Quinn Lays Down the Law With Plan to Close Tinley Mental Health Center

Gov. Pat Quinn is still making moves to close the T.

The plan—announced by Quinn Thursday from Washington D.C.—is part of legislators' long-term vision to move residents from Illinois institutions and into community care settings, reports the Chicago Tribune.

" ... Advocates argue (it) is less expensive and provides a better quality of life," the story said. "Opponents include the state’s largest employee union and lawmakers who fear closing the facilities will wreak havoc on the economy of communities who are supported by the centers."

The Mental Health Center is slated to shutter its doors in early July under the plan. 

"Admissions will be halted several weeks before the facility closes, giving patients time to complete treatment or be transferred to community mental health providers or hospitals," the Tribune reports. "The state is working now to locate beds at nearby care facilities."

The Jacksonville Developmental Center is also scheduled to close. That process will be slower, according to the story, with about 20 residents moving out per month until an October closing deadline.

This is not the first time either of the facilities have been on the chopping block. Most recently,  that he said would narrow a $313 million budget gap.

The Commission on Government Forecasting and Accountability . They also rejected the closure of the six other Illinois facilities.

Though it once had room for 150 patients, . It has two patient care units and an intake and assessment unit. Both treat patients from a geographic area that extends from the south side of Chicago, as well as all southern Cook townships and Will, Grundy and Kankakee counties.

Read the full Chicago Tribune story for more background, or Check out Tinley Park Patch's extensive TPMHC coverage.

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