Human Services Committee approves DuPage Care Center contracts, hears facility update

The DuPage County Human Services Committee on Thursday approved several purchase orders for the DuPage Care Center and received an update on construction and occupancy timelines.

The committee approved HSP 5525, a purchase order to LeadingAge Illinois for annual dues not to exceed $36,000, and HSP 5625, a purchase order to Symbria (recorded variously in the transcript as Cymbria/Symbria) for community wellness staffing and management not to exceed $66,500; both motions were seconded and passed by voice vote. The panel also approved HSP 5725, a purchase order for examination gloves and related supplies not to exceed $90,000, after members questioned the apparent cost and Janelle and Anita explained high glove usage and the requirement for powder-free/latex-free products. Finally, the committee approved HSP 5825, a purchase order to Symbria for therapy consulting services for a contract not to exceed $700,000.

Janelle reported that 90% completion documentation for 2 North, 2 Center and 2 South had been submitted to the state and, with the federal shutdown over, county staff is hopeful that inspections and occupancy approvals can follow in roughly a month. She said that, if inspections proceed as expected, the plan is to move 1 North residents to 2 North and begin construction on 1 North.

Why it matters: the contracts cover operational needs (staffing, therapy, medical supplies) necessary for resident care and the near-term opening of additional units will affect placement and construction schedules at the care center.

Committee members pressed for detail on the $90,000 gloves contract; Janelle explained that glove changes are frequent in resident care and that powder‑free and latex‑free products and incontinence supplies increase costs.

Votes: the actions were approved by voice vote; no roll-call tallies were recorded in the transcript.