Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Health Center in Decatur

DECATUR - Governor Pat Quinn today announced investments totaling $3 million to construct a new community health center in the Wabash Crossing neighborhood in Decatur. The funds, included in Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, will allow the state to reduce healthcare spending and save taxpayer dollars. 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 people throughout Illinois.

"An investment in this community health center in Decatur is an investment in the health and wellness of the people of central Illinois," Governor Quinn said. "It is also an essential step in ensuring that everyone has access to the health services they need."

The $3 million state investment will help the Community Health Improvement Center construct the new health center in the Wabash Crossing neighborhood, which will provide additional services to Macon County residents.

"This investment allows us to immediately break ground on an estimated $5 million, 30,000 square-foot facility in the heart of Decatur," Community Health Improvement Center Board Chairman Dr. Joseph Schrodt said. "The new health center will provide greater access to excellent healthcare for the underserved population of our community."

Community health centers like this new center in the Wabash Crossing neighborhood are not-for-profit entities created by Congress to meet the health care 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.

"A major factor in successful communities is residents' access to quality and affordable healthcare," State Senator Andy Manar (D-Bunker Hill) said. "This investment not only improves the quality of life for residents who surround the facility, but it will have a positive impact on the entire city and region as a whole."

The project is part of Governor Quinn's $31 billion Illinois Jobs Now! program, which will support more than 439,000 jobs over six years. Illinois Jobs Now! is the largest construction program in Illinois history, and is one of the largest construction programs in the nation.