Photo of nurse working with family

Community Care programs strengthening clients, making homes safer

“Many of our clients are young mothers who don’t have all the resources they need, so we’re able to help.” Nurse Lisa Homeier makes herself available 24/7, so “we can talk like we’re sisters.”
Enos dad story

Medical student’s family invests time & money in Enos Park renovations

In 2005, Steve and Diane Combs moved to Springfield and bought an older home in Enos Park near the SIU School of Medicine. The Italianate structure was built in 1881, and it needed some work.
Centrum Building

As needs grow, Healthy Aging and Wellness responds and expands

For adults over 60, the center’s three primary care physicians are all experienced geriatricians, specially trained to provide care for an aging population.
Photo of students participating in Day of Service

Cleaning, bonding, role modeling: Students serving in the community

For more than 10 years, SIU medical students have organized and volunteered for a spring cleaning day in the Enos Park and Pillsbury Mills neighborhoods.
Photo of community members taking a tour of mobile care-a-van

Care-A-Van delivers health care along rural routes

I met Jennifer Hammonds, LCSW, when I was in high school in West Frankfort, Ill., through her work on SIU School of Medicine’s Care-A-Van – a school health clinic on wheels that serves high schools in
Perer Harshi

Aspects of a Learner - Harshi Perera

New physician assistant Harshi Perera is a native of Sri Lanka -- the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" -- and followed her childhood passions to become a health care professional.
Aspects Advocating for Amber

Advocating for Amber

Community health worker Nicol Moore met Amber Hinkle, 41, during a 2021 neighborhood celebration in Comer Cox Park. Amber had chronic leg pain and had become discouraged with her physician. “I’d bring
Commencement 2023

2023 Commencement: Take the less-traveled road

2023 Commencement: Take the less-traveled road New physicians, research scientists and instructors at SIU School of Medicine received their diplomas on May 20, at the school’s 49th annual commencement
SIU Medicine staff work in community garden

New program puts community health workers at ground level

Establishing roots Community health worker Kaye Barnes sports a purple SIU Medicine T-shirt to complement her green thumb as she works in Springfield’s community gardens. A native of the city’s north