Lake County Gazette

The Lake County Sheriff's Office Crisis Outreach and Support Team (COaST) has received a $250,000 operational grant for expenses including staffing, capacity building, and equipment. State Senator Adriane Johnson secured the grant as a line item in the Illinois FY25 budget signed by the governor on June 5.

"I support the award-winning Lake County COaST program because it aligns with one of my top priorities: ensuring the safety of residents who are struggling with mental health issues that require intervention and treatment instead of punishment," Johnson said, according to a press release from the Lake County Sheriff's Office. "Sheriff John Idleburg and his dynamic team, along with several police chiefs from Lake County proactively implemented the COaST program to provide training, resources and tools to properly and safely respond to calls involving mental health concerns."

According to the Lake County Sheriff's Office press release, COaST also received national recognition last week. The National Association of Counties awarded a 2024 Achievement Award to honor the innovative and effective government program that strengthens services for residents.

The COaST program became active in January 2022. Members include the Gurnee Police Department, Lake Forest Police Department, Libertyville Police Department, Lincolnshire Police Department, Mundelein Police Department, Vernon Hills Police Department, and the Lake County Sheriff's Office. A police officer from one of these agencies and a sheriff's deputy work with a social worker, clinician or peer specialist to respond to mental health calls.