The Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) has announced plans to increase the number of mental health service beds at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center. Starting November 1, 2024, the facility will add up to 25 new beds to its current capacity of 50. This expansion is part of a three-year initiative to enhance the treatment and care for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Governor JB Pritzker emphasized the state’s commitment to providing individualized care and improving services. The expansion also aligns with the recommendations from the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, aiming for better patient outcomes and more effective use of the Choate campus.
“As the state continues to support the needs of residents at Choate Mental Health and Development Center, we are placing safety, respect, and community at the forefront,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “This new expansion, part of our ongoing transformation plan, ensures individualized care options for patients with serious mental health needs. I want to thank IDHS for their commitment and leadership as we focus on improving services for Illinoisans.”
The 229-acre Choate campus includes a State-Operated Developmental Center, a State Operated Psychiatric Hospital, an IDHS local public benefits office, and two case processing centers. During the three-year timeframe, portions of the Choate campus will be repurposed to meet patient capacity and other state needs.
“I want to thank Governor Pritzker for his focus on serving our patients in a community setting when possible, and ensuring we stay focused on supporting Choate residents, past and present,” said IDHS Secretary Designate Dulce M. Quintero.