Last week, the Farmington Regional Chamber led a community delegation to Jefferson City to formally deliver the SORTS petition — signed by 5,722 community members — to Governor Mike Kehoe’s office and to the Missouri Department of Mental Health (DMH) headquarters.

Representing our community were Mayor Chris Morrison; Margo Pigg of BJC Behavioral Health; Chamber Board members Kim Hutson and James MacBride; Mineral Area College President Dr. Joe Gilgour; and Chamber Executive Director/CEO Candy Hente.

While in Jefferson City, the delegation met with Senate and House committee chairpersons regarding the pressing mental health needs in our region, visited with our supportive local legislators, and participated in an hour-long meeting with leadership at the Department of Mental Health.

The Chamber delegation also joined a larger Southeast Missouri group for SEMO Advocacy Day and attended the Taste of the South event, hosted by legislators from the southern district, including Representative Dale Wright. We were especially proud to see familiar faces from Chamber members Baylee Jo’s BBQ and Arcadia Academy, who provided food for the Taste of the South event.

“We recognize that individuals in our community with untreated mental illness are impacting businesses and our community. We provided DMH with very specific examples of how your businesses have been impacted, thanks to many of you who contacted us with your concerns,” stated Candy Hente.

During discussions, DMH indicated they are exploring additional options regarding the consolidation of SORTS services that would not involve changes to services at the current state hospital building. Any proposed adjustments would require statutory changes, and our local legislators have expressed support for pursuing those changes.

The Farmington Regional Chamber is honored to represent our business community and advocate for meaningful solutions. Thank you to the many members who shared feedback and signed the petition — your voices are making an impact.