Carbondale Reporter

Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) has launched a new online platform, FindHelp Southern Illinois, to improve access to social services and community resources in the region. The initiative is a response to the 2024 SIH Community Health Needs Assessment, which identified key health priorities including access to care, behavioral health concerns such as mental health and substance misuse, and chronic disease prevention and management.

A recurring theme in the assessment was the importance of addressing social factors that influence health outcomes. These include connecting individuals with resources like transportation, housing, food pantries, and mental health agencies.

To address these needs, SIH collaborated with the Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network and the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families to develop FindHelp Southern Illinois. The platform is powered by findhelp.org, a national network that provides a directory of free or low-cost programs and services. Users can search for assistance by zip code, program name, or within ten different categories based on their specific needs.

The project also receives support from several local organizations including Area VI McKinney-Vento Homeless Education Program, Carbondale Elementary School District 95, Herrin Community Unit School District #4 Family Outreach program, and the Carbondale Community Cabinet for Children and Youth. Funding is provided by Birth to Five Illinois.

According to SIH: "FindHelp Southern Illinois is an initiative of Southern Illinois Healthcare (SIH) in partnership with the Healthy Southern Illinois Delta Network and the Southern Illinois Coalition for Children and Families."

For more information or to begin searching for resources, visit www.findhelpsi.org.