Chicago Construction News staff wriiter
Construction is underway on a nearly $20 million expansion and modernization of the SIH Mulberry Center in Harrisburg, a project officials say will significantly increase access to behavioral health services across Southern Illinois.
Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) is leading the effort to address the growing demand for mental health care in the region, where a shortage of inpatient beds has long forced patients to travel hours for treatment. The expanded facility will increase inpatient capacity, modernize aging infrastructure, and include the region’s first medical-psychiatric unit for patients experiencing both physical and mental health challenges.
“This expansion is about meeting a critical and growing need in our region,” said SIH President and CEO John Antes. “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.”
More than 200 community members attended a recent ceremony marking the start of construction, which SIH officials say has been more than a decade in the making.
SIH Vice President Rodney Smith, administrator of SIH Harrisburg Medical Center, said the project carries a $50 million economic impact and is rooted in a long-standing recognition that too many residents have had to seek mental health care far from home.
“This project is not only a response to that need, but it also brings meaningful investment into our local economy,” Smith said. “We’re grateful to our partners, legislators, architects and—most of all—the community for supporting this vision.”
The project is being called a key investment in rural health care.
“This is a proud moment for our city,” said Harrisburg Mayor John McPeek. “The strength of our partnerships made this possible, and we are all better for it.”
Illinois State Sen. Dale Fowler called the project “SIH’s mission in motion,” while State Rep. Patrick Windhorst said it delivers “a bold investment in restoring health, stability and dignity to our rural communities.”
The office of U.S. Rep. Mike Bost presented SIH with a congressional certificate recognizing the project’s significance. It has also been entered into the congressional record.
Construction is expected to continue through 2026. Fundraising is ongoing through the “Hope is Home” Capital Campaign, led by the SIH and Harrisburg Medical Center Foundations, to support the project and sustain its long-term impact.
