Supporters want Beverly clinic to stay open, stage protest
By STEVE METSCH smetsch@southtownstar.com November 14, 2011 8:30PM
Sister Pat Mahoney was joined by local residents Monday outside the Beverly Morgan Park Mental Health Clinic to protest the planned closing of the facility. | Larry Ruehl~Sun-Times Media
Article Extras
Updated: December 16, 2011 8:20AM
Standing outside the Beverly Morgan Park Mental Health Clinic in Chicago’s 19th Ward, Sister Pat Mahoney held high a sign reading “Stop the Cuts.”
Mahoney, a retired Roman Catholic nun, waved her sign at passing motorists on 111th Street, urging them to sound their horns if they agreed. About half the drivers did just that Monday afternoon.
“Once we start cutting mental health clinics, people who need the services aren’t going to get them,” Mahoney said. “We need to
find other ways to balance our budget than to take it out on those
who don’t have many other choices.”
The clinic, 1987 W. 111th St., has been targeted for closure by the city in a cost-cutting move. The city wants to shut six of the 12 clinics run by its health department — a move officials say could save
$3.3 million.
About a dozen people came out to the clinic Monday afternoon to protest its possible closing.
Matt Walsh, executive director of the Beverly Area Planning Association, said cuts are needed, but not in mental health.
“I know they have big budget cuts to fill, but they shouldn’t be doing this on the backs of the people who need the services the most,” Walsh said. “We’re hopeful that we’ll be able to effect some change here and keep these services open for people throughout the city, not just our neighborhood.”
Four of the six targeted clinics are on the South Side.
Patients would be directed to the Roseland clinic, 200 E. 115th St., or Greater Lawn, 4150 W. 55th St.
At the Beverly Morgan Park clinic, therapist Eric Lindquist said he appreciated the support but declined comment. Other employees also declined comment.
Although they were quiet, a sign taped to the glass front door spoke volumes. The paper urged people to “Join the Mental Health Movement to tell Mayor Emanuel: Don’t privatize city clinics! Don’t close Mental Health Clinics!” It included a phone number for the office of Mayor Rahm Emanuel.
Trina Carpenter, who has been coming to the clinic since 2003, came out to the protest and said she’d be lost without the clinic.
“I’m manic-depressive. Since I was coming here, I was able to get my GED and go to college at Chicago State University,” she said. “The city shouldn’t shut anything down. We need these clinics because they save lives. People will kill themselves if these are closed.”
Another protest is planned for noon Tuesday at Chicago City Hall. Protesters plan to gather at the Chicago Temple, 77 W. Washington Blvd., and then proceed across the street to city hall.
Mahoney wished them success.
“We’ve got to have a voice for those who don’t have a voice,” Mahoney said.
Comments Click here to view or make a comment