The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Presents $15,000 Grant to Heartland Health Services to Address Access to Health Care in Peoria and Tazewell Counties

The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), is announcing a $15,000 investment to support the expansion of Heartland Health Services’ Mobile Health Center (MHC). This program elevates Heartland Health Services’ existing programs, enabling them to deliver behavioral health and substance use disorder treatment in addition to their existing primary care services to underserved communities in Peoria and Tazewell counties.

In Illinois, 13.2% of residents live in rural areas, demonstrating the importance of making care more accessible. Additionally, Peoria and Tazewell counties are designated as Mental Health Professional Shortage Areas, highlighting the need for innovative programs that meet individuals where they are with the services they need. This grant will help address health care gaps in rural communities and beyond.

“At Heartland, we’re committed to advancing the overall health of our community by providing affordable and quality health care services with compassion,” said Nicole Stephens, director of community engagement and marketing at Heartland Health Services. “With Molina’s support we are able to bring health care services to hard-to-reach communities reducing barriers to care and bridging gaps to behavioral health care in Peoria and Tazewell counties.”

Molina’s grant will support staffing and workforce retention for the MHC. It will also equip the vehicle with supplies and resources needed to bolster behavioral health care, support medication assisted recovery, and provide more residents with primary care and preventive services.

“Peoria and Tazewell communities face significant gaps in access to primary care and behavioral health services,” said Kris Classen, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “Through our partnership with Heartland Health Services and the continued deployment of Molina’s Mobile Help Center, we are expanding service capacity to ensure that individuals in rural areas with the greatest need can obtain essential care, regardless of where they live.”