After Amita Health announced plans earlier this week to close behavioral health units at two hospitals, including St. Joseph Hospital in Elgin, State Senator Cristina Castro (D-Elgin) released the following statement:

“I am extremely disappointed by Amita’s decision to close the behavior health unit at St. Joseph’s without any community input. Amita made an investment in the community, and many residents of the community rely on that investment. By pulling out, they are damaging lives.

“There is a substantial population of homeless people who use the services provided by the behavioral health unit to receive the treatment they need. That unit is also important for the well-being of minorities throughout the community. Since there are no other mental health wards nearby, closing this unit leaves these people with no options for treatment. This is shameful.

“Amita has left the community with no local access to much needed services. A few years ago, when former Gov. Bruce Rauner lowered the number of beds at the Elgin Mental Health Center, this put the community under a huge strain. Now, Amita is closing the acute mental health ward. This is detrimental to the community, especially during a time where we should be expanding access to mental health services.

“This closure leaves Elgin with so many unanswered questions. Amita didn’t notify anyone in the community or surrounding communities. For them to have made this decision without consulting or even notifying the public, myself, Rep. Anna Moeller, or any other elected officials is beyond shocking. I call on Amita to rethink the decision and allow the public to offer input on how closing this ward will impact their lives.”