Sen. Bivins visits Whiteside County Community Health Center
DIXON, Ill.- State Senator Tim Bivins expressed his support for the Whiteside County Community Health Center during his tour of the facility Tuesday.
Since the health center opened in May 2006, over 40,000 visits for medical, dental or mental health purposes have been recorded. The clinic has given more than $800,000 of free care to those who qualify for Medicaid or Medicare or cannot afford health insurance. On average the center cares for 150 patients per day.
“I’m impressed with the services the health center provides,” Bivins said. “The clinic has benefited the community by providing accessible health care to people who don’t have other options.”
According to U.S. Census data, from 2000 to 2005 the Whiteside County poverty level rose from 8.5 percent to 10.9 percent, exceeding the national average.
“The high unemployment rate and poverty level in Whiteside County create a great need for the health center,” Bivins said. “It’s remarkable to see the impact the center has in Whiteside County and throughout the Sauk Valley.”
Sen. Bivins talks with Beth Fiorini, Administrator at the Whiteside County Health Department, in one of the dental suites at the Community Health Center in Rock Falls.
