Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development

Welcome

At the Center for Rural Health and Social Service Development (CRHSSD), we partner with area agencies to address the most pressing health and social service concerns affecting our communities. As part of SIU School of Medicine, our aim is to reduce health disparities in the 66 urban and rural counties across central and southern Illinois.

We support and empower residents from 66 counties through research, program evaluations, needs assessments, advocacy work and policy recommendations. We’re regularly testing new models of health care delivery to promote meaningful change in our neighbors’ lives and ensure at-risk communities receive the quality health care they deserve.  

We value more than anything else service to our communities, to our professions, and stakeholders. We value our motivated, professional, and productive staff, along with honesty, integrity, mutual respect, creative thinking, and excellence.

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Rural Land with Road and Fields

Regional Offices

To contact, please call 618-453-1262.

Center services

The CRHSSD is in place to help address health care and social service issues impacting the lives and productivity of those in our state and nation. We do this through grant and project development, research and evaluation, training and workforce development, and community engagement and outreach.

Rural Field with Sunset

Latest articles

Mandy Hagen

Strength in recovery: Letting lived experience lead the way

When Mandy Hagen stepped onstage to accept the Rising Star Award in addiction services, it marked a full-circle moment. Once unsure whether she deserved a seat at the table, today she’s leading recovery efforts across four counties in southern Illinois and inspiring others to find their way forward.
Don Torry speaking at podium

Senator Durbin, SIU Medicine leaders express concerns about federal budget cuts

Health care leaders and Senator Dick Durbin gathered at SIU School of Medicine on July 25 to strongly denounce sweeping federal budget cuts to Medicaid, student loan support and medical research—pillars that sustain both local patient care and the next generation of physicians.
SIU Medicine

Finishing strong: 2020-25 Strategic Plan Progress Report

A new progress report has been published to outline the accomplishments that reflect the resilience, innovation and unwavering commitment of our entire SIU Medicine community.