Chicago Construction News staff writer
The Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) Cancer Institute has received a $10-million grant to expand the SIH Cancer Institute in Carterville.
Funding will be used for the buildout that added about 20,000 square feet and modernized clinical and non-clinical areas.
“The expansion at the Southern Illinois Healthcare Cancer Institute will ensure that high quality access to patient care will remain a viable option for those seeking treatment close to home,” said Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg). “I want to thank our local, state, and federal leaders for their bipartisan support in making sure this health care facility received the funding needed to meet the demands for our area.
“Not only will this expansion ensure patient access to life-saving care, but this will also bring new good paying jobs to our region and strengthen our local workforce. This is a great day for Southern Illinois!”
The State is also awarding two $150,000 capital grants to SIH for the expansion of the SIH Cancer Institute Café and costs for the design, oversight, and implementation of kitchen renovations. The expanded kitchen space will provide space for high nutrient-value meal preparation workshops and demonstrations, led by the SIH oncology dietitian.
“The SIH Cancer Institute is a shining example of our commitment to the people in the communities we serve,” said SIH President and CEO John Antes. “With historical incidence rates of cancer, we saw a need for greater access to multidisciplinary care.
“Today, while cancer incidence rates in Southern Illinois are still higher than state and national averages, mortality rates have been falling compared to state and national averages. More of our neighbors are alive and here with us today because of the SIH Cancer Institute.”
All three grants are supported by Rebuild Illinois – Governor Pritzker’s bipartisan $45 billion capital program. Rebuild Illinois is not only the largest capital program in state history, but also the first that touches all modes of transportation as well as vertical infrastructure like hospitals and schools.
