Sarah Bush

Organized in October of 1997, the I Sing the Body Electric Coalition Board is the decision-making body which governs policy and program activities and provides guidance and direction. Individuals from key community constituencies such as business, media, law enforcement, faith, health care/substance abuse prevention, education, and civic and volunteer groups are involved in all areas of the program to support youth and reduce substance abuse. The Coalition Board also includes youth and parents. Each of the following partners brings unique assets and commitment to the program:

Eastern Illinois University (EIU) provides student volunteers/mentors and interns. Faculty members assist with program evaluation and serve as advisors on all program phases.

Lake Land College (LLC) provides student volunteers/mentors and interns, assists in promoting the program in their media, and provides facilities and services for program activities.

Paris Community Hospital (PCH) provides funding and assists in identifying sites for tour activities, develops mentorships between health care professionals and students in Edgar County, and makes educational resources available.

Regional Office of Education (ROE) serves as the communication conduit for school superinten­dents and building administrators across the seven country region. A major function of the ROE is to advise the Coalition Board on the best practice procedures for working with and in the schools.

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Center (SBLHC) serves as grantee for all funding through its Foundation.  Major tasks include identifying state and federal health education and prevention grant/opportunities. The hospital ethics committee reviews survey protocol for human subjects research protection. SBLHC hires and employs Body Electric staff and provides facilities and administrative support including information technology, transportation, accounting, and payroll services. Body Electric staff report to the Director of Healthy Communities at SBLHC.

The employees of SBLHC generously donate to a capital campaign fund to help support the costs that are not covered by grants.  Grants have also been provided by Women Connected and the Volunteer Guild.  

WEIU FM &TV (PBS affiliate) provides production services, technical assistance, and on-air program promotion.

Current Funding Sources:

Employees of SBLHS

BlueCross BlueShield of Illinois

Illinois Department of Human Services, Division of Community Health and Prevention

Sarah Bush Lincoln Health Foundation

Paris Community Hospital

WomenConnected

Past Funding Sources:

Sarah Bush Lincoln Guild

Lumpkin Family Foundation

Illinois Department of Public Health:  Women’s Health Programs and Tobacco-Free Communities Program

Drug-Free Communities Support Program, Office of National Drug Control Policy, Exec. Office of the President, SAMHSA

Rural Health Outreach Program of the US Department of Health and Human Services, Health Resources & Services

Safe Communities Program of the Illinois Department of Transportation