The Rosecrance Mulberry Center announced that it will no longer provide mental health triage services around the clock beginning Nov. 2.
According to a news release, reserve funds used to keep the triage open 24/7 during the budget impasse have been cut off.
The Rockford facility will now be open only between noon and 11 p.m.
The Center has been operating since the close of Singer Mental Health Center in 2012. It provides interim care for those facing mental health or substance abuse crises.
Governor Rauner’s proposed budget eliminates $1.5 million in program funding for the Mulberry Center.
While no workers’ jobs were threatened, local hospitals and first-responders are expected to feel the impact of the schedule change.
Individuals in crisis will have to remain in police custody or overnight in emergency rooms until staff is on duty to determine the next step of care.
Rosecrance President/CEO Philip Eaton views the reduction of center hours as a step backward in mental health care.
The Rosecrance Board is scheduled to meet in December to re-evaluate its funding situation and hours.