McHenry County Mental Health Board

08/07/2026

🌿 August is National Wellness Month! 🌿

Wellness doesn't require a total life overhaul—small daily habits make a big impact on your emotional and mental health.

Here are 4 simple habits to try today:

📱 Unplug for 15 minutes – Step away from screens to lower stress and improve sleep.
🧘 Pause and breathe – Take 5 minutes to ground yourself or write down what you're grateful for.
🚶 Step outside – A quick 10-minute walk in natural light boosts mood and energy.
💬 Reach out – Text or call a friend; connection is powerful medicine.

How are you prioritizing yourself this month? Share your favorite self-care habit below! 👇✨

Resources for Further Reading:

◆ NIH Emotional Wellness Toolkit: nih.gov/health-information/emotional-wellness-toolkit
◆ SAMHSA Wellness Resources: samhsa.gov/mental-health/wellness
◆ Mental Health America: mhanational.org

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Disclaimer: Per Mental Health Board procedure, the Mental Health Board will not respond to comments on any post. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the McHenry County Mental Health Board at 815-455-2828 or [email protected].

08/06/2026

08/05/2026

🗓️ HOT SHEETS FOR THE WEEK OF AUGUST 5, 2026! 🗓️

Looking for professional training sessions or local support groups? The McHenry County Mental Health Board has released its latest weekly Hot Sheet.

🔹 View the full schedule here:https://mc708.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/08/2026-8-5-Hot-Sheet-FINAL.pdf

📥 Want to stay in the loop? Get these helpful resources delivered directly to your inbox every week by signing up here: https://mc708.org/hot-sheets/



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Disclaimer: Per Mental Health Board procedure, the Mental Health Board will not respond to comments on any post. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the McHenry County Mental Health Board at 815-455-2828 or [email protected].

08/05/2026

🌟 REGISTRATION IS NOW OPEN! 🌟

Mark your calendars for the Community Connections Summit! Join us as we come together under this year's powerful theme: Building Community Through Conversations That Matter.

Whether you're looking to learn, network, or discover local support, this event is designed to equip and inspire you.

📅 Date: September 11, 2026 ⏰ Time: 9:00 AM – 3:00 PM 📍 Location: McHenry County College

What to Expect:

🎤 Inspiring Keynote Speaker: Kick off the morning with a powerful presentation by Shira Greenfied, LCPC, to set the focus for the day.

💡 12 Breakout Sessions: Dive deep into topics that matter most to our community throughout the day.

🤝 Resource Expo: Connect with numerous local exhibitors ready to provide the tools, services, and resources you need.

🥗 Complimentary Lunch: Enjoy a free lunch provided for all registered attendees!

Don't wait to reserve your spot!

👉 Register today: https://mc708.org/ccsummit/

Let’s build a stronger, more connected community—together. See you there! 🙌



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Disclaimer: Per Mental Health Board procedure, the Mental Health Board will not respond to comments on any post. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the McHenry County Mental Health Board at 815-455-2828 or [email protected].

08/04/2026

Caring for a loved one with dementia comes with unique challenges. At times it can feel confusing and frustrating, but understanding the disease can make a meaningful difference. Here are four tips to help support both you and your loved one.
Our Day Break Lounge offers memory care day services that utilizes Montessori methods to activate reminiscing and increase cognitive function. To learn more about our memory care program, call (815) 338-3590. You do not have to navigate dementia care alone.

08/04/2026

Congrats!

As we celebrate our 25th anniversary, patient stories like these are a true testament to 25 years of serving our communities with compassion, trust, and quality care.

Greater Family Health located in McHenry provides family practice, internal medicine, pediatrics, obstetrics/gynecology, and behavioral health care and additional services.

We are here to care for you and your family, at every stage of life. Let us join you in this life journey to health and wellness!

08/04/2026

Illinois is launching the Families Receiving Emergency Support for Hunger (FRESH) program to help eligible Illinoisans who lost SNAP benefits due to recent federal work requirement changes.

Beginning August 1, eligible individuals can automatically receive a one-time $400 benefit per eligible household member – no application required.

Learn more about eligibility, benefit timing, and available resources in this press release: https://gov-pritzker-newsroom.prezly.com/governor-pritzker-launches-fresh-program-to-support-up-to-175000-illinoisans-the-trump-administration-kicked-off-snap

08/03/2026

Your teen walks in, drops their backpack, says they are fine, and disappears behind a bedroom door. 🎒

You can tell something feels off. Now comes the part parents rarely get a script for: how do you check in without making them shut down more? 💚

Start with what you notice. You seem quieter than usual lately. How are you doing?
Then give them room to answer.

Keep the questions open. Let the silence sit for a minute. Listen before jumping into solutions.

If they are not ready to talk, leave the door open.
Okay. You do not have to talk right now. I am here when you are ready.

When they do open up, one question can help you understand what support feels useful to them:
Do you want me to listen, help you think through it, or help you find someone else to talk with?

That choice gives your teen space to tell you what they need while still knowing you are beside them.

At Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital, compassionate support can begin with moments like these. A calm check-in. A parent who keeps listening. A teen who knows the conversation can happen without judgment.

And sometimes, it takes more than one conversation before they are ready. Keep showing up. 💚

08/03/2026

We want to extend our heartfelt gratitude and applause to one of our wonderful sponsors — Northern Illinois Recovery Center. Your dedicated support and powerful partnership allow us to make a meaningful difference across the community. We are incredibly thankful for your generosity.

To learn more about their vital work and commitment to community empowerment, visit their website: https://www.northernillinoisrecovery.com/

Thank you, Northern Illinois Recovery Center, for your outstanding leadership and support!

You can also connect with them and other leaders at the McHenry County Community Connections Summit. Learn more and Register here: https://www.mc708.org/ccsummit



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Disclaimer: Per Mental Health Board procedure, the Mental Health Board will not respond to comments on any post. If you are in need of assistance, please contact the McHenry County Mental Health Board at 815-455-2828 or [email protected].

08/03/2026

🍎 Attention School Professionals! 📚

Join us for the Behavioral Health Resource Fair for School Professionals! Connect with area providers and learn about the helpful resources and services available in our community to boost your ability to provide information and referrals to the families and individuals you work with.

All school professionals are welcome to attend!

🗓 When: August 7th | 9:00 AM – 11:00 AM

📍 Where: McHenry County Mental Health Board, 620 Dakota St, Crystal Lake

🌟 NEW THIS YEAR:

👕 Clothes Drive for the Homeless Support the McHenry County Resource Center by bringing much-needed NEW items for both men and women:
◆ NEW Socks
◆ NEW Underwear
◆ NEW T-shirts

✏️ FREE Gently Used School Resources Kickstart your classroom with free gently used office supplies, whiteboards, organizers, corkboards, and more! (First come, first served!)

Don't miss this opportunity to connect, stock up, and support our community. See you there! 🤝✨