Central Illinois AHEC serves both underserved urban and rural populations, with a commitment to promote integrated behavioral health, school and community health, and Mental Health First Aid, with a strong focus on primary prevention.

Host organization: Illinois State University Illinois’ first public university and one of the Midwest’s oldest institutions of higher education, has strong undergraduate and graduate health professions and related programs, in particular the Mennonite College of Nursing, Health Sciences Department, Family and Consumer Sciences (Food, Nutrition, and Dietetics; Human Development and Family Science), Psychology Department with its Psychological Services Center, and School of Social Work. The Communication Sciences and Disorders Department includes the speech/audiology programs and clinic. The College of Applied Science and Technology, in which the AHEC is situated, houses several health-related schools, departments, and programs, and works collaboratively with other colleges to promote health professions students and health professionals across the region. Its core values stress collaboration, diversity, and inclusion.

Area opportunities: Our ties to ISU, the University of Illinois and other institutional partners give participants access to many amenities and health care and social service organizations. We offer our students connections to health professional associations through conference participation, presentations, and rural health careers forums. The region is host to 24 hospitals and numerous ancillary health care facilities. In addition, we partner with Central Illinois school districts and community colleges to provide opportunities for students to explore careers in health and health care settings.

Community partners: We have active ties to many community and institutional partners. There is a strong shared focus on civic engagement and connecting students, faculty and staff with communities and community organizations. Our promotion of health and the health professions goes beyond classroom and student training support to include social media and websites, health fairs, health forums, and community partnerships with the Hult Center for Healthy Living, Warner Hospital and Health Services, Heritage Behavioral Health Center, and the McLean County Health Department, among others.

Demographics: With 1.1 million people, this predominately rural region is home to Springfield, the state capital, and several smaller cities. Five counties have significant minority populations with a diversity of race, ethnicity, religion, and cultural backgrounds. Unemployment is slightly above average in seven counties, contributing to a lower than average household income and an elevated child poverty rate.

Local health challenges: The region performs well in most health measures; however, life expectancy is lower than the Illinois average in three counties. Residents in 10 counties report low quality of life. All counties report mildly above average numbers of mentally unhealthy days. Obesity is mildly elevated, and seven counties report impaired food access. Drunk driving deaths are above average in 14 counties; and while violent crime and homicide are low, the injury death rate is elevated in 13 counties. One county has a higher than average rate of opioid-related deaths.

Our programs: Our programs and activities bring participants in touch in a practical way with health care in our underserved communities. Take a look.

Our region: We are situated in the great college town of Bloomington-Normal. Central Illinois is home to Springfield, the state capital and the scene of political activity and advocacy, including efforts around many health care related initiatives and issues. The region is largely rural, with agriculture being a strong component. It offers a great deal of natural beauty, with a number of lakes and state parks; historic sites and organizations, including those related to Lincoln’s early career; and a chance to experience the pleasure of rural culture and small town life.

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Advisory Board

• Hillary Aggertt, MS, Administrator, Woodford County Health Department, Eureka
• Donna Agustyn-Sloan, EMTP, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Occupational Therapist and member of Marshall County Mental Health Advisory Board, Lacon
• Holly Bill, MPH, CHES, Assistant Manager, Hult Center for Healthy Living, Peoria
• Amy Fox, Administrator, Tazewell County Health Department, Tremont
• Tyler Link, EMTP, Emergency Preparedness Coordinator, Carlinville Area Hospital, Carlinville
• Veronique Parmenter, MSPH, Academic Advisor, Illinois State University
• Jennifer Peterson, PhD, RHIA, CTR, Assistant Professors, Program Director, Department of Health Sciences, Illinois State University
• Paul Skowron, FACHE, CEO, Warner Hospital and Health Services, Clinton