IDPH awards $2 million to train workers in providing reproductive health services
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The state is awarding three reproductive health organizations grants to help train more providers across the state.
The Illinois Department of Public Health announced the grants in January. The goal of the program is to increase the number of trained providers in the state who can provide access to abortion services.
While Illinois protected abortion access after the U.S. Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade, nearby states including Missouri and Indiana have strict laws for care. This led to a more than 49% increase in abortions provided in 2022 for out-of-state residents, despite a small decrease for abortions for Illinoisans.
Illinois to fund $2 million of grants to improve reproductive healthcare
“When I said Illinois would be an oasis for women seeking reproductive care, I meant it,” said Governor JB Pritzker. “Thanks to the Abortion Provider Capacity Building Grant Program, we will offer health care providers who are meeting the moment with compassion and service access to the training and mentorship they need to deliver the care women deserve.”
The three organizations that received the funding include the Midwest Access Project, Planned Parenthood of Illinois, and the University of Illinois Chicago College of Nursing.
“IDPH is proud to partner with these three outstanding organizations to support training that will improve access and quality to a full range of reproductive healthcare services, including safe abortions,” IDPH Director Dr. Sameer Vohra said. “Illinois has seen a sharp increase in demand for abortion services in the wake of the Supreme Court’s Dobbs decision. Under Governor J.B. Pritzker’s leadership, the State of Illinois is committed to providing resources to improve training and mentorship so our health care providers can deliver Illinoisans and those who come to our state with a full range of reproductive health services.”
MAP and PPIL will be using the funds to expand their current training efforts. UIC’s College of Nursing is working to create new training methods for its Reproductive Advocacy and Diversity in Advanced Nursing Training (RADIANT) Fellowship.
The agency is also working on creating a Reproductive Health Public Navigation Hotline to help people, both in and out-of-state, to find and navigate care statewide. This is in addition to the CARLA hotline for patients who need hospital care for abortion services, which launched in August.
For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to WCIA.com.
