Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Metro East Health Clinic

CENTREVILLE – Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment to create more than 200 jobs and renovate and expand a community health center operated by the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation in Centreville. The $3 million investment, included in Governor Quinn’s Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, will allow the state to reduce healthcare spending and save taxpayer money. Today’s announcement is part of Governor Quinn’s agenda to ensure all people have access to quality healthcare and improve the health and well-being of the people of Illinois.

“An investment in this community health center in Centreville is an investment in the health and wellness of the people of the entire region,” Governor Quinn said. “These clinics ensure that everyone has access to the services they need.”

Today’s investment will renovate an existing Medical Home site in Centreville to provide additional services to St. Clair County residents. The funds will also be used to acquire a building for a Medical Home to be renovated and leased by Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation in the Coles County community of Charleston.

“We are very pleased to receive these capital funds which support our mission of service to all,” Larry McCulley, President/CEO of Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation said. “These funds are critical for us to add additional behavioral health and primary care providers which will expand healthcare access to more than 3,400 area residents.”

The Community Health Center Construction Act, signed by Governor Quinn in 2009, provides funding to repair outdated buildings, convert vacant commercial space, build new health center facilities and purchase new equipment for additional services such as OB/GYN and dental care.

Community health centers are not-for-profit entities created by Congress to meet the healthcare needs of underserved communities and high-risk patients. These centers fill a void by providing care for those whom other providers often do not serve, including the low-income, uninsured or homeless; or those with HIV/AIDS, substance abuse problems or special medical needs.

“Going forward, investment in healthcare infrastructure is a key component of Illinois’ push toward a more robust and balanced healthcare system as well as a thriving economy,” State Senator James F. Clayborne, Jr. (D–Belleville) said. “I look forward to the people of Centreville and surrounding areas benefiting in many ways from the improvements made to the Southern Illinois Healthcare Foundation sites.”