ComWell Behavioral Health Services executive director Shea Haurey was one of several behavorial and mental health providers who urged lawmakers on Friday to provide the industry greater funding to help address workforce shortages. 

With an increased demand for mental and behavioral health services and a shortage of workers, Illinois should fully utilize its federal American Rescue Plan Act dollars, deploy mobile health units, waive regulations and ultimately change the way providers are paid, a panel of state officials and advocates told lawmakers on Friday.