Dr. Bingham Receives State Award

(FRONT ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: PHIL AND MARY ANN MATON (DR. BINGHAM'S PARENTS); DR. BINGHAM AND HER HUSBAND DEAN; AND MOTHER-IN-LAW DARLENE BINGHAM; SECOND ROW, LEFT TO RIGHT: BRENT TODD OF THE SIU SCHOOL OF MEDICINE; IRHA BOARD MEMBER CYNTHIA WISE; IRHA DIRECTOR MARGARET VAUGHN; IRHA PAST PRESIDENT KEN RYAN; JANICE WESTENDORF OF FAMILY CARE ASSOCIATES; AND ST. REP. JOHN CAVALETTO)

Effingham family practice physician Dr. Colleen Bingham has been presented the Illinois Rural Health Association's 2016 Physician of Excellence Award. The presentation took place at Family Care Associates in Effingham on November 17, in conjunction with National Rural Health Day.

A message from the Association indicated that one of the biggest healthcare challenges across the nation is the shortage of physicians who practice in rural settings. The Association staement indicates, "IHRA feels it is important to recognize those who have accepted this calling and gone out of their way to make a difference. What really stood out to the selection committee was the far-reaching impact Dr. Bingham has had on the community through her groundbreaking work with the Young Mother's Mentoring Program, Effingham Pre-School for All (which removes transportation and financial barriers to attending pre-school), Mission Summer Fun (activities and meals for low-income students during school breaks), and the Crisis Nursery.

For her part, Dr. Bingham said, "It is a great honor to be recognized by the Illinois Rural Health Association. I am blessed to work and live in a rural community that truly cares for its children--both their healthcare and their success in life. Working together, we have been able to make an impact on young people's lives in our community and it is humbling to be honored for this."

State Representative John Cavaletto was also on hand and presented Dr. Bingham with a copy of House Resolution 1474, which he introduced in Springfield recognizing her many accomplishments, as well as a Senate Congratulatory Certificate from State Senator Kyle McCarter.

Cavaletto said, "We need more people like Dr. Bingham! It was an honor and a privilege to congratulate Dr. Bingham on her accomplishments."