Providing Healthcare Access to Social Services 217 (P.H.A.S.E.217) was established in 2020 with a clear purpose: to build strong, trust‑centered relationships between Springfield communities and local healthcare institutions. The organization emerged in response to the stark reality of poor health outcomes in underserved neighborhoods across Sangamon County, with a commitment to connecting Springfield to essential health and social services.
From its beginning, P.H.A.S.E.217 has partnered with key institutions—including Southern Illinois University, Urban Action Network, the Paul and Jane Ford Foundation, the Illinois Department of Public Health, the Springfield Park District, and numerous churches throughout Sangamon County—to design programs that respond directly to community needs.
Through these partnerships, P.H.A.S.E.217 has helped create and support initiatives addressing a wide range of health disparities, from hypertension and diabetes to violence prevention, education, and other social determinants of health. Our collaborative approach continues to strengthen community connections and expand access to equitable, culturally responsive care.