Carlinville Area Hospital & Clinics break ground on new Virden facility
From left, Emma Crawford, 2023 Virden Queen; Richard Walden, Vice-Chairman; Heather DeNeve, Board Treasurer; George Murphy, Mayor of Virden; Brian Burnside, CAH&C President/CEO; Dennis Pickrel, Board Chairman.; Dr. Harald Lausen; Dr. Kate Wilkens; Virden providers/Nurse Practitioners Jessica Heil and Jennifer Tinsley; Board Member Tom Denby; and Ralph March, Board Secretary; officially groundbreak the property at 1611 North Springfield Street – the site of the new Carlinville Area Hospital Virden Clinic – during a June 27 ceremony. Construction is expected to be completed by next spring. Photo contributed.
Edited by Jackson Wilson
On June 27, a large turnout of more than 150 community and staff members flocked to the property of 1611 North Springfield Street to witness the ceremonial groundbreaking of the new Carlinville Area Hospital clinic in Virden.
Attendees had the opportunity to create their own sand art keepsakes, adding a unique and memorable touch to the celebration. In a symbolic gesture, the groundbreakers shoveled into a CAH&C branded sandbox filled with vibrant, branded-colored sand.
Additionally, NDL Services provided refreshments with ice cream served in hard hats, complete with shovel-shaped spoons.
The groundbreaking ceremony featured several distinguished guests, including Brian Burnside, CAH&C President/CEO; George Murphy, Mayor of Virden; Dr. Harald Lausen; Dr. Kate Wilkens; Virden providers/Nurse Practitioners Jessica Heil and Jennifer Tinsley; Dennis Pickrel, Board Chairman.; Richard Walden, Vice-Chairman; Heather DeNeve, Board Treasurer; Ralph March, Board Secretary; Board Member Tom Denby; and Emma Crawford, the 2023 Virden Queen.
The new clinic marks a significant milestone for the community, as it will replace the mobile CAH Clinic that has served the northern edge of Virden since October 2023.
The mobile clinic, functioning as a walk-in facility, highlighted the “great need for healthcare services in the area,” which was demonstrated by the large volumes of patients it accommodated.
“We’re excited to announce this transition from a mobile clinic to a permanent health clinic,” Burnside stated prior to the official groundbreaking. “This change represents our dedication to meeting the evolving healthcare needs of our community and providing access to primary and specialty care services.”
The new CAH&C Virden Clinic will offer residents a wider range of comprehensive medical services, ensuring that quality healthcare is conveniently accessible within their community. The establishment of this permanent facility underscores
CAH&C’s commitment to enhancing the well-being of Virden, Girard and its many other surrounding areas.
Construction is expected to be completed by Spring 2025.
