Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Stronghurst's Eagle View Health Systems

STRONGHURST - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $52,345 to help Eagle View Health Systems improve health services they provide in Stronghurst. The funds, included in Governor Quinn's Illinois Jobs Now! capital construction program, will allow the state to reduce healthcare spending and save taxpayers 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 people throughout Illinois.

"An investment in this community health center in Stronghurst is an investment in the health and wellness of the people of Henderson County," Governor Quinn said. "It is also a critical and essential step in transforming our health care system."

Eagle View Health Systems will receive $52,345 to purchase equipment for four dental operatories with electronic dental records and digital radiographs. This will allow the facility to provide additional healthcare services to the residents of Henderson County.

"This announcement is huge for Eagle View Health Systems," Executive Director Melinda Whiteman said. "The Stronghurst Dental site is our only clinic without access to electronic dental records and digital x-rays. We're thrilled to be granted these funds."

The Community Health Center Construction Act, signed by Governor Quinn in 2009, provides funding to repair outdated buildings, convert vacant commercial space, build new health center facilities and purchase new equipment for additional services such as OB/GYN and dental. The funds are administered through the state's Capital Development Board. In addition to providing needed healthcare facilities, the grants are expected to create about 215 construction jobs.

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.

The Community Health Center projects are 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.