In Honor of the 50th Anniversary of the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township – A Proclamation 

WHEREAS, mental health is essential to everyone’s overall health and well- being; and

WHEREAS, all Oak Park residents experience times of difficulty and stress in their lives; and

WHEREAS, with early and effective treatment, those individuals with mental health disorders can recover and lead full, productive lives; and

WHEREAS, the adoption of the federal Community Mental Health Act in 1963 resulted in the enactment of HB 708 by the Illinois General Assembly in 1963; and,

WHEREAS, HB 708 permits any county, city, village, incorporated town, or

township to create a locally based mental health board with a funding mechanism to generate local revenues to provide mental health services; and,

WHEREAS, in May 1973 Oak Park Township established, through voter referendum, a community mental health board, commonly referred to as a 708 board to fund and support the needs local to Oak Park residents; and,

WHEREAS, the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township annually funds initiatives that provide treatment and early intervention services for individuals and families with mental health, substance use, and intellectual/developmental disabilities;

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED by the Board of Trustees of Oak Park

Township, we celebrate the Community Mental Health Board of Oak Park Township and congratulate them on their 50th anniversary.

Dated this 23rd day of May 2023

By:

Clarmarie I. Keenan, Township Supervisor