Washington, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Timothy V. Johnson today announced a $105,000 grant to aid in the funding effort to reopen the White County Hospital.

     “We’re delighted to make this announcement,” Rep. Johnson said. “The people of White County need and deserve access to basic medical care. It can take over an hour for people in Carmi to get to a hospital in the best of circumstances. This is unacceptable. I’m happy the federal government can contribute to correcting this situation.”

     The funding comes from the federal Delta Regional Authority and is being awarded to the Phoenix Foundation of Southern Illinois. The DRA funding matches committed local funding of $159,591 for a total of $264,591.

     The money will be used to reopen the outpatient services department, purchase equipment and hire staff. The hospital has been closed since December, 2005.

     White County is without a hospital or emergency services. The county has been identified by the White House as underserved for health care.

     Kay Parkinson, vice president of the Phoenix Foundation, said the foundation has been blessed with support from many sources.

     “We’re walking on air right now,” she said.

     (For more information, reporters may also call Angela Helsel at (618) 384-0080.)  
 

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