DHS-CALL4CALM TEXT LINE

Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall permanently establish the Call4Calm text line to support Illinois residents' mental health needs during the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic. Provides that an Illinois resident shall be able to utilize the Call4Calm text line if the resident or someone the resident knows is struggling with stress related to the COVID-19 pandemic and needs emotional support. Provides that the service shall be free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provides that callers seeking assistance shall remain anonymous and shall only be required to provide their first name and zip code to enable the service to link callers to a counselor in their area who is knowledgeable about available local resources. Requires the Department to adopt rules. Effective immediately. House Committee Amendment No. 1 Replaces everything after the enacting clause. Amends the Department of Human Services Act. Provides that subject to appropriation, the Department of Human Services shall permanently establish the Call4Calm text line to support Illinois residents' mental health needs. Provides that an Illinois resident shall be able to utilize the Call4Calm text line if the resident or someone the resident knows is struggling with stress and needs emotional support. Provides that the service shall be free of charge and available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Provides that callers seeking assistance shall remain anonymous and shall be linked to a mental health provider that is responsible for the provision of mental health services in the caller's geographic area. Effective immediately.