Dave Sharar

Chestnut Health Systems is changing its top leader. Chief Operating Officer Puneet Leekha will become CEO next year. Current CEO Dave Sharar will transition to do more research with the Lighthouse Institute wing of Chestnut.

The head of Bloomington-based Chestnut Health Systems said Gov. JB Pritzker's proposed boost in mental health funding comes at a critical time. The $140 million in additional money was part of Pritzker's budget speech last week.

Chestnut Health Systems of Bloomington will be taking part in a national study that aims to curb opioid abuse among recently released prisoners.Lighthouse…