Broadband Illinois — Broadband Illinois

On Tuesday, December 3rd, a virtual event—2024 Awards for Excellence—honored leaders in telehealth: Elizabeth Whitehorn, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), led efforts to maintain telehealth services and policies, no longer required; and Pat Schou, recently retired Executive Director of the Illinois Critical Care Hospital Network, has been a long-time leader in advancing telehealth to serve the health needs of rural Illinois.

Flyer Video

Partnership for a Connected Illinois (PCI) was formed in 2009. In its first five years, PCI oversaw the expenditure of over $305 million for the expansion of broadband over 3,593 miles in Illinois. PCI collaborated with broadband providers to create detailed maps indicating broadband coverage and speeds across the state.

Illinois Telehealth Initiative

In 2015, PCI launched the Illinois Telehealth Initiative (ITI) based on the recommendations of the Governor’s Subcommittee on Telehealth to create a neutral forum that convenes telehealth stakeholders with the goal of supporting the advancement of telehealth services in Illinois.In the last five years, PCI has focused on the need for behavioral health services for children, specifically offered through K12 schools in Cook county and Illinois.

Article on the Origins of the Illinois Telehealth Initiative:

Partnership for a Connected Illinois 201 West Lake Street, Suite 102 Chicago, IL 60606 Phone: (773) 614-1930 telehealth@broadbandillinois.org