South Central Reporter

J&J Ventures, based in Effingham, has contributed $10,000 to Friends & Families of Sarah Bush Lincoln Fayette County Hospital. The donation is intended to support the construction of a new medical office pavilion on the hospital's main campus in Vandalia.

The planned building will cost $15 million and cover 42,000 square feet. It is expected to be completed by summer 2025. The first floor will accommodate primary care, physical and occupational therapy, and Express Care services currently offered at other leased facilities in Vandalia. Among the healthcare providers moving to this new location are Richard Funneman, MD; Jeff Jenson, MD; Bruce Braswell, PA-C; Deidre Langston, FNP; and pediatric provider Kim Peery, PNP. This floor will include 24 exam rooms as well as X-ray and phlebotomy services.

“We’re so excited for this project. It will create clinic space on our campus, making visits more convenient and comfortable for our patients while staying true to the Sarah Bush Lincoln brand for its facilities,” said SBLFCH CEO Karen Dyer. Plans for the second floor involve specialty clinics and relocating existing clinics from within the hospital along with business offices and medical record management.

Ann Wagner, Director of Property Management at J&J Ventures expressed pride in their contribution: “We’re proud to donate to what will be a beautiful new facility,” she stated. “Knowing that it’ll benefit so many patients seeking care at SBLFCH definitely supports our goal as we partner with those organizations that do such good in their communities.”

Friends & Families of SBLFCH functions as a not-for-profit fundraising entity dedicated solely to supporting the hospital through various means including major gifts, events, grants, employee donations, and memorials. “We’re so grateful for this donation from J&J Ventures and will be proud to place a plaque in the new building recognizing them for this very thoughtful gift,” said Lyn Gartke, President of Friends & Families Board.

A photograph includes Friends & Families Board Members Theresa Knebel, Jay Joliff, Connie Goldsmith; Karen Dyer; Ann Wagner from J&J Ventures; Lyn Gartke; Amy Card; Mary Halford; and Whitey Willms.