SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (CAPITOL CITY NOW) – A facility operated by Memorial Health is closing, at a time when mental health and the improvement of it is a very strong subject.

Memorial confirms the Behavioral Health facility at West Lake will be shutting down by the end of the year.

Officials were not available for interviews; but according to a statement, it was providing long-term care to more than a dozen residents, and short-term care to two or less at the facility.

“This decision was driven by the need to focus our resources on programs that reach a larger population segment in the areas of greatest need within our community, including response, intervention and follow-up care for people experiencing mental health crises,” the statement said.

Employees who worked at the facility have been offered other positions, said Memorial.  It’s not clear how many people work there.

“We are working with each of the residents and their families to create transition plans, including placements at other facilities if appropriate,” said the statement.