Daley Delays Mental Health Center Closures

By Marcus Gilmer in News on Apr 7, 2009 9:20PM

In a move that has many in shock, Mayor Daley has delayed the closing of four mental health centers across the city. The delay came after news that, according to the Chi-Town Daily News, it was a billing glitch that caused the Chicago Department of Public Health to lose more than $1 million, a key discovery since a $1.2 million cut in funding was cited as the main issue that prompted the closings.

At a press conference this morning, Daley said, “We’re putting that on hold to find out some of the issues there.” But in spite of this statement, CDPH spokesman Tim Hadac told the Chi-Town Daily News that the wheels were still in motion to close the centers, saying via email, “The logistics of the consolidation have been in motion for many weeks, and are right near conclusion. That continues." Though he added, "If the Mayor said it, you can believe it."

Henry Bayer, executive director of AFSCME Council 31 - which represents counselors, social workers and clerical support staff at the 12 city of Chicago mental health clinics - issued this statement on the closures:

"The mayor is right to halt the closure of the city mental health centers. These closures pose real danger to the city’s public health safety net and put the well-being of many vulnerable individuals at risk. The city lost state funding for the mental health centers due to billing problems that can and should be fixed, and the Illinois Department of Human Services has indicated that funding can be restored if the city corrects its billing process. We're glad to know that city officials now indicate a willingness to tackle the problem. Our union will continue to work with community advocacy groups to be sure that mental health care is protected on the South Side and throughout Chicago. We urge the mayor to make a strong, clear commitment to keeping all city mental health centers open and recalling all laid-off employees."

On Monday, protesters staged a sit-in at Mayor Daley's office that resulted in a sit-down with Daley Chief-of-Staff Paul Volpe. All four centers that were to be closed were located on the South Side: in the Back of the Yards, Beverly/Morgan Park, Greater Grand/Mid South and Woodlawn neighborhoods.