SIH Breaks Ground on Mulberry Center Expansion and Modernization Nearly $20 Million Project Will Expand Access to Behavioral Health Services in Southern Illinois

Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) officially broke ground June 24 on the expansion and modernization of the SIH Mulberry Center in Harrisburg, marking a significant investment in the future of behavioral health care for the region.

More than 200 community members gathered for the ceremony, which celebrated the start of construction on the nearly $20 million project. Once completed, the enhanced facility will increase inpatient capacity, add a medical-psychiatric unit, modernize infrastructure and expand access to mental health services for residents across southern Illinois.

“This expansion is about meeting a critical and growing need in our region,” said SIH President and CEO John Antes. “One in four Americans is living with a mental health diagnosis, and here in Southern Illinois, we see firsthand the shortage of available inpatient beds. This project won’t solve the entire gap, but it’s a major step toward delivering the care our communities deserve—compassionate, connected and close to home.”

SIH Vice President and Administrator of SIH Harrisburg Medical Center Rodney Smith has been involved with the project since its earliest discussions more than a decade ago.

“We realized years ago that too many individuals were being sent hours away for mental health care,” said Smith. “This project is not only a response to that need, but it also brings a $50 million economic impact to our community. We’re grateful to our partners, legislators, architects and most of all—to the community—for supporting this vision.”

The expanded SIH Mulberry Center will include the region’s first medical-psychiatric unit, designed to care for patients experiencing both mental and physical health challenges.

“We’ve been planning for this since 2010,” said SIH Medical Director of Behavioral Health Naeem Qureshi, MD. “This new unit will provide essential care that currently doesn’t exist locally. Patients shouldn’t have to travel to Chicago or beyond to receive this kind of treatment. This expansion also creates opportunities for education and training, helping us reduce stigma and promote understanding.”

Angie Hampton, CEO of Egyptian Health Department which provides crisis services across the region, highlighted the real-time consequences of limited mental health capacity.

“Our teams are in emergency rooms every day, trying to place people in crisis,” said Hampton. “When Mulberry is full—and it often is—people are forced to wait or are sent far away. This expansion means more access, more dignity and more stability. It’s a game-changer.”

Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek called the project “an investment in people.”

“This is a proud moment for our city,” said McPeek. “The strength of our community partnerships and healthcare teams made this possible, and we are all better for it.”

The event also drew remarks from state and federal representatives.

“This project is SIH’s mission in motion,” said Illinois State Senator Dale Fowler. “It will bring care closer to home and reduce burdens on families. This is how we move the region forward.”

Illinois State Representative Patrick Windhorst added, “This expansion is a bold investment in restoring health, stability and dignity to our rural communities. It addresses one of the most urgent needs in our region—accessible mental health care.”

The Director of Operations for Congressman Mike Bost, Myles Nelson, presented a congressional certificate to SIH in recognition of the groundbreaking.

“Congressman Bost sends his best regards from Washington,” said Nelson. “He was proud to advocate for this expansion and to help bring federal support to Southern Illinois. This project has been entered into the congressional record as a testament to the leadership and compassion shown here at SIH.”
Representing the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, Director of Legislative Affairs Heather Eagleton emphasized the importance of partnerships like the one between SIH and the Mulberry Center.

“Through our healthcare transformation collaboratives, we invest $150 million annually to expand access for Medicaid customers,” said Eagleton. “This project exemplifies a holistic approach to care, involving hospitals, clinics and community providers. We are proud to partner with SIH and look forward to continued collaboration.”

Construction is expected to continue into 2026. In tandem with the “Hope is Home” Capital Campaign, the SIH and Harrisburg Medical Center Foundations are continuing to raise community support to fund the project and sustain its impact for generations to come.