SIHF endeavors to improve population health and to impact the social determinants
that contribute to the health disparities in the communities we serve. We
strive to serve the whole person because we recognize that more than just medical
services are needed to improve overall health. SIHF partners with health organizations
and entities outside of the health system to address social determinants.
SIHF has a Practice Based Research Network registered with the Agency for Healthcare
Research and Quality. Programmatically, SIHF tailors special services to meet
unique needs in the communities we serve. Past accomplishments in population
health include:
- Entities in the SIHF system partnered with a housing development firm to develop
two HUD funded senior apartment complexes that provide 125 senior apartments for
low income seniors. SIHF continues to search for opportunities to improve
community housing.
- Another social determinant, employment opportunities, has been impacted as SIHF
is one of the founding members of Archview Economic Development Corporation which
has been a part of bringing over 6000 jobs to the area.
- Historically, partnerships with other health entities have been part of improving
the health of the children in East St. Louis and surrounding areas. Grant
support from the W.K. Kellogg Foundation allowed a community wide data base to be
developed between East Side Health District and SIHF which improved under 2 year
old immunization rates from 23% to 80% in three years. Today SIHF continues
to strive to improve immunization rates in all communities that it serves.
- An award from the National Committee for Quality Health Care was received for reducing
low birth weight babies (15% to 8.6%) through the development of a community based
system of care. The improvement of birth outcomes continues as a SIHF priority
through out the service area.
- SIHF has received national recognition for its improvements in HIV care and in the
HIV prevention program there have been no new cases of HIV since the program began
in 2004 among the sex workers in East St. Louis who participate in the prevention
program.
Services to meet unique population needs:
- Since 2005 SIHF services have included a Migrant and Seasonal Farm Worker grant
program serving the unique needs the people who work on local horseradish, vegetable
and fruit farms. Over 700 persons have consistently been served each year
in this special program.
- Since 2007 Homeless persons have received special outreach, primary care, and supportive
services through a Healthcare for Homeless grant. Annually, over 4,000 homeless
individuals are served throughout the Madison and St. Clair County area.
- Since 2009 Public Housing Primary Care grant services have been provided to over
4,000 residents of public housing each year.