VIENNA – Arrowleaf is proud to announce that it has been awarded a $1.2 million grant from the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA) for its Southern Illinois Rural Health Special Track Opportunity (SIRHSO) initiative. Arrowleaf is one of only ten organizations nationwide to receive funding through HRSA’s Rural Health Care Services Outreach Program – Special Track, a competitive grant opportunity aimed at advancing health outcomes in rural, underserved communities.
The four-year grant will create three new jobs in Southern Illinois—a Programs Coordinator/RN, a Registered Dietitian, and a Case Manager/LPN—all of which will help expand access to preventive healthcare services, community-based screenings, and nutrition-centered interventions. The initiative will also integrate evidence-based models such as Food is Medicine into Arrowleaf’s behavioral health framework. These roles will be critical to advancing the goals of the grant and are posted at myarrowleaf.org/employment.
“This grant will allow us to address critical health needs in our region by bringing evidence-based approaches—like Food is Medicine—into our treatment models,” said Sherrie L. Crabb, CEO of Arrowleaf. “We are excited to build a stronger, healthier community by investing in both people and partnerships.”
Arrowleaf will lead the SIRHSO Consortium, which includes Massac Memorial Hospital, Southern Seven Health Department, Rural Health Inc., and the University of Illinois Extension. Together, these organizations will provide coordinated care and prevention services to the rural counties of Alexander, Johnson, Massac, and Pulaski—areas where rates of preventable chronic disease, respiratory illness, and unintentional injuries are significantly higher than the state average.
The project will target four key health areas: heart disease, cancer, chronic lower respiratory disease, and unintentional injuries. Through collaborative programming, shared data, and community outreach, the Consortium aims to deliver lasting improvements in rural health while building a sustainable model for future care.
This federal investment builds on Arrowleaf’s 51-year legacy of delivering high-quality human services throughout Southern Illinois. With a dedicated team of over 200 employees and more than 30 programs, Arrowleaf continues to lead the region in developing innovative, community-based solutions that empower individuals and strengthen entire communities.