Sorensen Announces Over $4 Million for Public Health in Central and Northwestern Illinois

WASHINGTON D.C. – Congressman Eric Sorensen (IL-17) announced $4,348,188 million in federal grant funding for public health services in Central and Northwestern Illinois. These grants were awarded by the United States Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) to Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. in Bloomington and the Knox County Health Department to provide affordable medical, dental, and behavioral health services. 

“Everyone deserves affordable health care, and expanding access for these services, particularly in our rural communities, is more important now than ever before,” said Congressman Sorensen. “I welcome this critical lifeline to our region, which helps support the needs of our communities and allow Illinoisans to lead healthier, happier lives.” 

“On behalf of the Knox County community, Knox County Health Department appreciates the continued support of the federal government in funding the nearly 1,400 community health centers across the nation. Without the Community Health Center program, the Knox County Health Department would not be able to provide affordable, accessible, high-quality medical, behavioral health, and dental services for its patients,” said Michele Gabriel, Public Health Administrator for the Knox County Health Department. “Continued support and funding of this program is essential to ensure the many extraordinary Community Health Centers, both in Illinois and across the United States, are able to continue the essential work they do in knocking down barriers to healthcare.” 

These grants were awarded as part of HHS’ Health Center program, which funds health clinics across the country who meet certain criteria. The 2023 award amounts to Chestnut Health Systems, Inc. and Knox County are $2,850,156 and $1,498,032, respectively. 

Congressman Eric Sorensen is the first openly LGBTQ person elected to represent Illinois at the federal level and is a member of the New Democrat Coalition. He serves on the House Committee on Agriculture and the House Committee on Science, Space, and Technology. Prior to serving in Congress, Sorensen was a local meteorologist in Rockford and the Quad Cities for nearly 20 years. His district includes Illinois’ Quad Cities, Rockford, Peoria, and Bloomington-Normal. 

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