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Pritzker was given the Father Mac Appreciation Award by the
Gala, which goes to an individual who makes improvements to
substance abuse care or mental health treatment through the use
of policy.
Pritzker told the Gala he had set money aside in this year's
budget to improve care for those throughout the state.
"That's why I've proposed historic new investments in behavioral
and mental health care in this year's budget," Pritzker said.
"We are creating our first ever portal for families that are
seeking care so that they can learn about the resources that are
available to them and be matched with what best meets the needs
of their family members."
Pritzker said Illinois has vastly improved its mental health
system under his tenure.
"Illinois really has remarkable progress. We ranked 16th in the
nation for behavioral health services just years ago," Pritzker
said. "Wait, it gets better. Illinois is now number nine."
The award for Pritzker comes on the heels of the Office of the
Inspector General for the Illinois Department of Human Services
reporting a cover-up culture at the Choate Mental Health
Facility in Anna, in which employees would collude with each
other and provide false information to investigators about the
incidents at the facility.
Choate Mental Health and Development Center is a state-run
facility for those with mental illnesses and developmental
disabilities located in Anna, Illinois.
In 2022, there were 84 reports of physical abuse, nine reports
of sexual abuse, 39 reports of mental abuse, two reports of
financial exploitation, 25 cases of neglect, and three deaths.
According to a report published by ProPublica, more than 1,500
incidents of abuse and neglect were reported over the past
decade. Allegations include a patient having his arm broken by a
worker and accusations of making patients dig through feces.
According to budget documents, Choate Mental Health received
more than $4.6 million in life and safety improvements between
the fiscal year 2022 and 2023.
Andrew Hensel reports on issues in Chicago and
Statewide. He has been with The Center Square News since April
of 2021 and was previously with The Joliet Slammers.
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