Sangamon County unveils new morgue that will facilitate autopsies for 17 other counties as well

Sangamon County has unveiled a new morgue facility, a nearly $6 million project initiated in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

County Administrator Brian McFadden said the facility was necessary despite the county’s strong connections with Springfield Memorial and HSHS St. John’s hospitals.

The new facility will allow the county to perform autopsies for other counties without paying hospitals for space, reducing overall spending. Seventeen counties, including Morgan, Cass, Schuyler, and Montgomery, will partner with Sangamon County’s new facility.

However, McFadden has assured the community that Sangamon County’s tax money would not cover the costs of other counties.