WASHINGTON, D.C. - U.S. Rep. Mike Bost (IL-12) announced today that Southern Illinois Healthcare will receive an $8.7 million grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s Rural Development program to build an in-patient medical psychiatric unit that expands access for local residents to mental health services.

“Rural communities often do not have access to the same kinds of resources as many urban and suburban areas,” said Bost. “By expanding access to these critical federal grants, we can help ensure that communities in the region can provide vitally important mental health services to keep residents safe and healthy.”   

The hospital will work with the Egyptian Health Department, the Southern Illinois University School of Medicine, and the Southeastern Regional Planning and Development Commission to address the mental health needs of Hardin, White, Jackson, Pope, Gallatin, and Saline County. 

###