Anna officials voice concern over Choate closure plans
FOX23 News at 9 p.m
ANNA, Ill., (KBSI) — City officials in Anna are urging the state to reconsider plans affecting the future of Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center.
In a statement, the city said Choate has served vulnerable Illinois residents and supported hundreds of families, employees and regional businesses since opening in 1869.
Officials said they believed the facility had a long-term future after the state invested in a new water tower, power plant, natural gas line and building renovations. Additional infrastructure improvements also had been planned.
The city acknowledged Illinois’ transition toward community-based services for people with developmental disabilities but expressed concern about losing mental health services used by law enforcement, emergency responders, hospitals and other Southern Illinois communities.
City officials said they are contacting state leaders and working with lawmakers to better understand the plan before its announced March 2027 timeline.
The city is also encouraging residents to sign an online petition calling for Choate to remain open.
