NORMAL – State Senator Dave Koehler joined the Illinois Capital Development Board and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services in announcing millions in in funding to improve health outcomes, including over $20 million in funding to an organization serving the district he represents.

“Young people deserve access to high-quality health care, including specialized services like behavioral health or psychiatry, no matter their ZIP code,” said Koehler (D-Peoria). This investment will greater health outcomes for young people in our community.”

The Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program, which was established in 2021. The goals of the HTC program are to expand access to care and improve health equity, especially in underserved communities, by leveraging shared resources among collaborative partners to create locally-driven solutions.

Of the 13 organizations selected for funding through the program, Marcfirst, recently renamed Lifelong Access, is set to receive $21.7 million to purchase and renovate the Pantagraph newspaper building to serve as a collaborative hub to provide a variety of health services to Normal residents. Multiple agencies will work through Lifelong Access to provide services in behavioral health, psychiatry, food security initiatives and more. It will also go to establishing a youth urgent care center for behavioral health crises.

“These grants represent a significant investment in the future of healthcare across Illinois, particularly in underserved communities,” said Capital Development Board Executive Director TJ Edwards. “CDB is proud to partner with HFS to ensure these projects not only improve healthcare access, but also build stronger, more resilient healthcare infrastructure that will serve generations of Illinoisans.”

Find the full list of grant recipients here.