Avelar Hails Grant Funding to Benefit Uninsured Illinoisans

BOLINGBROOK, Ill. —  State Rep. Dagmara “Dee” Avelar, D-Bolingbrook, is celebrating a $4.5 million grant to the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics (IAFCC). The grant money was passed by the General Assembly and signed by Gov. J.B. Pritzker last year.

“Everyone, no matter their background or circumstances, deserves access to quality health care, and free and charitable clinics play an essential role in making that idea a reality,” Avelar said. “I am proud to support the Illinois Association of Free and Charitable Clinics in their mission to help uninsured and underinsured Illinoisans access much-needed health care services.”

The state grant money will support IAFCC’s member clinics as they work to assist uninsured and underinsured people living with acute and chronic health issues through medical care, outreach, health education, screening and testing, oral health care and behavioral health services.

"These funds will help provide desperately needed health care to the most vulnerable in Will County,” said Shawn Marconi, Executive Director of Will Grundy Medical Center Health Partnership. “When people have access to health care, they are able to work and take care of their families. We are heartened by Rep. Avelar's support and commitment to this cause." 

“This funding plays an integral role in our work to end health care inequities and will help thousands of Illinoisans access critical health care services when they might normally go without,” Avelar said. “As the House sponsor of this effort, I am overjoyed to see it come to fruition. However, our work is just beginning. I will always fight to improve access to health care so that all Illinoisans can live healthy lives.”