THE ILLINOIS DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC HEALTH IS ANNOUNCING UP TO THREE-POINT-SEVEN MILLION DOLLARS IN GRANTS TO HELP EASE HEALTH DISPARITIES ACROSS THE STATE.

THE MONEY IS GOING TO 18 ORGANIZATIONS IN HOPES OF IMPROVING CARE FOR THE UNDERSERVED, SUCH AS MINORITIES AND RURAL RESIDENTS. THE PROGRAM IS CALLED “ARISE” SAYS STATE PUBLIC HEALTH DIRECTOR DOCTOR SAMEER VOHRA.

GROUPS SAY THEY WILL USE THE MONEY FOR THINGS LIKE TRANSPORTATION TO HELP AREA RESIDENTS GET TO MEDICAL APPOINTMENTS, AS WELL AS SUBSTANCE ABUSE AWARENESS AND TREATMENT PROGRAMS.

THE GRANT MONEY IS GOING TO 18 COMMUNITIES.