Sangamon County Establishes New Mental Health Board Under Dr. Tatyana Gardner
Sangamon County has established a new mental health board, led by Springfield native Dr. Tatyana Gardner. The board, funded by a voter-approved tax increase, will focus on supporting grassroots organizations and preventing mental health crises in the community.
Champaign Urbana & Springfield Decatur, IL, November 12, 2026 — A new mental health board has been established in Sangamon County, with Dr. Tatyana Gardner, a native of Springfield, appointed to lead the initiative. The board’s creation is a direct result of a voter-approved tax increase, intended to bolster mental health services within the county.
The primary objectives of the newly formed board are to provide support to grassroots mental health organizations and to focus on the prevention of mental health crises. The specific details regarding the voter-approved tax increase, including the exact amount or percentage and the date of its approval, were not provided in the available information. Similarly, the names of the grassroots organizations that will receive support have not yet been disclosed.
Dr. Gardner’s appointment as the head of this board signifies a commitment to community-based mental health solutions. Her local ties to Springfield are noted as a key aspect of her leadership role. The board is expected to play a crucial part in developing and implementing strategies aimed at addressing mental health challenges at a local level. Further details on the board’s operational plans and specific programs are anticipated as it begins its work.
Story summarized from the original created by Carlee Bronkema on www.wandtv.com, see more information here.
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