GOVERNOR J-B PRITZKER IS RELEASING A REPORT ON IMPROVING BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE FOR ILLINOIS CHILDREN. 

THE REPORT MAKES 12 RECOMMENDATIONS FOR TRANSFORMING THE STATE'S BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE SYSTEM. THEY INCLUDE CREATING A CENTRALIZED RESOURCE, WHICH THE GOVERNOR SAYS HAS ALREADY BEEN TESTED ON A SMALLER SCALE.

OTHER SUGGESTIONS INCLUDE ADDING MORE RESIDENTIAL AND INPATIENT BEDS AND ADDRESSING THE SHORTAGE OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE WORKERS. GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS A LONG-TERM GOAL IS TO IMPLEMENT UNIVERSAL SCREENINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES IN SCHOOLS. 

GOVERNOR PRITZKER SAYS THEY WILL ALSO CREATE A HOTLINE AND CENTRALIZED ONLINE PORTAL TO MAKE IT EASIER FOR FAMILIES TO FIND SERVICES, WORK TO INCREASE THE NUMBER OF BEHAVIORAL HEALTH CARE WORKERS AND LAUNCH SCHOOL SCREENINGS FOR MENTAL HEALTH CHALLENGES.

THE REPORT IS THE PRODUCT OF AN INITIATIVE LAUNCHED LAST YEAR.