Memorial Health is launching a new $300,000 fundraising effort to establish Mobile Memorial, a mobile health program designed to bring preventive and essential healthcare services directly to the central Illinois communities where they are needed most. The initiative will debut as part of the Memorial Health Championship presented by LRS, taking place June 25–28 at Panther Creek Country Club.
“Health does not start in the exam room. It starts in homes, workplaces, schools and neighborhoods,” said Mandy Eaton, Memorial Health president and CEO, said at a breakfast announcing the initiative to civic leaders earlier this week. “If we want to move the needle on health, we have to reach people where they are and be proactive about it, not just wait until someone is sick enough to show up in the emergency department.”
Leaders plan to use funds raised by the championship and donors to equip a mobile health van that can travel to neighborhoods and rural communities across the region, providing preventive screenings, health education, referrals, vaccinations and more for individuals who may otherwise face challenges accessing care.
“The quality of your health shouldn’t depend on where you live,” said Dolan Dalpoas, senior vice president and chief community impact and philanthropy officer. “Unfortunately, across central Illinois, life expectancies can vary by 10 to 20 years. Our goal is to bring healthcare directly to people who need it, breaking down the barriers that keep people from getting care.”
“Mobile Memorial represents a major step forward in how we care for our communities,” said Valeria Cueto, vice president of community impact and integration. “Every mile this unit travels will help us reach patients earlier, improve outcomes and ensure that more individuals and families have access to care close to home.”
The Memorial Health Championship is part of the Korn Ferry Tour, which gives rising professional golfers an opportunity to earn a spot on the PGA Tour. While proceeds from previous Championships have benefited the five hospital foundations of Memorial Health, this is the first time the organization has earmarked the funds for a single, large-scale initiative.
The Memorial Health Championship continues to reflect Memorial Health’s mission to improve lives and build stronger communities through better health. This year’s focus on Mobile Memorial underscores a commitment to meeting patients where they are and expanding access to care in meaningful ways.
“We have an incredible sense of community here in central Illinois,” Eaton said. “We’ve seen an outpouring of generosity from our donors so far, and I’m looking forward to sharing more about Mobile Memorial with visitors to the Memorial Health Championship this weekend.”
Individuals and businesses that donate to the Mobile Memorial initiative will receive tickets to watch the event from the Champions Club tent. For more information, visit memorial.health/foundations/mobilehealth.