By IL Public Radio
Springfield, IL – The latest report from mental health advocates says Illinois has made progress when it comes to how law enforcement and the courts deal with the mentally ill.
But state budget cuts have made it harder for people to access services.
The National Alliance on Mental Illness gives Illinois a grade of "D" on their report card... slightly up from a previous failing mark. But mental health provider Marvin Lindsey says its not good enough. "A grade of D is unacceptable. This cannot be applauded. It still needs to be looked at as a lot of room for improvement."
Along with asking for more state funding... advocates say they want to end the practice of "warehousing" the mentally ill in nursing homes and prisons. They add that when someone needs mental health services... they should be able to get that help.
A spokesperson with the Department of Human Services says Illinois has work to do... but has made strides in reaching out to those in need and their families. She says the down economy has led to more people seeking mental health services.
