Layoffs at the Mental Health Institute in Mount Pleasant are expected to begin next month. Dave Heaton is the State Representative for House District 84 and serves as chair of the Health & Human Services budget committee. Healthcare providers and citizens have told Heaton that the demand for beds in this type of facility is so great, beds shouldn’t be taken away until an alternative is in place.

In meetings with the governor’s office, Heaton has asked that the closing of the facilities wait until a plan is developed. Heaton says the suggestion is under consideration.