On Wednesday, December 6, 2017, State Representative Tony McCombie (IL-71) and State Senator Neil Anderson (IL-36) announced that a $329,250 grant for the Whiteside County Community Health Clinic (WCCHC), 1300 W. Second Street, Rock Falls, IL, will be released by the Illinois Capital Development Board.
“I am extremely proud of the great work the Whiteside County Health Department does for the underserved population, in the County as well as the surrounding areas” said Rep. McCombie. “The WCCHC was forward-thinking when they took on this project in 2014, and it is now providing 13,000 patients with affordable healthcare. The release of these funds will allow the WCCHC to move forward on their next capital initiative.”
The WCCHC was established in 2006 with a goal of providing primary and preventative access to medical, dental, and behavioral health care to the residents of Whiteside County and the surrounding areas.
A grant for construction of the 5000 square foot, $1,022,000 building was issued in 2014. Construction started in 2015, and the building started serving patients in 2016. However, due to Illinois’ budget situation, the final payment has not yet been received. In 2016, the WCCHC clinic served almost 13,000 patients at over 50,000 visits. The clinic is partially Federally funded and provides services on a sliding fee. No patient is denied.
Executive Director Beth Fiorini recently received an award from the Illinois Public Health Association because of her efforts to make the clinic successful.
“Community healthcare grants like this one aim to provide increased access to healthcare in underserved areas. Residents in Whiteside County will benefit greatly from the release of these funds,” said Governor Bruce Rauner.
“Access to quality healthcare is vital in every community, but in rural areas where there are less options, it is paramount,” Sen. Anderson said. “The releasing of funds for the Whiteside County Health Department will go a long way in helping the citizens of this area.”