East Central Reporter

Governor JB Pritzker, alongside the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services and the Illinois Capital Development Board, has announced that Clay County Hospital (CCH) is among 13 organizations selected to receive funding from the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program. This program aims to improve healthcare facilities and address health-related social needs across Illinois with a total allocation of $200 million.

Governor Pritzker commented on the initiative, stating, “This Capital Improvement Grant Program will improve hospitals and care centers with much needed improvements, making it easier for healthcare professionals to serve their communities.”

Clay County Hospital was chosen through a merit-based review process as one of the recipients out of more than 50 applicants. The hospital's proposal included projects estimated at $15.1 million in construction costs. To strengthen its application, CCH committed to providing matching funds covering 20% of these costs. Ultimately, CCH was awarded a grant totaling $12.1 million.

The planned projects at CCH include constructing a new Clay County Health Department building measuring 16,056 square feet on the hospital property and an 11,388 square foot addition to the hospital itself. This expansion will house various administrative and educational departments and consolidate all staff on campus. Additional renovations are planned for inpatient rooms, nutritional services, and surgery departments.

Bob Sellers, President/CEO of CCH, expressed optimism about the impact of this funding: “The grant provides the funds to strategically position CCH in providing outstanding services to the residents of Clay County and surrounding areas well into the future.”

Sellers also acknowledged Kamy Vail, Clinical Nurse Educator, and Jay Walker, Plant Operations Manager, for their efforts in completing and securing approval for the grant application.