The Jackson County Health Department is preparing to be open five days a week again.
Because of the prolonged Illinois budget stalemate, the facility closed on Fridays in December 2015.
But, administrator Sarah Patrick says budget agreements the last two fiscal years has allowed the department to stabilize its funding and go back to offering services five days a week.
"We started to get paid back for services that had been given, some of them back in 2015. So, (we) slowly started to build back our ability to cover our expenses. Then, having the reassurance of a new state budget now signed by the governor, has made a big difference."
She says returning to full-day services on Fridays will help them reach out to more people.
"I think having a fifth day open will just help people come in and get those WIC vouchers and come in for screenings and participate in activities across the board for the health department."
Starting July 2nd, the Jackson County Health Department will be open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
