Improved patient access goal of Chestnut grant

Aug. 10--BLOOMINGTON -- Chestnut Health Systems will receive $35,000 in federal money to enhance patient accessibility to Chestnut's two federally qualified health centers.

The centers are Chestnut Family Health Center, 720 W. Chestnut St., Bloomington, and a center in Granite City.

Chestnut is among seven health centers statewide that will receive U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' grants totaling $245,000. Grants were announced Wednesday by U.S. Sen. Dick Durbin, D-Ill.

Chestnut Family Health Center is the medical home for individuals who don't have a family doctor. The growing clinic is geared to low-income people on Medicaid or without insurance.

"Community health centers provide high-quality, comprehensive medical care to thousands of Illinoisans every year," Durbin said in a prepared statement. "This investment will help health centers across our state continue to improve health outcomes and reduce patient costs through improved communication between patients and medical professionals."

"We're grateful for the continuing investment by the federal government in Federally Qualified Health Centers like the two that Chestnut operates," Chestnut Health Systems Chief Operating Officer Alan Sender said.

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"Chestnut plans to use a portion of the funds to enhance patient accessibility by working with a consultant regarding access to services and scheduling for both sites (Bloomington and Granite City)," Sender said. "The goal is to increase effectiveness of same-day access and scheduling for all specialties."

Chestnut will use the remainder of the money to improve patients' health management, including controlling hypertension and diabetes, Sender said.

Follow Paul Swiech on Twitter: @pg_swiech

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