Office of Community Health Work

Welcome

The OCHW team is led by experienced and compassionate community health workers, community health educators, nurses and licensed clinical social workers. We’re trained in evidence-based techniques like motivational interviewing and trauma-informed care to help us develop trusting relationships with our neighbors throughout central and southern Illinois. We offer a range of exclusive and research-informed programs designed to create community health workers of the future while also promoting better health for our patients in real time. We seek to engage patients and improve outcomes for people affected by complex medical, psychological and social needs.

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SIU Medicine staff work in community garden
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SIU Medicine’s community health programs support individuals and families across Springfield and beyond with personalized, compassionate care. From chronic disease management and mental health support to maternal health and environmental education, our team, including dedicated community health workers, helps connect people to the services they need and build stronger, healthier neighborhoods.

Better Days Ahead

Community health worker programs are improving lives in Illinois neighborhoods

Community Health

Latest articles

Covid art x 3

'COVID Stories' will highlight local impacts & images from global pandemic

A series of Springfield-area events will bring moments from the global pandemic back into sharp focus this fall. ‘COVID Stories’ will provide both local and universal reflections on how we as a society adjusted when things went viral, literally.
Don Torry speaking at podium

Senator Durbin, SIU Medicine leaders express concerns about federal budget cuts

Health care leaders and Senator Dick Durbin gathered at SIU School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians.
Blue bins for Enos items

Blue bin locations on SIU Medicine campus

Please use this guide to locate drop-off spots for seasonal item drives.