SE Illinois News

State Senator Dale Fowler (R-Harrisburg) and Representative Paul Jacobs (R-Pomona) have announced a significant grant of $300,000 to the SIH Cancer Institute in Southern Illinois. The grant, consisting of two $150,000 member initiative grants from the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity, will be used to enhance the healthcare organization's access to high-quality patient care.

Senator Fowler emphasized the importance of the SIH Cancer Institute to the Southern Illinois community, stating, "The SIH Cancer Institute is a critical resource to Southern Illinois, and my hope is through these member initiative grants, this healthcare organization can utilize these specific dollars to further enhance their high-quality access to patient care."

Representative Jacobs expressed his gratitude for the advanced cancer treatment provided by the SIH Cancer Institute. He highlighted the significance of proper nutrition in cancer treatment, stating, "Many people may not know just how vital a proper diet is to beating cancer, but SIH sure does. Expanding dietary services, providing demonstrations, and educating both patients and their families on the many benefits of proper nutrition will have a long-lasting positive impact and help save the lives of cancer patients treated right here in Southern Illinois."

The grant funds will be used to expand and modernize the Green Leaf Café at the SIH Cancer Institute. The project scope includes the expansion of the kitchen and prep space to facilitate oncology dietitian-led demonstrations on preparing high nutrient-value meals and snacks for patients and their caregivers. Additionally, the grant will cover the relocation and renovation of electrical wiring, plumbing, and mechanical changes, as well as the installation of new high-efficiency appliances.

SIH President and CEO John Antes expressed gratitude for the support from Senator Fowler and Representative Jacobs, stating, "SIH is grateful for the support from Senator Fowler and Representative Jacobs. This grant funding will cover the majority of costs for the Green Leaf Café and kitchen upgrades, including additional refrigeration for fresh food options. The reconfigured space is beneficial in a number of ways, especially for teaching patients and caregivers how to make simple, healthy meals to improve nutrition and decrease cancer-related fatigue."

The SIH Cancer Institute has been serving the Southern Illinois region since its opening in 2015. Recognizing the need for specialty care in the area, the healthcare organization recently completed a 20,000 square foot expansion project. In January, the Governor announced a $10 million grant to SIH to help cover costs from the newly completed construction.

With the additional grant of $300,000, the SIH Cancer Institute will further enhance its commitment to providing world-class cancer treatment and support to patients in Southern Illinois.