Madden Center Settles for $10M After Patient's Death

On February 7, 2023, a 19-year-old patient, Anthony Stringfellow, Jr., died by suicide at Madden Mental Health Center. He used a shoelace tied to a door hinge, despite being considered a suicide risk and requiring 15-minute checks. A state police investigation uncovered that these checks were not conducted due to understaffing. The state has agreed to a $10 million settlement with Anthony's family, who alleged negligence. This settlement is the largest of its kind in the past five years. The family's attorney stated the strength of the family's evidence and emotion influenced the state's decision to settle. Anthony's mother expressed a desire for the settlement to spur improvements in patient care. The Illinois Department of Human Services reported that anti-ligature work has been completed on Pavilion 6 and other affected areas, though two patient pavilions remain unfinished and closed for renovation.