Tatyana Gardner has been appointed as the first executive director of the Sangamon County Mental Health Board. This decision was made during a meeting on Wednesday, marking a significant step for the board, which has been created as a result of community needs following the 2024 police killing of Sonya Massey, a Springfield resident with a history of mental health issues.
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Gardner is a lifelong resident of Springfield and has served as the director of health initiatives for the Springfield Urban League for five years. Following her appointment, she expressed her strong connection to the community, stating, "This community is my community. I have the lived experience. I see these people every day. I speak with these people every day." She emphasized her commitment to serving the community that supported the recent 0.5 percent sales tax increase, which funds the mental health board.
Gardner highlighted the importance of delivering effective services to underserved populations, stating her intent to collaborate with organizations dedicated to this goal. "We’re going to find the organizations that have the commitment, that have the passion to serve them in the best ways possible," she said. "I’m a grass-roots girl, so that’s what you’ll see."