Mental Health

A program that works to reduce caseloads at Bloomington-Normal emergency rooms and the McLean County jail has seen significant growth in the last two years. It's the Frequent User System Engagement, or FUSE program.

The shift is partly a response to changes in the nonprofit's grant funding. YWCA said it's also an opportunity to better assist with pre-release job training for incarcerated individuals.

Chestnut Health Systems and Lighthouse Institute are recruiting 48 families to participate in their new research study on how to provide young adults and their families with alternative forms of substance use support.

Bloomington residents and businesses can no longer possess or sell the herbal substance kratom and synthetic alternatives, following action taken by the city council.

Ridgeview High School in Colfax hosted conference rivals Flanagan-Cornell for a Midday Madness event combining sports and student safety.

A delay last year in finishing the external audit for McLean County government put grants at risk and further heightened periodic and recurring tensions. McLean County Board Chair Elizabeth Johnston said in a WGLT interview she thinks this year will go much better.

A federal grant in McLean County that provides community-based children’s services of welfare, mental health and schools has been terminated, effective immediately. The county is still determining how to fill a $500,000 funding gap.

During a visit to Bloomington-Normal on Tuesday, Gov. JB Pritzker said he supports changing how state colleges and universities are funded, but wouldn't commit to releasing discretionary funds held back last fall.

Counselors say January is the most depressing month of the year, as longer nights disrupt our circadian rhythms.

An advisory committee that helps direct funding for mental health and public safety programs in McLean County is signaling support for two court programs that lost federal funding. But how they will be funded in the long term remains unclear.