(The Center Square) – The state of Illinois awarded more than $21 million Tuesday to improve health infrastructure.
Lifelong Access will use the funding to purchase and renovate a former newspaper building for a new hub for health and wellness services in Bloomington-Normal. The grant is part of the $200 million Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program.
Gov. J.B. Pritzker said the program is an ambitious effort to rebuild and revitalize healthcare around the state.
“The investments we are making here are not only about better healthcare, but community revitalization,” said Pritzker.
A total of 13 grantees across the state will receive funding that officials said are designed to transform healthcare delivery and outcomes in underserved communities.
“We look forward to seeing these 13 projects come to fruition and the positive impacts they will have on health outcomes in the communities they serve,” said Elizabeth Whitehorn, acting director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS).
The funding comes from the Capital Development Fund, and Illinois healthcare providers enrolled as an eligible medical provider with HFS may be eligible to receive a Capital Program grant.
“This capital grant program represents a significant investment in the health and wellness of Illinois communities,” said Capital Development Board executive director T.J. Edwards.
The awards also support six safety net hospitals, which are critical to providing essential medical care to Illinois’ most underserved communities. Safety nets are hospitals and medical centers that provide healthcare to patients regardless of insurance status or their ability to pay.
