PEORIA, Ill. – Planned Parenthood of Illinois (PPIL) is welcoming patients to the newly renovated Peoria Health Center, 2709 N. Knoxville Ave. In early 2023, the health center suffered $1 million in smoke and fire damage from a firebombing and took over a year to rebuild. The 4,289-square-foot Peoria Health Center’s layout has been repurposed to optimize patient care.
“I am proud to announce that we are back and stronger than ever,” said President and CEO of PPIL, Jennifer Welch. “The firebombing destroyed our health center and robbed the community from accessing needed health care such as family planning, STI testing and treatment, gender-affirming care and cancer screenings, but it didn’t break our spirit. The Peoria Health Center plays a vital role in the Central Illinois community and surrounding states. Thanks to the ongoing support from Peoria leaders, residents, and donors we have the pleasure to be part of this amazing community once again.”
The Peoria Health Center attack is part of an ongoing trend of violence and arson against abortion providers since the Supreme Court overturned Roe v. Wade. According to the National Abortion Federation, arson attacks have increased by 100%. In January, 2023, Tyler Massengill was arrested and pleaded guilty to the attack. He was sentenced to up to 10 years in prison and ordered to pay a fine of $1,450,000 for malicious use of fire and an explosive to damage, and attempt to damage the Peoria Health Center.
The Peoria Health Center features new state-of-the-art equipment, 1 education room, 3 exam rooms, 3 ultrasound rooms, as well as administrative spaces. The Peoria Health Center offers gender-affirming care, STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings, HIV testing, birth control, and medication abortion care. For more information or to make an appointment visit PPIL.org or call 877-200-PPIL.