The Illinois Department of Human Services delayed plans to remove the majority of mental health beds and services from Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center in Anna, Ill., after legal challenges.
Union County State’s Attorney Tyler Tripp filed a civil action September 8th 2026 in the Circuit Court of Union County seeking to prevent IDHS Secretary Dulce Quintero from executing the plan. IDHS extended the projected date for removal of services at Choate by 3 months to June of 2027, according to a September 23 news release from Mr. Tripp’s office.
IDHS also indicated it intends to proceed with the required notice and application process for closure proceedings by submitting an Application to the Illinois Health Facilities and Services Review Board for a Closure permit.
The Union County State’s Attorney said the application will be reviewed for deficiencies and that the office continues to coordinate with hundreds of stakeholders and others opposed to the removal of mental health services.
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