The Illinois Department of Human Services plans to make major changes at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, including ending its general residential program and reducing the number of mental health beds.
These changes are expected to result in about 250 layoffs.
State officials say the upcoming major changes is the final step in a three-year restructuring plan to improve mental health and developmental disability services across Illinois. However, the announcement has sparked criticism from union leaders and lawmakers in southern Illinois.
They argue that cutting jobs and reducing services could hurt patients, employees, and the local economy. Choate is one of the area’s largest employers, and many worry the layoffs will have a significant impact on the Anna community.
The state has not yet announced exactly when the layoffs will take place, but officials say the transition will move forward as the restructuring continues.
Union representatives have vowed to fight the cuts, while local lawmakers are calling on the state to reconsider the plan.