Wabash Community Health Center To Expand Health Center Program

Mount Carmel, IL (August 14, 2026) – Wabash Community Health Center (WCHC) is proud to announce it has been selected as a recipient of a federal Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) award as part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services' (HHS) historic $102 million investment to expand access to primary and behavioral healthcare services nationwide. The funding will support WCHC's continued efforts to increase access to vital behavioral health services throughout Wabash County and surrounding communities.

This achievement reflects years of collaboration among Wabash Community Health Center, Wabash General Hospital, and the Wabash County Health Department, whose boards, leadership teams, and staff have worked together to address a critical need for accessible behavioral health services in the region.

"Our community recognized years ago that expanded behavioral health services were desperately needed," said Karissa Turner, President & CEO of Wabash General Hospital. "This award was sought out through a joint decision to collaborate with the Wabash County Health Department and Wabash General Hospital boards and leadership to bring expanded behavioral health services to our community to serve people in need. We started in 2019, developing the infrastructure to form Wabash Community Health Center, and have been able to serve 1,927 patients just in 2025. We are very thankful HRSA has acknowledged our efforts and willingness to serve our community and given us additional funding to grow these services. I would like to thank our staff for their hard work over the past seven years to develop this program. I am excited to see how many more people we will be able to help."

Since the beginning, WCHC has focused on removing barriers to care and providing integrated healthcare services to area residents. The newly awarded funding will strengthen the organization's ability to meet growing community needs and expand access to comprehensive behavioral health services.

"We are thrilled to receive this vital support from HRSA," said Cathy Ruth, Program Director for Wabash Community Health Center. "This funding allows us to reach more people who need care right here in our community and the surrounding communities.

WCHC has a strong and successful collaboration with Wabash General Hospital and the Wabash County Health Department, and I would like to thank them for their continued support, along with the Board of Directors, and all the amazing staff."

Judy Wissel, Administrator at Wabash County Health Department, stated, “This is incredible news for the Wabash Community Health Center and for the future of healthcare in our community. Reaching this point has taken tremendous dedication, planning, collaboration, and perseverance. I am extremely proud of our team and am grateful to everyone who believed in our vision and helped us get here. I recognize that this milestone would not have been possible without the Board of Health and the Hospital Board agreeing to let Karissa and me take off on this crazy adventure. I’m looking forward to seeing the Health Center grow and provide even more healthcare to our community.”

The award represents a significant milestone in a partnership that began with a shared commitment to addressing behavioral health challenges locally. By combining resources, expertise, and leadership, WCHC, Wabash General Hospital, and the Wabash County Health Department have created a model of collaboration focused on improving health outcomes throughout the region.

As the program continues to grow, the organizations remain committed to ensuring that individuals and families have access to high-quality, compassionate behavioral healthcare services close to home.

For more information about the program and a full list of the 2026 recipients, please visits https://www.hhs.gov/press-room/hhs-invests-102-million-expand-health-centers-primary-care.html

About Wabash Community Health Center

Wabash Community Health Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center dedicated to providing accessible, high-quality healthcare services to residents of Wabash County and surrounding communities. Through collaboration with community partners, WCHC delivers comprehensive healthcare services with a focus on improving the health and well-being of the populations it serves.

New patients are welcome and you can schedule an appointment by calling 618-263-4970. No one will be denied services due to an inability to pay. There is a discounted fee schedule available to all who qualify. Wabash Community Health Center is located at 1123 Chestnut Street in Mount Carmel, Illinois. For more information, please visit our website at www.wabashchc.com and follow us on Facebook.