Southern Illinois Healthcare is donating funds to 18 social services agencies to help with relief during the coronavirus pandemic.
A recent SIH community needs assessment found as many as 23.4% of the area’s population is living at or below the poverty line. That assessment was completed prior to the pandemic, and SIH says is likely to have increased due to the coronavirus.
Each agency will receive $1,000 to address social determinants of health or other COVID-19 related needs. Social determinants of health are environmental and social factors that can impact a person’s vulnerability to illness or affect outcomes if they become sick. These include economic stability, community support, and education, among others.
Agencies receiving funding in this first round are the Boys & Girls Club of Southern Illinois, Carbondale Warming Center, Centerstone, Coleman Tri County Services, Crosswalk Community Action Agency, Daystar Community Program, Du Quoin Food Pantry, Family Counseling Center, Inc., Good Samaritan Ministries, Greater Galatia Ministerial Alliance Food Pantry, Marion Ministerial Alliance, Perry County Health Department, Pregnancy Matters, Shawnee Development Council, Inc., Southern Pride Senior Program, Thompsonville Community of Christ Food Pantry, Victory Christian Center of Southern Illinois, and White County Senior Citizen's Center, Inc.
SIH is accepting a second round of applications for funding through June 26th. Non-profit social service agencies can apply here.
