JOLIET (WBBM NEWSRADIO) — Joliet’s new, 14,000-square-foot VNA Health Center at 1501 W. Jefferson St. sits in an area lined with strip malls and other businesses.
VNA President and CEO Linnea Windel said it’s expected to serve 5,000 individuals and give 25,000 exams over the next 30 months.
“This is so important, because we know that there are so many more community members who can benefit from our services,” she said. “While the Joliet and surrounding areas have an underserved population of over 60,000 people, there are 40,000 who are currently unserved by community health centers.”
To change that situation, U.S. Rep. Bill Foster — who used to represent the area — and Joliet's current U.S. Rep. Lauren Underwood teamed up to secure $500,000 in federal funding.
Underwood and Foster were joined by Joliet Mayor Terry D’Arcy on Tuesday for a ribbon cutting at the health center.
“Access to quality health care is an important amenity for everyone, particularly those [who are] most vulnerable,” D’Arcy said. “With the beautiful center, we can continue to have positive, healthy impacts on the lives of thousands of residents.”
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