East Central Reporter

Gary and Jennifer Swearingen from Neoga have donated $10,000 to support the Sarah Bush Lincoln (SBL) Specialty Pavilion, which is currently under construction in Effingham at 905 North Maple Street. The new $28 million medical facility is projected to open in October next year.

In a joint statement, Gary and Jenny Swearingen said, “This region is incredibly fortunate to have a health system the size of Sarah Bush Lincoln’s. It’s important to us to support its growth, and we’re very excited that this new facility is coming to the Effingham community to care for our friends. Living in Neoga, we appreciate their expansion to the local communities.”

The 39,946 square-foot building will provide a range of healthcare services. These include cardiology and a cardiac rehabilitation gym, pulmonary function testing, ENT and hearing aid services, laboratory space, offices for physician specialists, and a drive-thru retail pharmacy.

Amy Card, Director of the SBL Health Foundation, acknowledged the Swearingens’ ongoing support: “Gary and Jenny are so generous and over the years have supported both Sarah Bush Lincoln’s growth, as well as many services that we offer, especially those that provide care to the uninsured. They donate to us to help make life better for others, and that is truly a gift.”

Those who contribute $5,000 or more to the Effingham Specialty Pavilion will have their names displayed on individual plaques within the new facility. Donations of $1,000 or more will be recognized on an engraved group plaque. For further information about contributing, interested parties can contact Amy Card at 217-258-2511 or [email protected].