PIATT COUNTY, Ill. (WCIA) — A major mental health provider in Central Illinois is losing one of its key programs.
The Piatt County Recovery Oriented System of Care was informed on Monday that their state funding would not be renewed. This decision will affect all services related to long-term substance abuse recovery, directly impacting 150 individuals. The funding for the program is set to conclude on June 30.
The Piatt County Mental Health Center said they’ll lose $100,000 of funding from state.
“Quite shocked, quite surprised,” said Center Director Tony Kirkman. “Obviously quite disappointed because we felt we had good metrics.”
This will bring an end to services linked to recovery support, harm reduction, and substance abuse by the coming Monday. Kirkman remarked that the news was unexpected and represents a significant loss for the recovery community in Piatt County.
“Unfortunately, the timing is not ideal,” he expressed. “We have less than a week to wind down services and inform affected staff, despite having spent nearly four years developing this system. We have established numerous connections with first responders, community stakeholders, and substance use treatment providers, so the sudden termination hinders a smooth transition of care.”
Kirkman said the ending also means there isn’t enough time to save the program.
The center is inviting the community to come and celebrate the program’s achievements on July 17 at 3 p.m.
