6 OUR COMMUNITY — 2023
Publisher Amy Winter ( 217 ) 477-5111
Editor Max Jones ( 217 ) 477-5183
Design Natalie Reidford ( 812 ) 568-8991
Reporters Jennifer Bailey ( 217 ) 477-5178
STAFF
Hannah Shillo ( 217 ) 477-5181
Marvin Holman marvin . holman @ dancomnews . com
Sales Manager Cindy Decker ( 217 ) 477-5105
Advertising Sales Ben Jones ( 217 ) 477-5133
Health care the beating heart of
our community
When VA Illiana Health Care System celebrated its 125th year in Danville in late July , a light shone brightly on the grand presence of health and medical care in the community . It reminded us of just how long such invaluable institutions have been foundations of our economic , social and cultural lives .
With such a rich history in Vermilion County , the VA medical center and system that has built up around it provide a showcase for the thousands of local folks who have provided a vast range of services
8 VA Illiana a Fixture in Danville By Hannah Shillo
11 Carle Partners With Community-Wide Health Efforts By Jennifer Bailey
16 OSF Continues Upgrades To Meet Community Needs By Jennifer Bailey
20 Mobile Clinics Hit the Road for Health Journey By Jennifer Bailey
23 Connecting Through Physical Therapy By Marvin Holman
28 Seniors Stay Healthy With Free Produce Program By Jennifer Bailey
32 Keeping Athletes Healthy Athletic trainer helped Danville athletes for 21 years before switching gears By Marvin Holman
CONTENTS
34 The Economics of Eating Healthy By Jennifer Bailey
PAGE 32 PAGE 28
FROM THE EDITOR
to those who have sought their treatment and care .
But the VA is far from the only health and medical facility providing jobs and services to area folks . Carle just opened its modern new hospital on the riverfront in downtown Danville in the past year . Christie Clinic also offers services in a new facility next door to Carle . And OSF also operates a hospital and related clinics here .
All told , the health and medical sector is among the county ’ s largest economic drivers , providing a wide array of jobs and careers to thousands of people , many of whom call Danville and surrounding communities their homes .
In addition to the frontline workers you encounter in hospitals and clinics , there are many trained professionals in support services that provide extended and rehabilitative care to help keep all of us healthy and living our best lives .
Every summer , the Commercial- News publishes a special magazine titled “ Our Community ” that highlights
On the cover : Public Affairs Officer Dori Camacho-Torres , VA Police Chief Shawn Harper and Health System Specialist Tim Seyfert stand in front building 58 at VA Illiana Health Care System . The building serves as the hospital unit of the VA campus . Photo courtesy of U . S . Department of Veterans Affairs
economic dynamics at work in Danville and Vermillion County over the previous year . With the 125th anniversary of VA Illiana ’ s presence being celebrated in 2023 , focusing on health care and all it does to promote economic and social progress here was the obvious choice .
You will find more inside about VA Illiana ’ s highly acclaimed institution serving our nation ’ s military veterans and employing more than 1,500 people . You will also read about our other major health care providers at Carle on the Riverfront and OSF Sacred Heart Medical Center .
Because health care goes beyond the high profile services and big-name institutions , this edition is also presenting stories about mobile clinics , nutrition programs , people providing services in the health care field , and the local community college ’ s programs training future health care professionals .
We hope you enjoy reading about these amazing providers , services and the people who deliver them .
Max Jones , editor
6 OUR COMMUNITY — 2023