Governor Quinn Announces Investment in Community Health Center in Harvard

HARVARD - Governor Pat Quinn today announced an investment of $1.2 million to help expand Community Health Center services in Harvard. The funds, 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 Harvard is an investment in the health and wellness of the people of McHenry County," Governor Quinn said. "It is also an important step in ensuring that the people in the Harvard community have access to the healthcare they deserve."

The Community Health Partnership of Illinois will receive $1,238,944 to allow the Harvard Area Community Health Center to purchase an existing building, renovate two suites to equip and add a dental clinic and an additional medical exam room and a designated space for behavioral health services. This will allow the agency to provide additional healthcare services to the residents of McHenry County.

"We at Community Health Partnership of Illinois are thrilled, humbled and deeply grateful to receive this generous capital grant award," Community Health Partnership of Illinois Executive Director Susan Bauer said. "This investment in our facility will benefit countless individuals and families in the greater Harvard area, who struggle to access quality, affordable medical, dental and behavioral health care, for many years to come."

The Community Health Center Construction Act, signed by Governor Quinn in 2009, provides funding to repair outdated buildings, convert vacant commercial space, build new health center facilities and purchase new equipment for additional services such as OB/GYN and dental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

Community health centers 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.

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.