CHAMPAIGN-URBANA-RANTOUL, IL (Chambana Today) – The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), announced a $500,000, two-year annual investment in Promise Healthcare. This funding will enable the community health center to extend its operating hours, providing patients with more access to healthcare services during early mornings, nights, and weekends.
Promise Healthcare, which serves over 10,000 patients, is one of only five Illinois health centers to receive the HRSA grant. The expanded hours will help address the healthcare needs of underserved populations who may face challenges such as work schedules, transportation, childcare, and other barriers that prevent them from seeking care during regular business hours. The expansion will be particularly beneficial for those who are uninsured, underinsured, or covered by Medicaid. The new schedule will allow patients to receive preventive care and avoid costly urgent care or emergency department visits.
HHS Secretary Xavier Becerra emphasized the importance of providing equitable healthcare access, stating, “The millions of Americans who can’t miss their daytime work shift, whose kids are in school, who have limited childcare, or who face transportation challenges deserve the same access to quality care.”
Promise Healthcare operates clinics in Champaign, Urbana, and Rantoul, offering a sliding fee scale for those with qualifying incomes and helping patients with Medicaid and Marketplace enrollment.
For more information, visit Promise Healthcare.