Lake County has received two Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo) for its innovative efforts to address digital equity and provide critical outreach to individuals in a mental health crisis. On an annual basis, NACo recognizes outstanding county government programs across 18 categories covering a wide spectrum of responsibilities.  

“Lake County strives to be a national leader and it is a tremendous honor to be recognized for innovation on issues like digital equity and mental health that counties across the country are challenged with on a daily basis,” said Lake County Board Chair Sandy Hart. 

The first award recognized the County’s Digital Growth Initiative (DGI). The DGI was created in 2023 to better understand the current state of high-speed internet service and digital equity in Lake County and then implement solutions for improvement. More than 19,000 households, accounting for eight percent of the county, do not have any type of broadband subscription, including those available through a cell phone plan. 

After thorough community engagement and data analysis, the County adopted the Broadband and Digital Equity Action Plan in December 2023 to assess the current state of broadband and digital equity and create a strategic framework to guide the County’s future direction. This plan identifies internet availability, affordability and digital inclusion for all as its goals and provides recommendations to address those gaps.

“We are committed to addressing digital equity for everyone,” said Jennifer Clark, Chair of the Special Committee on Broadband and Lake County Board Member District 15. “It is exciting to see our Broadband and Digital Equity Plan in action. Our goal is for as many residents as possible to have access to affordable high-speed internet along with the appropriate devices and training they need to safely use the internet.” 

The Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) was also recognized for its effort to ensure the safety of residents who struggle with mental health issues. This multi-agency team became operational in January 2022. When a mental health related call is received, a social worker, clinician or peer specialist will partner with a police officer or a Sheriff’s deputy from one of the team agencies to respond.

The team consists of members from the Gurnee, Lake Forest, Libertyville, Lincolnshire, Mundelein and Vernon Hills police departments and the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

The COaST responds to dozens of mental health calls in progress. This allows trained professionals to deploy at the scene, spend as much time as necessary with the person in crisis and allows the first-responding deputies or police officers to return to emergency calls for service. 

Sheriff John D. Idleburg said, “Through our innovative and collaborative approach to interacting with those experiencing mental health crisis, we are able to take our time and offer resources and services rather than taking immediate action. This has undoubtedly resulted in a more positive and helpful experience for the person in crisis, while likely reducing the use of force in these situations.  Over the past six years, our entire response strategy to calls of this nature has evolved, and I am immensely proud of my staff and our partners for all of their efforts.”

Recently, State Senator Adriane Johnson was able to secure a $250,000 operational grant to fund COaST. The team also is supported financially, in part, by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation Safety and Justice Challenge, in partnership with the Livingroom Wellness Center.