Treasurer’s Opportunity Illinois program provides

financial help for Hope Institute

Tuesday, November 20, 2007

The Hope Institute for Children and Families will open a new medical complex for children with developmental disabilities and mental illness next year in Springfield thanks to a $3.5 million deposit from Illinois State Treasurer Alexi Giannoulias’ Office.

The facility, 5220 S. Sixth St., will integrate mental health, rehabilitation services and primary health under one roof, making it more convenient for children and families who have a mental illness or developmental disability to access quality care, regardless of their ability to pay for services.

“This facility demonstrates how government can invest to make a difference in the lives of children and families who have special medical needs,” Giannoulias said. “This new medical center will be a one-stop shop for free or low-cost health services for the most at risk and fragile populations in central and southern Illinois.”

The Hope Institute for Children and Families worked with Giannoulias’ Office and Chase Bank to receive a $3.5 million low-interest loan to purchase the medical office building. An announcement regarding the purchase is scheduled for Dec. 3 at the site.

Under the Opportunity Illinois hospital development program, the Treasurer’s Office agreed to deposit $3.5 million at Chase Bank for five years. In exchange, Chase reduced the interest charged on a loan to the Hope Institute, saving the medical center approximately $355,800. In addition, The Noll Foundation is donating $1 million for the center, to be named The Noll Medical Pavilion.

"The Hope Institute is grateful for the support of the Treasurer's Office and for Treasurer Giannoulias’ assistance in purchasing the medical office complex,” said Dr. Joseph E. Nyre, president and CEO of The Hope Institute for Children and Families. “Healthcare is a vexing issue requiring an array of inventive solutions. The Noll Medical Pavilion is the result of collaborative partnerships between non-profit organizations and support from state government to provide for the greater public good. This medical center is an example of leveraging public and private social sector resources to achieve greatest impact - improving the health and well being of children with special needs and their families throughout central and southern Illinois."

The Hope Institute is recruiting a pharmacy, dental practice and primary care practice to operate in the pavilion. The building will also house offices or clinics for The Autism Program, Southern Illinois University’s Child Psychiatry Services, Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois Children’s Services and The Hope School Foundation. Two existing tenants will remain, Midwest Eye Associates and Bansal Occupational Solutions.

"The opportunity to partner with The Hope Institute and other organizations serving children, within this building, creates significant potential for improving access, quality and integration of health care for children with complex medical and behavioral issues,” said Brian Allen, president and CEO of Mental Health Centers of Central Illinois.

The facility is expected to open in March. In the first year officials expect over 300 new families to access care and an increase of 63,000 visits.