Springfield Memorial Hospital (SMH) is a 500-bed acute care, nonprofit hospital in the state capital of Springfield, Illinois, that offers comprehensive inpatient and outpatient services. Since 1970, SMH has been a teaching hospital affiliated with Southern Illinois University School of Medicine for the purpose of providing clinical training for residents. In 2020, the hospital earned its fourth consecutive Magnet® Hospital Designation by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. The hospital is accredited by The Joint Commission and is a member of the American Hospital Association, the Illinois Hospital Association and Vizient
Priority Area
Mental/Behavioral Health
Following disparities in economy and education, access to mental health services was the next highest-ranked health indicator by focus group participants. Many community members also considered homeless issues and access to behavioral health services (including substance use) as closely related to this indicator, which, if combined, would result in an even higher score.
Priority Area
Economic Disparities
This was the highest ranked priority throughout our community focus groups/interviews. Black or African American households are earning 40% of the income of white households. According to Governing Magazine, Springfield ranks the worst for severe disparities in white and Black household incomes – more so than any other metro area in the entire country
County: Sangamon
(Compared to IL Counties)
Priority Area
Access to Health
While access to health can be difficult to define, it continues to be centered as a top priority amongst community members. During the 2021 CHNA process, we approached this as a major contributing factor, but did not include it on our list of indicators. We again saw community members organically indicate the importance of access to health.
