The Piatt County Mental Health Board is taking a big step forward as it establishes its footprint in its communities. 

On the WHOW Morning Show Monday, Executive Director of the Piatt County Mental Health Center Tony Kirkman reminds that last November, the people of Piatt County voted to pass a referendum that gives the Piatt County 708 Board dollars from property taxes. 

Now that the 708 Board has figured out funding, Kirkman explains they have been deciding on how to best use those dollars. One local issue that stands out is the inflated rate of suicide ideation and depression in young people. 

On the other end of the spectrum, those who answered a recent survey were age 55+ and also showed an increased rate of depression. 

With tax day still in the rearview mirror, the 708 Board is still waiting for funds to be officially allocated to them; however, once the money is received, Kirkman hopes these new programs will be up and running by the fall.

To keep up with all the latest from the Piatt County Mental Health Center and all their resources, visit piattmhc.org or find them on Facebook. 

We’ll have more with Kirkman on giving access to therapists in schools in the days ahead on Regional Radio.