History

 Coles Community Health Program (CCHP) History  

• February of 2006: consortium of Coles County health care and charitable service organizations start strategic planning for community health clinic to address lack of access to primary care services for public aid recipients and the uninsured;
• March, 2006 – June, 2007: data gathering; preparation of financial projections; review options for establishing community clinic
• March, 2007: conclude that best option for a community clinic is FQHC (Federally Qualified Health Center) model
• September, 2007: develop relationship with Community Health Improvement Center (CHIC) of Decatur, a mature and successful FQHC; determine that most cost effective and expedient development plan is to affiliate with CHIC as a satellite community clinic;
• July, 2007: incorporate and initiate application for tax exempt status to become funding support source for CHIC (who will manage all clinic operations:
• March, 2008: CCHP tax exempt status approved by IRS