Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) has commenced the expansion and modernization of the SIH Mulberry Center in Harrisburg. The project, which began on June 24, represents a nearly $20 million investment aimed at enhancing behavioral health care in southern Illinois.

The groundbreaking ceremony was attended by over 200 community members. The project will increase inpatient capacity, introduce a medical-psychiatric unit, modernize infrastructure, and expand mental health services for residents in the region.

SIH President and CEO John Antes emphasized the importance of the expansion: “This expansion is about meeting a critical and growing need in our region,” he said. He noted that one in four Americans lives with a mental health diagnosis and highlighted the shortage of available inpatient beds in Southern Illinois.

Rodney Smith, SIH Vice President and Administrator of SIH Harrisburg Medical Center, who has been involved with the project since its inception over a decade ago, remarked on its significance: “We realized years ago that too many individuals were being sent hours away for mental health care,” he said. He also mentioned the economic impact of the project on the community.

The expanded facility will include the region’s first medical-psychiatric unit. Dr. Naeem Qureshi, SIH Medical Director of Behavioral Health, explained that this unit would provide essential care locally: “Patients shouldn’t have to travel to Chicago or beyond to receive this kind of treatment,” he stated.

Angie Hampton, CEO of Egyptian Health Department, underscored the current challenges faced due to limited mental health capacity: “Our teams are in emergency rooms every day, trying to place people in crisis,” she said.

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek described the project as “an investment in people” and praised community partnerships for making it possible.

State and federal representatives also expressed their support. Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler commented on how the project aligns with SIH’s mission: “It will bring care closer to home and reduce burdens on families.” Meanwhile, Illinois State Representative Patrick Windhorst called it "a bold investment" addressing urgent regional needs.

Myles Nelson from Congressman Mike Bost's office presented a congressional certificate recognizing SIH's efforts. Heather Eagleton from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services highlighted partnerships like those between SIH and Mulberry Center as vital for expanding access to care.

Construction is set to continue into 2026. Alongside this effort, SIH and Harrisburg Medical Center Foundations are raising funds through the "Hope is Home" Capital Campaign to support and sustain the project's impact long-term.