Governor Quinn Opens New Heartland Community Health Clinic Building in Peoria

PEORIA - Governor Pat Quinn today was joined by state and local officials to open the new Heartland Community Health Clinic Headquarters in Peoria. The facility was made possible by a $500,000 state investment secured by State Senator Dave Koehler (D-Peoria) and supported by Governor Quinn. Today's event 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.

"Everyone in Illinois should have access to quality healthcare," Governor Quinn said. "This is an investment in the health of the people of Illinois, and Heartland's new facility will give more people in Peoria County the care they need."

"In celebrating our tenth anniversary as a federally-qualified health center, this capital grant allows us to more effectively serve our patients by having all administrative staff in one location," Heartland Community Health Clinic CEO Farrell Davies said. "Plus, it provides additional space needed with the addition of a new resident training site that increases our capacity to serve patients by 40 percent."

The $500,000 investment from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity (DCEO), in addition to $80,000 in local funding, was used by Heartland to purchase and renovate an existing building located at 2206-2214 N. University Street in Peoria. The facility consolidates all administrative and non-clinical staff into one centralized location. Grant-funded improvements will make the building ADA accessible. Approximately 22,000 persons will directly benefit from this project, 82 percent of whom are disadvantaged or low-income.

"Keeping people healthy is one of life's noblest pursuits, and the Heartland Community Health Center makes sure everyone in the Peoria area has access to good healthcare," State Senator David Koehler (D-Peoria) said. "I'm proud to have been involved with Heartland and thank Governor Quinn for joining me in making this day possible."

Senator Koehler was recognized for his significant contributions over the years to the mission of Heartland, and the new conference room was dedicated in his honor.

Heartland Community Health Clinic is a not-for-profit entity providing comprehensive health services to Peoria County residents regardless of their ability to pay. Services include dental care, physical exams, well-child check-ups, immunizations, counseling services, diabetes screening and treatment, women's health services, childbirth and parenting education, gynecological care, disease prevention and treatment, medication and referral assistance, and other services. Heartland employs 75 full-time and nine part-time individuals.