Grant Funds Awarded to Address Disparities in Access to Health Care

18 different Illinois organizations will share $3.7 million to address systemic health disparities highlighted by the COVID-19 pandemic.

The federally-funded program is called ARISE, Activating Relationships in Illinois for Systemic Equity.

The Effingham County Health Department received $135,000 in funding for the effort. Samantha Weidner of the Health Department said the goal is to close equity gaps.

Weidner said the 10-month program is targeted to address isolation, as well as access to care. She said work is underway to partner with Central Illinois Public Transportation through CEFS Economic Opportunity Corporation. Other partners are Community Area Service Providers and the Alliance for a Healthier Effingham County.

Weidner said a coordinated medical transporation effort is a goal. She said they hope to have the program implemented by December.

Clay County Health Department also received $135,000 for a similar effort, as did a Coordinated Care Alliance involving a number of downstate counties including Clay, Cumberland, Fayette, Marion and Shelby counties.