IDHS Stakeholder Newsletter – March

March is a time to celebrate, reflect, and raise awareness about important issues that impact our communities. As we honor Women’s History Month, we also take this opportunity to highlight Problem Gambling Awareness, Developmental Disabilities Awareness, and National Social Work Month – each playing a vital role in fostering equity and support across Illinois.

Earlier this month, IDHS joined the Illinois Gaming Board and Illinois Lottery with a press release highlighting ways the State is working to prevent gambling disorder and support those in need of recovery.

Inclusivity and advocacy are at the heart of our work, and Developmental Disabilities Awareness Month reminds us of the importance of ensuring access, independence, and opportunities for all individuals. At IDHS, we remain committed to creating programs and policies that empower people to thrive in their communities.

Social workers are the backbone of many of our state’s essential services, providing care, guidance, and support to those in need. Their dedication makes a real difference in the lives of so many, and we are grateful for the work they do each day.

We’re excited to announce that starting this week, Amy Crawford becomes our new General Counsel at IDHS. She steps into the role previously held by John Schomberg, who is now Assistant Secretary of Programs. Amy will become a key member of the IDHS Executive Leadership Team. Amy most recently served as the Assistant Chief Deputy Attorney General at the Office of the Illinois Attorney General where she represented the State of Illinois and its agencies in complex litigation across federal, state, and administrative courts.

Today, March 31, is National Transgender Day of Visibility. At IDHS, we stand with transgender, gender diverse, and nonbinary people in Illinois and beyond. Everyone deserves to be seen, respected, and supported in living as their authentic selves. Read on below for more on the history and impact of this designation, as well as other developments and news updates.

Dulce M. Quintero

IDHS Secretary

The refreshed Mission, Vision, and Values reflect a renewed commitment to advancing the dignity and well-being of each person IDHS serves.

• Compassion drives the way we work with each other and those we serve – meeting people where they are with empathy and care.
• Accessibility is a priority in all the services and programs we provide.
• Responsibility is how we approach each task and priority; we are accountable for our actions.
• Equity is a crucial quality for all we do – ensuring our approach is fair and just.

Transgender people are our colleagues, our neighbors, our friends, and our family, and all deserve to be embraced and treated with dignity and respect. It takes a tremendous amount of courage to live openly and authentically as a trans person, and on TDOV and every day we honor that courage. This commemoration reminds us of how far we’ve come, and how far we’ve yet to go.

In honor of Women’s History Month, IDHS joined the Illinois Department of Central Management Services (CMS) in a panel featuring distinguished State leaders who shared their insights on leadership, mentorship, and the power of forging one’s own path.

Moderated by CMS Director Raven A. DeVaughn, the panel featured IDHS Secretary Dulce Quintero; Aryn Evans, Executive Director of the Illinois Torture Inquiry and Relief Commission; Dr. Atiera Coleman, Chief Equity Officer of the Illinois Office of the Governor; and Nathalina Hudson, Chief of Staff of the Illinois Attorney General’s Office. They reflected on their personal journeys – overcoming challenges, embracing authenticity, and fostering inclusive workplaces.

Secretary Quintero highlighted the need for transparency and humility in leadership: “As leaders, we have a responsibility to create a culture of transparency and openness.”

Panelists also underscored the critical roles of DEI efforts, mentorship, self-acceptance, and collective liberation in driving meaningful change.

A big thank you to CMS for organizing this important conversation and to all who participated and continue to champion equity in state government!

At IDHS, we celebrate the trailblazers, changemakers, and everyday heroes whose contributions have shaped history and continue to inspire future generations. Recognizing women’s achievements is essential to our collective growth and progress.

For this month’s Equity Academy, Jane Comando of the Crossroads Fund and Michelle Morales from Woods Fund Chicago partnered with the IDHS Office of Strategy, Equity, and Transformation (OSET) to host a powerful Women’s History Month webinar. They explored the challenges women face in leadership, the importance of intersectional approaches to justice, and how systemic issues impact women’s health and leadership opportunities.

Morales emphasized the importance of representation. “The contributions that women have made throughout history are often not explored, not discussed, are often also taken credit for by men,” she said.  “When you’re not seeing yourself in the picture, and you’re not seeing what has come before you, it makes your path harder as you’re trying to move forward.”

A heartfelt thank you to Jane Comando, Michelle Morales, and OSET for leading this meaningful discussion and continuing to advance equity and inclusion.

President Donald Trump’s administration has rescinded $153 million in federal grant funding to Illinois programs for mental health services, substance abuse treatment and infectious disease prevention – cuts that Gov. JB Pritzker said will inflict “immeasurable harm.”

State officials learned this week of $28 million in previously approved grants that have been slashed from the Illinois Department of Human Services, while $125 million has been pulled back from the state Department of Public Health, officials said Wednesday. … Illinois DHS Secretary Dulce M. Quintero called the cut “shortsighted and negligent.”

“This funding has an invaluable return on investment – saving lives and rehabilitating those struggling so they can once again become thriving members of their communities,” Quintero said.

The Illinois Department of Human Rights (IDHR) sent a letter reminding local governments that they do not have the authority to restrict homeless people from having camping in public spaces.

“In the last 15 months, at least 25 Illinois communities have passed ordinances criminalizing unsheltered homelessness. These approaches lead to increased isolation, additional barriers to housing and unnecessary cycles of incarceration,” said Chief Homelessness Officer Christine Haley. “It is more important than ever that local and state policy recognizes the civil rights of all Illinois residents. The Illinois Office to Prevent and End Homelessness looks forward to partnering with local communities in pursuit of an Illinois where all people have a safe place to call home.”

Gambling can quickly become a serious issue for many people, and experts say stigma and shame can cause people to hide their behavior and avoid asking for help.

But help is available. That’s the message from the Illinois Department of Human Services, Illinois Lottery and Illinois Gaming Board as they recognize March as Problem Gambling Awareness Month across the state.