Community Behavioral Healthcare Association

Stay Informed About Upcoming Medicaid Changes

The federal government is enacting changes that may affect some Medicaid customers starting January 2027. Many customers will not be affected. Illinois Medicaid will contact you if these changes apply to you. Make sure we can reach you. If you receive mail from the State of Illinois, open it right away - your coverage may depend on it.

Update your address, phone number, and email today:Visit abe.illinois.govCall 877-805-5312

CBHA staff attended Governor Pritzker’s Youth Mental Health Roundtable, joining leaders and advocates focused on supporting the mental health and well-being of young people across Illinois.

The discussion included the growing impact of social media on youth mental health and the importance of creating safe, supportive spaces both online and in our communities. Conversations also highlighted the need for increased access to care and awareness.

Heritage Behavioral Health Center's crisis hotline averages 700 calls a month Once people connect with Crisis Call Center workers, they will be offered support and the next steps to get care based on their immediate needs, including the Mobile Crisis Response

Congratulations to Heritage Behavioral Health Center on being recognized as a Top Women-Led Workplace! Incredible recognition for an organization whose leadership and impact are driven by so many dedicated women committed to serving their communities every day. Well deserved!

We are proud to be a workplace with a majority of our leadership roles filled by women. Our most recent employee survey led Heritage to being awarded with a Top Women-Led Workplace award. Our organization would not be able to provide the services it does everyday without the dedication and care of so many women on our teams here at Heritage.

"Residents living on Chicago’s West Side are advocating for a pilot overdose prevention center, where people can go to access wraparound resources that have successfully reduced overdose deaths in other states and use drugs under supervision of trained professionals who can intervene to prevent fatalities."

West Side fights for overdose prevention center - Austin Weekly News House Bill 2929 could create pilot site for wraparound services, supervised drug use on West Side

"Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday announced an expansion to the city's CARE Program, a specialized team that responds to mental health crises without police.

The CARE Program — the acronym stands for Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement — will now be available in all 77 community areas in Chicago."

Chicago's CARE Program for mental health call responses to expand throughout city Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson on Wednesday announced an expansion to the city's CARE Program, a specialized team that responds to mental health crises without police.

Be prepared with compassion and confidence. 💙

Join Thresholds Crisis Response staff on Friday, May 29 for a FREE Mental Health First Aid® training in Chicago. This nationally recognized, evidence-based program helps you recognize the signs of a mental health crisis, respond with care, and support friends, coworkers, and community members when they need it most.

📍 4101 N Ravenswood Ave, Chicago
🕘 9 AM – 3 PM
🎓 Continuing Education Credits available
🔗 Sign up here: https://bit.ly/4fhyU4F

Mental health support starts with knowledge — and everyone can play a role in creating safer, more compassionate communities.

Did you lose your SNAP benefits because of the new federal SNAP work requirements?

The federal government made changes to SNAP and some customers lost benefits on May 1, 2026, if they weren’t meeting or exempt from new work requirements.

See if you can file an exemption: https://aberp.illinois.gov/screener/ABAWD?lang=EN

Customers can regain eligibility and meet the new work requirements by working, volunteering, or participating in a training or education program. Visit: SNAPWorkRequirements.illinois.gov