DECATUR — On Tuesday, the Illinois Primary Health Care Association (IPHCA) was pleased to honor U.S. Senator Dick Durbin for his exceptional leadership and efforts in support of community health centers and underserved areas.
IPHCA presented the 2022 Distinguished Community Health Center Advocate Award at Crossing Healthcare in Decatur Illinois. IPHCA and its member health centers are thankful for the Senator’s longstanding commitment to healthcare issues, including protections for the 340B prescription drug discount program, advancing historic investments in the National Health Service Corps, and assistance to providers during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Senator Durbin has shown time and time again his support for community health centers and, most importantly, the individuals and communities they serve,” said Ollie Idowu, President + Chief Executive Office at IPHCA. “At every turn, he has supported our efforts to enhance and expand access to high-quality, comprehensive healthcare to our patients, including his leadership in securing historic investments for the National Health Service Corps – a powerful tool for attracting and retaining healthcare providers in underserved communities.”
“Community health centers are a critical resource for so many Illinoisans, especially in urban and rural areas that have been historically underserved,” said Durbin. “Every single one of our residents deserves access to quality health services, and our community health centers are invaluable partners. I’ll continue advocating for federal investments to strengthen the workforce, lower costs, and improve health equity in every corner of our state.”
The award was presented by the IPHCA on behalf of their national affiliate, the National Association for Community Health Centers (NACHC).
ABOUT IL PRIMARY HEALTH CARE ASSOCIATION
The Illinois Primary Health Care Association is a nonprofit trade association that serves as the voice of and champion for all 53 Illinois community health centers which serve over 1.5 million patients annually across more than 400 service sites in underserved areas across our state’s rural, urban, and suburban communities.