The Milton Township Community Mental Health Board (also known as the 708 Board after House Bill 708) is dedicated to the strategic planning and funding of mental health, intellectual/developmental disability, and substance abuse services. 

The Purpose of the Community Mental Health Board

The Milton Township 708 Mental Health Board exists to:

Increase system-wide coordination and collaboration among behavioral health system partners and stakeholders.

Provide information to community residents to increase public awareness and education of behavioral health needs in the community and available support resources.

Conduct ongoing assessment to identify community needs and prioritize service provision.

Ensure that local tax funds are allocated and monitored in an effective and responsible manner.

Collect and analyze data within Milton Township to track and monitor the community impact of funding.


Milton Township Community Mental Health Board History

Community Mental Health Boards (CMHBs) were first established by the Community Mental Health Act (405 ILCS20/) in 1963. There are over 90 such boards in Illinois.

In 2020, Milton Township voters approved a referendum that established the Milton Township Community Mental Health Board to fund mental health, developmental disabilities, and substance abuse programs that serve township residents. The Act calls for the establishment of a seven-member community mental health board to administer local funds and plan and coordinate services within the local behavioral health system. In July 2021, seven  Milton Township residents were appointed to serve on the community mental health board.

Since 2020, the Milton Township Community Mental Health Board has worked diligently to: 
- Design an innovative grant application process
- Conduct rigorous, ongoing oversight of grants
- Increase awareness of mental health

Since our inception in 2021, the Milton Township Mental Health Board has distributed more than $3 million to over 30 agencies serving residents in the areas of mental health, intellectual and developmental disabilities, and substance use disorder. Over the next three years, we will continue investing in high-impact services while strengthening the capacity of these organizations to better serve our community and coordinate with local and county systems of care.

- 708 CMHB President, Shannon Hartnett

Impact Snapshot: A Veteran Finds Stability and Sanctuary

After years of homelessness and instability due to severe anxiety and PTSD from his military service, this Milton Township resident longed for a place to call his own. Thanks to the wraparound case services provided by our 708 Community Mental Health Board and DuPage County Pads, he now has stable housing with a balcony he considers his “sanctuary.” Next steps? Reconnecting with family and participating in veteran support groups. This is a powerful reminder of how coordinated community-based mental health support helps residents rebuild stability and connection.

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram to hear about the impact of Milton Township's services within our community. 


How to Apply for Funds

Funding is available for behavioral health organizations serving residents of Milton Township. Applications for 2027 funding will be open July 1, 2026.

Typically, applications are accepted annually from June to August.  

For more information, visit: CMHB Funding Page

For upcoming 708 Meetings, head to the Township Calendar .