Seven members have been appointed to the newly formed Will County Community Mental Health Commission.
The board, which was established after voters approved the November referendum, will be tasked with assessing the mental health needs of the community and coordinating the system of services.
The Will County board approved seven appointments on Thursday.
“Improving mental health networks across the county is a priority for the Will County government,” county administrator Bertino Tarrant said in a news release announcing the appointment. “This new board will work to support residents facing increasing mental health challenges in our community.”
Board members are:
• Ernarin Costa Mr. Bolingbrook is a county officer and fund administrator for the Service Employees International Union Healthcare Illinois Benefit Fund.
• Orlando DeYoung of Plainfield, a mental health advocate
• Michael Flanagan Former firefighter Green Garden Township, including work with Illinois Firefighter Peer Support Group, Illinois 100 Club, National Down Syndrome Association, and Will County Historic Preservation Commission
• Katrina Jones A nurse with 22 years of experience and mental health training at University Park
•Terry King A retired county employee of Plainfield with 20 years of experience as a mental health advocate, he serves on the board of mental health advocacy group NAMI Will Grundy.
• Jessica Parks He is a licensed clinical social worker, owner of Rooted Counseling LLC, and a board member of Bolingbrook Pride and Will County Pride Coalition.
• Ashley Shearing Joliet’s Community Mental Health Awareness Advocate, Associate Professional at Joliet Grade School District 86, and Founder of RejuveNate Plants & Wellness.
