois Community Mental Health Act) to act as a hub of mental health coordination among partner agencies, credentialed sources, community education and outreach. Often, our network can provide the types of mental health treatment that may not be covered by individual insurance.
Throughout the year, we lead services, partner with and fund agencies, and host trainings and conferences – all to support the needs of
individuals and families struggling with mental health.
By reaching out to the community to address anxiety, depression, panic attacks and conflicts, we can help individuals cope, which may reduce the chances that these situations escalate into crisis.
We encourage you to learn all you can about the resources and services we offer, whether for yourself or as a reference for someone else. Visit us at www.MC708.org, where you’ll find a wealth of information and connections to our county services.
Download the MCHELP app and share the value of its application with others. Note the 988 Crisis Lifeline and become familiar with it in case you ever need it.
We also encourage you to meet us in person. Our board members, selected by the McHenry County Board, meet monthly at 6 p.m. on the fourth Tuesday.
We also host an annual Town Hall meeting on May 8 at our building, 620 Dakota St., in Crystal Lake. This is an opportunity for community members to learn about the services we offer, as well as discuss needs and wants. All are encouraged to attend. If you cannot attend in person, we welcome you to share concerns and information remotely during the event or on our website.
McHenry County Mental Health Board is here to support our community members as they navigate mental health, substance use disorders and intellectual /developmental disabilities.
Sincerely, your fiscal year 2025 board of directors:
Connee Meschini, President
Ray Lapinas, Vice President
Lindsay Keisman, Treasurer Adam Carson, Secretary Christina Bruhn, Member
Carolyn Schofield, Member Amy Rath, Member Linda Hoch, Member
John Reinert, County Board Liaison
Time for Action
Thursday, May 8, 5:00 – 7:00 P.M. • Hybrid Format
In-person: 620 Dakota Street, Crystal Lake, IL • Via Zoom: www.MC708.org
Share your insights, ideas, and opinions in person or through Zoom chat during the Town Hall. Translation services are available with 48 hours of notice. Register and learn more on the website: www.MC708.org.
What is a Trauma-Informed Approach?
McHenry County Mental Health Board has a Trauma-Informed Change Team led by Gary Rukin, a licensed professional counselor. The purpose of this team is to help community leaders, school personnel and other community stakeholders promote and implement trauma-informed practices to help navigate the behaviors that might be caused by previous experiences.
These practices are rooted in the belief that everyone has experienced trauma – whether physical or emotional – and by considering why others think and behave the way they do, compassion can replace judgment, and healing can take place, Rukin says in a training video available on the mc708.org website.
In the same video, Dr. Isaiah Pickens, a licensed clinical psychologist and writer, explains why a trauma-informed approach is important.
“A trauma-informed approach, at the heart, is a way to deal with the invisible injuries that we don’t see but impact the way that we deal with the world, keep ourselves safe and eventually heal,” Pickens says. “A system that is trauma-informed allows us to be able to recognize when those invisible injuries – like
abuse or neglect – have impacted somebody, and then to respond in a way that helps them heal.”
Trauma is not an excuse for behavior, it is merely an explanation for it, Pickens continues, noting that how people explain issues can dictate how they deal with them.
“Understanding what’s at the heart of what might make someone feel so angry that they become aggressive or feel so withdrawn from the world that they’re not coming to work or taking care of their family… if we understand the heart of that, then we’re able to provide and respond – real services and real help and real social connections that allow them to reengage with the world in their fullest self.”
MCMHB continues to promote traumainformed approaches by providing bi-monthly support groups for care providers at noon on the second Wednesday of the month and at 5 p.m. the second Thursday at the Mental Health Board building. Training also is offered monthly on “A Trauma-Informed Approach,” which last year reached more than 300 individuals.
A two-hour training video, “A TraumaInformed Approach in Schools,” was
produced to meet new Illinois requirements. Implemented in District 47 Crystal Lake and District 15 McHenry elementary schools, the video is available at www.mc708.org.
Past promotions have included:
May 2024: A “Train-the-Trainer” event was hosted on Trauma-Informed Awareness Day to expand the reach of trauma-informed principles
September 2024: For the Community Connections Summit, the team published and distributed a booklet on the Loneliness Epidemic to 300 attendees
October 2024: A day-long training was hosted on “Kintsugi & Healing from Trauma: Adapting the lessons of Kintsugi to Trauma Informed Care,” educating more than 60 clinicians on specific intervention strategies
Throughout the school year, the traumainformed team has implemented a “Handle with Care” program in the City of McHenry, enhancing communication between the police department and schools. This program has served as a model for other jurisdictions within the county.
To learn more visit: www.mc708.org/atrauma-informed-approach/
Why is Self-compassion important?
Self-compassion, a concept deeply rooted in Buddhist philosophy and increasingly embraced in modern psychology, is the practice of treating oneself with the same kindness, care and understanding one would offer a dear friend facing hardship. It’s about recognizing that suffering, imperfection and failure are inherent aspects of the human experience and responding to these experiences with gentleness rather than harsh self-criticism.
In a world that often highlights achievement and perfection, we can become our own harshest critics. This relentless self-judgment can lead to anxiety, depression and a diminished sense of well-being.
Self-compassion acts as a buffer against these negative emotions, fostering resilience and emotional stability. It allows us to acknowledge our pain without becoming overwhelmed by it, and to learn from our mistakes without being defined
by them. Also, it cultivates a sense of interconnectedness, reminding us that we are not alone in our struggles.
Basic techniques for developing selfcompassion involve recognizing moments of suffering, understanding that these experiences are part of the shared human condition, and responding with kindness. This can be as simple as placing a hand on your heart, offering yourself words of comfort, or taking a moment to breathe deeply.
How Kind Are You To Yourself? (A Quick Self-Compassion Check)
For each question, choose the answer that best fits you:
Rarely Sometimes Often
Questions:
• When I’m having a hard time, I comfort myself like I would a good friend.
• I remind myself that everyone struggles sometimes.
• I’m gentle with myself when I make mistakes.
• I notice when I’m feeling stressed or upset, instead of ignoring it.
• I try to be understanding of my own flaws and imperfections.
Scoring:
Rarely = 1 point
Sometimes = 2 points
Often = 3 points
Total your score:
12-15 points: You show a lot of self-compassion. 8-11 points: You have a moderate level of selfcompassion.
5-7 points: You could benefit from practicing more self-compassion.
A few exercises to cultivate Self-compassion:
Self-compassion Break: When you notice you’re struggling, take a moment to acknowledge your pain (“This is a moment of suffering”). Remind yourself that suffering is a part of life (“Suffering and failure are common to all”). Offer yourself kind words (“May I be kind to myself in this moment”).
Compassionate Letter Writing: Write a letter to yourself from the perspective of a compassionate friend. Offer yourself understanding, encouragement and acceptance.
Identifying Self-Criticism: Pay attention to your inner dialogue. When you notice selfcritical thoughts, gently challenge them. Ask yourself if you would speak to a friend in the same way.
Soothing Touch: Place your hands on your heart, abdomen or any other part of your body that feels comforting. Feel the warmth and gentle pressure of your touch.
Mindful Breathing: Practice deep, slow breaths, focusing on the rise and fall of your abdomen. Visualize your breath as a soothing wave of kindness.
Body Scan: Gently scan your body, noticing any areas of tension or discomfort. Offer those areas gentle kindness and acceptance.
Loving Kindness Meditation: While sitting comfortably, bring to mind a person you care about, who cares about you. Then imagine them repeat the following phrases to you: “May you be safe. May you be peaceful. May you be healthy. May you live with ease.”
By consistently practicing these techniques, we can gradually cultivate a more compassionate relationship with ourselves, fostering greater emotional well-being and resilience.
988 Crisis & Suicide Prevention Lifeline
988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline has been available in McHenry County since July 2022. This national number replaces local 10-digit phone numbers and is maintained by individuals trained for crisis calls and suicide prevention.
McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force (MCSPTF) is leading a 2-year outreach campaign in the county to foster familiarity with 988 and build utilization of this valuable resource.
MCSPTF is a coalition of organizations and individuals seeking to inspire hope and cultivate connections to prevent suicides and support those impacted. Members and partners have a vested interest in suicide prevention in McHenry County. The task force offers support groups for those impacted by suicide, suicide prevention training, and hosts awareness events throughout the year.
In a county of more than 300,000 people, outreach efforts have been strategically planned to place 988 awareness before at least half the population over 24 months of activity.
Media coverage has included ongoing articles and social media posts through Northwest Herald and Shaw Media, while additional coverage has been provided via indoor and outdoor signage and posters, trainings and events, radio commercials, podcasts and educator awareness. The task force also plans to network with businesses to encourage signage in the workplace and training for both management and staff.
Because 988 is a national outreach program, businesses, schools and groups can obtain materials directly from it at https://orders. gpo.gov/SAMHSA988/Pubs.aspx However, the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force https://www.mchenrycountysptf.org/ may also be able to provide small quantities
of materials and local support for training and programs.
More than 20 organizations are members of the McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force. Members attend monthly meetings and work collaboratively on programs and outreach to prevent suicide in our community. For a full list of members, visit the website.
McHenry County Suicide Prevention Task Force does not provide crisis services. If you, or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7 free and confidential support for people in distress, as well as crisis resources for you or your loved ones. Call or text 988 or chat 988Lifeline.org. Speak with a licensed professional on any subject or topic. For other emergencies, call 911 and ask for a Mental Health Trained Officer.
Rotarian Mary Bishop donates 4 permanent 988 Crisis Signs to Jason Herbster for Crystal Lake Parks.
Crisis Lifeline 988 posters in restaurants and recreation centers.
Mental Health Support & Resources
Mental health is important to our overall well-being and should be prioritized as much as our physical health. Not only does it affect our thoughts, feelings and actions, it also plays a role in how we manage stress, interact with others and make decisions.
Maintaining mental health and wellness is crucial at every point in life, from childhood through adolescence to adulthood. Some mental health conditions can develop from biological factors, such as genes or brain chemistry or family history, but they can also stem from negative life experiences, such as trauma. Throughout your life, if you encounter issues, your cognition, emotions and behaviors may be impacted. It’s a normal part of life.
According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America (ADAA), anxiety disorders are the most common mental illness in the U.S., affecting 40 million adults 18 and older, or about 19.1% of the population every year. Anxiety is excessive worry, fear or nervousness that can also develop into panic attacks, phobias, social anxiety or generalized anxiety disorder.
Symptoms may include restlessness, difficulty concentrating, physical tension and sleep disturbances.
Depression, meanwhile, affects 8% of the population; another 8% co-manages a mental illness and a substance use disorder. These are also very common. Other less prevalent conditions are post-traumatic stress disorder, bipolar disorder, borderline personality disorder, obsessive-compulsive disorder and schizophrenia.
Whatever condition you may have or develop, there is help.
McHenry County Mental Health Board funds an array of resources for mental health, substance use disorders and intellectual/ developmental disabilities. At times, MCMHB funding is supplemental to state funding, particularly when state funding falls short of an agency’s expenses. However, MCMHB primarily supports specific agency programs and positions that would not exist in the community without mental health board funding.
MCMHB funding also provides access to services for residents who cannot afford to
pay for them. This is particularly important, because when individuals experience financial hardship, job or relationship/people losses, homelessness, or lack of access to healthcare and services, their mental health can become significantly impacted. Stress, anxiety, depression and feelings of hopelessness can arise due to the constant struggle to meet basic needs. For the majority, this is situational and can be resolved over time.
However, not seeking help can leave individuals and families in worse situations. According to the Centers for Disease Control, more people in the U.S. are dying from suicide, drug and alcohol poisoning, and alcoholic liver disease than any other time in recorded history. These are categorized as “deaths of despair”.
MCMHB and its network of providers continue to focus on preventing deaths of despair. McHenry County is fortunate to have a mental health board in the community that is committed to providing crucial funding and access to comprehensive education, prevention, treatment, recovery and support services at a local level.
Veterans Path to Hope food donation
Consumer Credit Counseling Services of Northern Illinois in the News
Mental Health Resources
The following organizations are network partners with MCMHB that provide mental health services, Association for Individual Development serves adolescents and adults with psychiatric health and behavioral health services. Ascension Crystal Lake provides child and adolescent counseling and a Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) as well as Intensive Outpatient Psychiatric services (IOP). Horizons Behavioral Health, Independence Health and Therapy, Pioneer Center for Behavioral Health all support the needs of adolescents, runaway and homeless youth. Rosecrance Behavioral Health offers psychiatric, mental health and substance abuse services for children, adolescents and adults with IOP and PHP. Thresholds is a community support mental health services program for adults and transitional youth. Veterans Path to Hope offers peer-to-peer counseling, transitional support, housing assistance, employment and food resources for veterans and their families.
MCMHB funds the psychiatry and behavioral health care elements at several integrated practices to provide low- to no-cost medical needs, including: Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, Family Health Partnership Clinic and Greater Family Health
The National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) in McHenry County is also a great place to find peer support and advocacy for individuals and families who are experiencing substance abuse and other mental health concerns.
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois (CCCSNI) is a funded agency that provides comprehensive financial counseling. Guidance and support are aimed at alleviating debt, fostering financial literacy, finding affordable housing and eliminating student loan issues, which can relieve stress for individuals and families. Counseling services are provided at no cost to clients.
Veterans Path to Hope Outdoor Fishing NAMI Seeds of Hope Program
NAMI Walks 2025 on Oct. 4
Find the Support Needed for Substance Use Disorder and Addiction
Do you ever wonder if you have a substance use disorder? Answer the following questions with either Yes or No:
• Do you ever feel you should cut down on your drinking or drug use?
• Do people annoy you by criticizing your drinking or drug use?
• Do you feel guilty about your drinking or drug use?
• Do you ever have an eye-opener (a drink or drugs used early in the morning) to get rid of a hangover?
Score for all four questions:
0-1 Yes responses: Minimal risk of substance abuse.
2-3 Yes responses: Moderate risk, further assessment may be needed.
4 Yes responses: Higher risk, professional evaluation and support recommended.
(This is only a screening device, not a diagnosis. Seek help from a healthcare or substance abuse professional for a comprehensive evaluation and guidance.)
Support is here for you!
In the U.S., 6% of the population – nearly 20 million people over the age of 12 – battle with a substance use disorder. You, or someone you love, could also be struggling with both a mental health disability and substance use disorder as co-occurring disorders. This co-occurrence appears in 2% of U.S. adults, or approximately 8.5 million people.
Closer to home in McHenry County, this statistic
translates to 18,840 individuals with substance use disorders and 6,160 individuals with both mental health and substance use disorders.
McHenry County Mental Health Board helps fund qualified programs in the county to provide residents experiencing substance use disorders with access to treatment. Northern Illinois Recovery Center (NIRC), New Directions, Rosecrance and Mather’s Recovery are excellent resources in the area.
Recovery homes in McHenry County are available through Rosecrance and New Directions if you need a more supportive living environment while involved in intensive treatment.
Crystal Lake is home to The Other Side, a sober bar that hosts many Narcotics Anonymous and Alcohol Anonymous meetings. It offers socialization and relationships for those managing substance use issues.
Both New Directions and Live4Lali are a good start if you’re not sure where to begin. Live4Lali focuses on prevention through education with peer support, meetings, advocacy, harm reduction education and training. Free Naloxone training and distribution also are available.
Resources for youth, teens and their families also are available close to home. Youth and Family Center of McHenry County provides bilingual services. Crystal Lake Teen Center: The BREAK offers programs after school. WARP CORPS in Woodstock seeks to serve those experiencing poverty and adversity who may use drugs and alcohol to escape.
Ready to act? A Way Out (815) 347-0383 is available 24/7 for those needing assistance to get into treatment options. Navigators can take calls through 11 p.m. and will return messages the next day for overnight callers.
For more resources, visit www.MC708.org.
The Break
Live4Lali
Intellectual / Developmental Disabilites
Bridging the gap between state and local care
Intellectual disability describes the neurodevelopmental condition of a person who has significant difficulties with learning, problem-solving, memory and adaptive skills. People with an intellectual disability typically have an IQ below 70.
Developmental disability is a broad term that includes a range of conditions, including intellectual, physical and neurological impairments, plus sensory issues such as vision and hearing loss.
The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) Division of Developmental Disabilities (DDD) approves services and supports individuals with developmental disabilities such as Autism, Cerebral Palsy, Down Syndrome, Spinal Bifida and Birth Defects. However, these state services are highly regulated, and families often end up waiting for care.
In fact, of the approximately 32,000 children and adults supported in Illinois through IDHS/DDD, almost 16,000 individuals are on waitlists, due to funding challenges and service structures.
McHenry County alone has more than 500 individuals that are waiting for services to be approved by IDHS/DDD.
McHenry County Mental Health Board knows that significant needs remain unmet. The board is determined to continue to work with local providers and advocate for improvements in the state system.
Do you have a family member in need of services or advocacy?
To help families waiting for state assistance, MCMHB partners with and helps fund several local programs and agencies.
Options and Advocacy (O&A) is a resource for families that are having difficulty accessing services or are on the waitlist with IDHS/IDD.
MCMHB funds the O&A Autism Resource Center, which provides a bilingual (Spanish) navigator.
Clearbrook and Pioneer Center each provide
MCMHB-funded programs for residential and group home support, day programs, employment services, case management, family respite services and coordination of care.
Ascension Crystal Lake, through MCMHB funding, provides services to individuals with Autism.
The MCMHB also supports the Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA), which provides year-round special recreation programs so that people with disabilities may participate actively in their community in the least restrictive setting. MCMHB supports access to their Day Treatment, Respite Services and Leisure Education Adventure Program (LEAP).
To learn more about these services and others, visit www.MC708.org
Pioneer Center at People in Need Forum
Ribbon Cutting for Bright Program, a partnership between Pioneer Center and NISRA
Mental Health Resource Guide 2025
Obtain access to the organizations listed via phone, web, or connect through the MCHELP app.
22nd Judicial Circuit Specialty Courts Mental Health, Drug, and DUI Courts
815-334-4502
www.22ndCircuitIL.gov/office-of-special-projects
Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Youth Outpatient Hospitalization Programs
855-383-2224 www.healthcare.ascension.org
Association for Individual Development (AID) Psychiatric and Behavioral Health Services 847-931-2340 www.aidcares.org
Aunt Martha’s Health and Wellness, Inc. Psychiatric Health Services 877-692-8686
www.auntmarthas.org
Child Advocacy Center of McHenry County, Inc.
Secondary Trauma Services 815-334-9597 www.mchenrycac.org
Clearbrook CHOICE Program and Respite Services 815-893-0828 www.clearbrook.org
Consumer Credit Counseling Service of Northern Illinois, Inc. Financial Counseling 815-338-5757 www.illinoiscccs.org
Crystal Lake Teen Center, NFP (The BREAK) Teen Prevention/ After School Programming
779-220-4080 www.CLBreak.com
Family Health Partnership Clinic Service Navigation, Mental Health and Mental Health Services
779-220-9300 www.hpclinic.org
Greater Family Health Mental Health, Medical and Treatment Services
844-599-3700 www.greaterfamilyhealth.org
Home of the Sparrow Support for Homeless 815-271-5444 www.HOSparrow.org
Horizons Behavioral Health Professional Services, LLC
Psychiatric Services
815-455-7100 www. horizonsbh.com
Independence Health and Therapy Psychiatric, Brain Injury, Mental Health Services and Adult Rehab
815-338-3590 www.independencehealth.org
Live 4 Lali, Inc.
McHenry County Harm Reduction, Narcan, and Recovery
844-584-5254 www.Live4lali.org
Mathers Recovery, LLC
Psychiatric and Opiate Recovery Services
224-908-3005
www.themathersrecovery.com
McHenry County Sheriff’s Office
Police Social Work Program
815-338-2144
www.mchenrysheriff.org/police-social-worker/
National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI)
McHenry County Recovery Support Services
815-526-8243
www.namimch.org
New Directions Addiction Recovery Services
Sober Living Case Management and Alcohol/ Drug Treatment Services
779-220-0336 www.ndars.org
Northwestern Medicine
ER and Inpatient Adult and IOP Programs and Mental Health Services
815-338-2500
www.nm.org/locations/woodstock-hospital
Northern Illinois Recovery Center
Detox and Treatment Program
855-458-1739
www.northernillinoisrecovery.com
Northern Illinois Special Recreation Association (NISRA)
Community Integration Services for those with IDD 815-459-0737 www.nisra.org
Northwest Center Against Sexual Assault
Sexual Assault Intervention Program
815-671-4004
www.nwcasa.org
Options & Advocacy
Autism Resource Center and IDD Advocacy
815-477-4720
www.optionsandadvocacy.org
Pioneer Center for Human Services Day Programs, Autism, PADS Services, and Youth Mental Health Services 815-344-1230
www.pioneercenter.org
Rosecrance, Inc. Psychiatric, Mental Health & Substance Abuse Services 815-391-1000
www.rosecrance.org
Thresholds
Community Support Mental Health Services
815-338-8324
www.thresholds.org
Turning Point, Inc.
Domestic Violence Services
815-338-8081
www.turnpt.org
Veterans Path to Hope
Veteran Peer to Peer Support 815-321-4673
www.VPHope.org
Warp Corps
Teen Prevention and Homeless Outreach
815-985-6256
www.warpcorps.org
Youth and Family Center of McHenry County Youth Prevention and Family Support Services 815-322-2357
www.yfc-mc.org
Download the MCHELP App for information and referral. On the web, visit www.MC708.org.
Our ABC’s
We’ve all learned our ABC’s, geography – and aim to please our parents, teachers and officials –and how to read a doctor’s scribbles. But have we learned how to be kind to ourselves for peace of mind, and how to reach beyond ourselves when we could use a little help, or even reach the soul within,
the child who lives inside our skin, and offer up the same compassion we’d give a friend in a warm fashion … Or do we treat ourselves with harsh intentions, too severe to even mention— Let kindness be our guiding light, and heal the wounds we hold so tight.
By Gary Rukin, LPC
Page 3 for more on
QUICK CONNECT 2025
United Way of McHenry County offers 2-1-1 available 24/7 to make referrals to health and human service agencies – from mortgage, rent and utility assistance to food banks, child care, health services, job training, clothing, emergency shelter, counseling and much more.
MCHELP App is a quick click to reach immediate crisis support and information via text or voice 24/7. Anonymous access to trained counselors in times of anxiety, depression, stress or need. Use is free and confidential. The app can be downloaded for free from iTunes or Google or MC708.org.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. The National Suicide and Crisis Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals in the United States. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org
The McHenry County Mental Health Board is able to assist with questions regarding mental health and substance abuse resources available in McHenry County. Visit our website MC708.org, or scan our QR code for a direct connect.
(See
Self-compassion and A Trauma Informed Approach by Gary Rukin)