Illinois' Cook County laid off more than 300 employees Friday, including five drug and alcohol counselors at Chicago-based John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County, according to ABC 7.
The five counselor layoffs come amid the county's plans to cut 34 workers at Cook County Health and Hospitals System, of which Stroger Hospital is a part.
County officials revealed the layoff plans in November following budget cuts.
"When the Board unanimously approved the 2018 budget, it required more than $200 million in spending cuts to make up for repealed revenue [from the sweetened beverage tax] and to meet the county's obligation of balancing its budget annually," Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a statement Friday, according to ABC 7. "Because approximately 80 percent of the county's spending is related to personnel costs, losing revenue and balancing the budget unfortunately meant that some County employees would be subject to layoffs this fiscal year."
The 34 total health system layoffs primarily affect licensed practical nurses.
A hospital spokesperson said individuals affected by the layoffs have had the opportunity to fill an open position they qualify for. Additionally, "the responsibilities of the roles eliminated will be absorbed elsewhere in the health system to ensure continuity in delivery of care," the spokesperson told Becker's via email.
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