Illinois health care centers from Cairo (KEHR'-oh) to Chicago are receiving nearly $9.5 million in grants made possible by the national health care overhaul.

Health and Human Services Secretary Kathleen Sebelius (seh-BEEL'-yuhs) announced Tuesday that Illinois health centers have been awarded grants under the Affordable Care Act.

The health centers estimate they can serve more than 17,700 new patients because of the grants.

The grants are part of more than $728 million going to health centers across the United States. The money will go toward expanding facilities, updating equipment and serving more patients.

The Illinois health centers receiving grants include Shawnee Health Service in Carterville, Community Health and Emergency Services in Cairo and Erie Family Health Center in Chicago.