ROCKFORD, Ill. (AP) — A nurses union has gone to court in an attempt to prevent the closure of a mental health facility in Rockford.
The Illinois Nurses Association filed a lawsuit Wednesday in Winnebago County. The union is seeking review of a state board's decision allowing the closure of Singer Mental Health Center. The Chicago-based union represents nurses who work at the facility.
Illinois Department of Human Services spokeswoman Januari Smith Trader says the department can't comment on pending litigation, but remains committed to rebalancing mental health care in the state by increasing community care options.
Singer is among state facilities that Gov. Pat Quinn has targeted for closure.
The lawsuit notes that Rockford-area sheriffs oppose the closure because of the expected impact on their communities.
