Gov. Pritzker Celebrates $22 Million Investment in Critical Healthcare Services in Normal

NORMAL- ​ Today, Governor JB Pritzker joined leaders from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) to celebrate a $21.7 million grant for Lifelong Access (formerly known as Marcfirst) which will be used to purchase and renovate a new hub for health and wellness services in Normal. The event included local elected officials, state legislators, Lifelong Access’ interim CEO Rebecca Brennan, and agency directors from CDB and HFS.

“Over the past six years, we have undertaken an ambitious effort to rebuild and revitalize healthcare in Illinois – seeking to build a truly comprehensive care infrastructure across the state,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “The investments we are making here are not only about better healthcare, but community revitalization. Lifelong Access will have a home in the old Pantagraph building – a historical pillar of downtown Bloomington that will now become both a social services hub and an economic driver for the area."

Lifelong Access will use the grant funding to purchase the Pantagraph newspaper building, which will serve as a collaborative hub for multiple agencies supporting services in behavioral health, psychiatry, a youth behavioral urgent care center, pediatric primary care, dental wellness, alternative youth education, community day services, food security initiatives and supported employment programming. The project unites several partners to provide services at the hub, including: Chestnut Health Systems, the Regional Office of Education (ROE) #17, Project Oz, Midwest Food Bank of Illinois-Bloomington-Normal, and YWCA McLean County.

By repurposing a historic building in the community, this critical investment not only expands access to healthcare services, but also helps revitalize a critical area of the community.

Today’s announcement is part of the transformational $200 million Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program, which provided 13 grantees across the state with critical funding designed to transform healthcare delivery and outcomes in underserved communities.

“HFS is proud to be partnering with CDB on this unique new program, which builds on our ongoing efforts to promote equitable access to healthcare across the state, particularly in historically underserved communities,” said Acting HFS Director Elizabeth M. Whitehorn. “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.”

“This capital grant program represents a significant investment in the health and wellness of Illinois communities," said CDB Executive Director TJ Edwards. "CDB is proud to oversee the construction of these projects, which will not only enhance access to critical healthcare services but also create innovative facilities."

Healthcare Transformation Capital Improvement grants will build on HFS’ equity-driven Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives (HTC) 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 partners to create locally-driven solutions.

These 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. Safety net health entities secured nearly half (48%) of the $200M in funding.

For the full list of awardees and further details about their initiatives, see the Governor’s Office’s December 18 Announcement Release.

“We are thankful for the Healthcare Transformation grant program. The Town of Normal and the entire Bloomington-Normal community will benefit from these grant dollars,” said Town of Normal Mayor Chris Koos. “Since the pandemic, our communities have seen a rise in mental health-related needs. Expanding access to critical services and ensuring access is available to all, especially underserved populations, is key.”

“Programs like this show what’s possible when visionary leaders come together to create real change,” said Bloomington Mayor Mboka Mwilambwe. “These projects will directly benefit residents by addressing critical health needs while also contributing to the revitalization of our community, including Downtown Bloomington. We’re grateful to the state and everyone involved in making this transformative program a reality.”

"Illinois' investment in Lifelong Access will bring healthcare and social services to Bloomington-Normal that will primarily benefit our youth by providing them with behavioral, pediatric, mental, dental, and alternative health services along with social services such as food initiatives, community day services, and supported employment programming,” said Rep. Sharon Chung (D-Bloomington). “This investment will not only expand access to healthcare to those who may not have previously been afforded such services, it will also expand the types of healthcare offered, better equipping the Bloomington-Normal community for a healthy future. I am proud to support this investment in our district as it will bring us closer to closing the healthcare access gap and uplift the youth in our community.”

“This is a huge step not only for Illinois, but for Lawndale residents and every surrounding community that, without more health care access, would be at risk,” said State Senator Lakesia Collins (D-Chicago). “Lawndale Christian Health Center serves thousands of residents, and with this funding will be able to make meaningful improvements to their facility, improving quality of care for all patients they see.”

“This funding is a significant investment in the health and wellbeing of our residents,” said State Senator Mike Porfirio (D-Lyons Township). “Supporting the development of a comprehensive care center ensures our residents have access to critical care and essential services all in one accessible location.”

“Quality mental health care is essential for the well-being of adolescents,” said State Senator Christopher Belt (D-Swansea). “Learning how to manage mental health at a young age can be challenging, but with resources like the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Program, we can support our youth and expand more mental health resources.”

“This funding further strengthens our state’s commitment to health care access, ensuring all residents can receive the quality care they deserve,” said State Senator Mattie Hunter (D-Chicago). “In the 3rd District, this support will empower Insight Hospital to expand resources for youth and families, reinforcing its critical role as a safety net provider.”

“Having the ability to provide adequate behavioral health services in the Decatur community and beyond is a huge step in the right direction,” said State Senator Doris Turner (D-Springfield). “Heritage Behavioral Health Center improves the mental and physical well-being of those they serve and now they will be able to help more people.”

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

"I am proud of this impactful investment, which brings much-needed resources to some of the most underserved communities in our state," said Rep. Yolonda Morris (D-Chicago). "As a healthcare professional, I know very well how access to quality care can change lives. I am proud of this compassionate investment that will help to uplift our residents and enrich our communities."

"Because of this historic investment, healthcare providers at Swedish Covenant Health and Thorek Memorial Hospital will be better poised to provide community-based care, as well as mental and behavioral services," said Rep. Hoan Huynh (D-Chicago). "This is just the latest step in our agenda to transform health care in Illinois to make it more affordable and accessible for people of all walks of life."

"Through this major state investment aimed at increasing equity and access to health care on the South Side, Insight Chicago will be able to provide robust academic support, modern athletic facilities and welcoming community empowerment spaces for local residents," said Rep. Kimberly DuBuclet (D-Chicago). "Insight has served our community for over 172 years, and with investments such as these I am certain that its work will continue for the next 172."

“When our state was grappling with the COVID-19 pandemic, I was on the frontlines of my community getting vaccines into the hands of the most vulnerable,” said Rep. Angelica Guerrero-Cuellar (D-Chicago). “This experience taught me that more needed to be done to overcome the health inequities I saw in my community. The Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Program embodies what it will take to overcome maternal, infant and senior health challenges so many of our communities face: stronger governmental partnerships, competitive and comprehensive programs and more effective on-the-ground resources. I’m thankful to Governor Pritzker for providing my community the financial support it needs to improve health outcomes for the underinsured and uninsured.”

“Safety net hospitals play an invaluable role in protecting Illinois from the next pandemic or health crisis,” said Rep. Thaddeus Jones (D-Calumet City). “TCA Health knows this and has been doing the good work of protecting our uninsured and underinsured from the chronic health inequalities so many Illinoisans and their communities face. These grants are supporting a cornerstone of health on the south side. This funding will go a long way, and I cannot wait to see what new breakthroughs and better health outcomes we start to see out of TCA Health."

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