Protesters Interrupt Emanuel At 175th Anniversary Festivities

By Samantha Abernethy in News on Mar 5, 2012 7:40PM

While celebrating Chicago's 175th anniversary on Sunday, protesters interrupted a speech by Mayor Rahm Emanuel to voice their opposition to Emanuel's plan to shutter six of Chicago's 12 mental health facilities. The protesters shouted "History will judge" while holding a banner that reads, "History will judge Mayor 1% Emanuel for closing mental health clinics." Emanuel abruptly ended his speech and walked out of the room, "looking mildly insulted and without responding to anyone in the group," according to NBC Chicago.

In January Emanuel announced a plan to close city-run 12 mental health clinics and consolidate them into six clinics run by nonprofit organizations. At the time Emanuel said he'd be open to further dialogue, but the Chicago Department of Public Health sent a letter to patients in early February that suggested the decision is final. The 2012 budget shows six clinics will close by June 30,2012.

The mayor's office released a statement to the Sun-Times in defense of the plan to consolidate facilities:

The reforms allow the city to deliver better services at a lower cost while maintaining a high level of care for uninsured patents and those most in need within their own neighborhoods and communities. The city will continue to serve 80 percent of current clients while expanding relationships with community mental health providers to ensure a smooth transition and expanded services for those in need.

NBC has a brief video of the protesters interrupting Emanuel. Watch it below.