AFSCME asks Carbondale council to back efforts to keep Schulte Mental Health services open

Ty Peterson, representing AFSCME Council 31, told the Carbondale City Council that the Illinois Department of Human Services (IDHS) had notified roughly 250–280 employees at Schulte Mental Health of layoffs and that many affected workers live in Carbondale.

"We have now been told, as of July 23, our employees and members received an email from the Illinois Department of Human Services, telling them that you will be laid off," Peterson said, describing what he called limited prior notice and asking councils in the region to support a resolution to keep Schulte operating. Peterson urged council support for a regional effort to preserve beds and services in Southern Illinois, warning that moving beds to Chicago would hurt local capacity to treat long-term mental-health patients.

Council members thanked Peterson for bringing the issue forward and signaled willingness to support the effort once staff and council had time to "get our ducks in a row." Council member Roberts said preserving workforce and services is critically important for the city and region. The council did not take formal action at the meeting; Peterson said union members have asked area councils and county boards to adopt resolutions in support of keeping Schulte open.