Transportation barriers impact health care access in Southern Illinois

UNION COUNTY, Ill. (KBSI)- The Southern Seven Health Department hosted a community focus group Tuesday, Feb. 17 to address transportation barriers across Southern Illinois and how those challenges impact access to health care and other essential services.

Community members gathered in Union County to share how limited transportation options affect their ability to attend medical appointments, access mental health services and travel to grocery stores.

Southern Seven Focus Group QR Code

Health officials said transportation remains a significant challenge in rural communities, where long distances and limited transit routes can create barriers to care.

“Transportation shouldn’t be the only reason that somebody misses a cancer screening or can’t get groceries,” one official said during the discussion.

The department gathered feedback from residents to better understand the challenges they face and identify possible solutions moving forward.

Officials said certain populations, such as seniors, often face the greatest difficulties when they lack reliable transportation.

The health department will review the information collected and use it to guide future planning efforts aimed at reducing transportation barriers in the region.

The department will host its next focus session on Thursday, Feb. 26, as part of its ongoing effort to gather feedback from residents across the region.

Residents can continue submitting feedback online through March 4 scanning the QR code included above.