AFSCME is taking our fight to save Choate to the courts.

Direct support professionals are dedicated caregivers. They show up every day with patience, compassion and skill to help people with disabilities live full lives. During this DSP Appreciation Week, we resolve to continue the fight to ensure that every DSP is paid fairly for their difficult work.

Today we mark 25 years since September 11. We honor the victims, the first responders who responded with extraordinary courage, and the families and friends whose lives were forever changed. We honor their memory always.

The lack of mental health beds in Illinois is already severe. Now, the Illinois Sheriffs’ Association is warning that if the state proceeds with drastically reducing services at Choate Mental Health and Developmental Center, the problem—especially in southern Illinois—could rapidly worsen.