Expanding Care Through Better Access

At Sparta Community Hospital, Believe in Better isn’t just a tagline—it’s a commitment to continually look for ways to make healthcare easier to access, more convenient, and closer to home. That belief is what’s driving our latest expansion of primary care services across the Trico, Steeleville, and surrounding communities.

By strengthening both our brick-and-mortar clinics and our Mobile Health Clinic program, we’re meeting families where they are—at school, in their neighborhoods, and in the communities they call home.

Expanded Care at Trico

At Trico Community Unit School District, Physician Assistants Karen Chamness and Danielle Scott now provide care through the Mobile Health Clinic every Monday, Tuesday, Thursday, and Friday morning from 7:30 to 11:30 a.m. This expanded presence makes it easier for students, families, and community members to access timely primary care without the added challenge of travel or missed work and school.

Karen and Dani also continue to see patients at the Steeleville Clinic, where they join Dr. Mark Preuss in providing scheduled appointments and comprehensive primary care services.

Building on a Strong Foundation

The Steeleville Clinic holds a special place in our organization—it was the very first clinic under the Sparta Community Hospital District umbrella and has served families for more than 30 years.

“By expanding those same physician assistants the 14 miles to Trico, we’re increasing capacity and appointment availability,” said Joann Emge, CEO of Sparta Community Hospital. “This gives patients the flexibility to experience continuity of care across both locations, based on what works best for their schedule.”

In other words, patients don’t lose access—they gain options.

A Long-Awaited Presence in Tilden

One of the most meaningful parts of this expansion is the addition of regular Mobile Health Clinic services in Tilden. The Mobile Health Clinic is now serving the Tilden community all day on Mondays at the Tilden Post Office, creating a consistent presence in an area we’ve long hoped to serve more fully.

This addition strengthens access for residents and allows us to better support families within the Sparta School District—especially before and after the school day.

With Tilden now included, Mobile Health Clinic services operate within the Sparta School District three mornings per week before school, serving Evansville, Sparta, and Tilden, along with four afternoon locations, three in Sparta and one in Tilden. This schedule was intentionally designed to better align care with real-life family routines.

Care Across the Region

Physician Assistants Dani Scott and Caylee Jarrett continue to be the primary providers of the Mobile Health Clinic in these community locations throughout the week, ensuring continuity and expanded access across the region.

The Mobile Health Clinic currently serves communities on the following schedule:

  • Mondays: Trico (morning), Tilden Post Office (all day)

  • Tuesdays: Trico (morning), Sparta Lincoln (morning) and New Athens (afternoon)

  • Wednesdays: Evansville Attendance Center (morning) and Sparta Lincoln (afternoon)

  • Thursdays: Trico (morning), Oakdale (morning) and Sparta Addington Place (afternoon)

  • Fridays: Trico (morning)

Believe in Better—Wherever You Are

Whether care happens in a clinic or in a mobile setting, our goal remains the same: to make primary care easier to access, easier to schedule, and easier to fit into everyday life.

To schedule an appointment at any Mobile Health Clinic location or any of our traditional clinics, call 618-443-1DOC (1362). Walk-ins are always welcome at the Mobile Health Clinic, though calling ahead can help reduce wait times.

Because Believe in Better means continuing to show up—wherever our communities need us most.