SPRINGFIELD – Following the recent announcement regarding major operational changes at the Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, a delegation of Southern Illinois lawmakers and community stakeholders will host a town hall meeting on August 26 at Anna-Jonesboro Community High School.
The town hall is open to the general public, and Southern Illinois residents are encouraged to attend, ask questions, voice their concerns and make their voices heard about the future of the facility.
State Senators Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) and Terri Bryant (R-Murphysboro) will join State Representatives Scott Doody (R-Anna), Dave Severin (R-Benton), Patrick Windhorst (R-Metropolis) and Charlie Meier (R-Okawville), along with other guest speakers, for an open forum following the Illinois Department of Human Services’ announcement that it plans to significantly reduce operations at Choate, lay off employees and relocate dozens of patients.
Under the plan, Choate’s general residential units serving individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities will cease operations by September 30, 2026. IDHS will also phase out all 75 civil mental health beds at the facility.
The closure is expected to be completed by March 2027, with civil mental health capacity instead being added at Madden Mental Health Center in Chicago.
The lawmakers said the announcement represents a major blow to Southern Illinois, impacting vulnerable patients, hundreds of employees and families throughout the region while raising serious questions about the long-term future of the Choate campus.
The town hall will provide those most directly affected by the changes, including employees, patients’ families and community members, with an opportunity to be heard and raise their concerns directly.
Wednesday, August 26
7:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Anna-Jonesboro Community High School (Auditorium)
608 S Main St.
Anna, IL 62906