Progress Illinois

That's what Chi Town Daily News is reporting:

The mayor's office said this afternoon four mental health centers that appeared to be closing today would stay open. Federal stimulus dollars will be used to fund the centers.

Back in March, we noted that several advocates had proposed using stimulus funds to cover the $1.2 million mental health funding cut caused by the Chicago Department of Public Health's dysfunctional new billing system.  At the time, city stimulus czar Pat Hardey told concerned aldermen that federal guidelines prevent him from using stimulus dollars on the facilities.  We responded that, considering its knack for "creative financing," the Daley administration could surely find a way to use the infusion of federal money to save the clinics. 

We don't have all the details yet, but it appears that's what happened.  And it's great to hear.  

UPDATE (6:16 pm): More from Parker:

Daley spokesperson Jodi Kawada said the city will use economic stimulus funds to stave off closing the centers, which serve about 2,000 people. The money will come from a block of grant money for community services, and could take up to two weeks to be delivered.

“After several meetings with mental health advocates, the city decided to use economic stimulus funds to delay closing the four mental health clinics that were scheduled for consolidation,” said Kawada in an emailed statement. “This is an interim solution as we work to determine a way to keep these centers open for the long term.”