Bailey Pledges to Keep Choate Mental Health Center Open if Elected

Bailey acknowledged the Anna facility's history of serious issues, including staff misconduct and resident abuse. He emphasized that patients deserve safety and accountability for any mistreatment. Bailey criticized the state’s approach, claiming it is better to reform the existing system and improve care at Choate rather than close residential units and cut jobs.

“They have listened to Springfield call this a transformation,” Bailey remarked. “They have watched decisions about their community be made without them. Now, they’re being asked to trust that everything will work out after the beds leave Anna.”

Pritzker defended his position by noting that Illinois is one of the last states to transition away from such facilities, as many states have moved to only offer community home settings, which are deemed more effective.

The Pritzker administration is also extending job offers to Choate employees through the Illinois Department of Human Services, with Pritzker stating there are more available positions than candidates to fill them in southern Illinois.

In support of keeping Choate open, local lawmakers referenced a study from the SIU School of Medicine, which recommended increasing, rather than reducing, bed capacity and suggested the facility could serve as a residency program for psychiatric students. Some lawmakers urged Pritzker to visit Anna and engage directly with workers advocating for the center's survival.

Independent gubernatorial candidate Collin Corbett criticized Pritzker for previously promising not to close Choate. He argued that essential services should remain close to home, enabling residents to receive care within their communities and supporting local employment.

“Instead of shipping residents hours away and displacing dedicated workers, Pritzker should be investing in local community-based resources,” Corbett asserted.