09/17/2026
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)—the union representing most employees of Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center—on Sept. 15 filed a lawsuit that seeks to halt Illinois state government’s plan to close the facilities, sharply reducing mental health and disability services in southern Illinois and laying off more than 250 employees.
The American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees (AFSCME)—the union representing most employees of Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center—on Sept. 15 filed a lawsuit that seeks to halt Illinois state government’s plan to close the facilities, sharply reducing mental heal...