The U.S. Department of Agriculture, Rural Development provided a $1 million Community Facilities Emergency Rural Health Care Grant to help fund the recent rehabilitation center expansion at the Marshall Browning Hospital (MBH) in Du Quoin, Illinois. The 7,700-square-foot expansion allows the hospital to continue offering quality healthcare close to home for residents in southern Illinois.

Director of Rehab Heather Richelman, Director of Cardiopulmonary Lisa Smith, and Chief Nursing Officer and Director of Clinical Services Stephanie Hall cut the ribbon to officially open the new facility on April 10, 2025.

“This facility represents a significant advancement in our community’s healthcare services, providing essential support for patients recovering from cardiac events and those with pulmonary conditions,” said Cardiopulmonary Director Lisa Smith.

Staff says the building’s design fosters an atmosphere of camaraderie among patients and provides space to address the effects of heart and lung disease as well as one-on-one education.

Marshall Browning Rehabilitation offers 13 different types of services, including:

• Cardiac rehabilitation
• Occupational therapy
• Physical therapy
• Pulmonary rehab
• Speech therapy
• Aquatic therapy
• Dry needling
• LSVT BIG®
• LSVT LOUD®
• Lymphedema therapy
• Sports medicine/athletic trainer
• Vestibular therapy

“It’s a great building,” said Marshall Browning Hospital Chief Executive Officer Dan Eaves. “Our new rehab facility on the Marshall Browning Hospital campus is unlike any other in the area. Our rehab patients now have a beautiful setting to receive whatever therapy they need, plus personalized and professional care. Each therapy is personalized to a patient’s needs and provided by talented, compassionate therapists.”

Eaves said the space also provides better patient privacy, staff flow, and an overall better environment.

Dr. Smith says its vital for the health of the community to have these services available locally. She knows first-hand the importance of rural health care. At 34, she experienced a heart attack. She had to travel to Herrin from Du Quoin several days each week for care. “The further people have to go,” she said, “the less likely they are to keep up with treatment.”

Guests toured the new facility, getting a first-hand look at some of the new features, such as: 

• New ultrasound and electrical stimulation equipment
• Six private treatment rooms
• A Freemotion® dual cable cross and other strengthening machines
• A SciFit® Total Body machine and elliptical machine
• A warm-water therapeutic pool with graduated depth and patient lift
• Treadmills and recumbent bikes

Quadrant Design was the architect of the center, which was built by Korte & Luitjohan Contractors, Inc.

“We are fortunate to have employees that take ownership at every job they perform. We are proud of the partnership with Marshall Browning Hospital, and we hope the rehabilitation center improves the lives of people for generations to come,” said Korte and Luitjohan Contractors Senior Project Manager and Vice President John Whitworth.

Du Quoin’s Mayor Josh Downs expressed thanks to the hospital for their commitment to the health and wellbeing of residents. “With the expansion of rehab capabilities, the ability to serve will increase exponentially. As Marshall Browning gets stronger, Du Quoin gets stronger,” said Downs.

Director of MBH Rehab Heather Richelman said she and her staff are excited to bring their new, state-of-the-art therapy center to Du Quoin and the surrounding communities. “The new expansion provides space for all of our therapies,” she said. “It allows us to continue to provide the great care that our patients have come to expect from Marshall Browning Rehab and to expand our services to meet the needs of our community in the future. You’re not just a number here. You walk in with a name, and you leave like family.”

To learn more about USDA Rural Development funding opportunities visit: www.rd.usda.gov/il