DMH'S MISSION IS TO IMPROVE THE HEALTH OF THE PEOPLE OF CENTRAL ILLINOIS, SEE SCHEDULE O RELYING ON ITS CORE FOUNDATIONS OF COMMITTED PHYSICIANS, CONSTRUCTIVE CULTURE, RESPONSIBLE GOVERNANCE, PROCESS INNOVATION, MANAGERIAL COMPETENCE, AND ENGAGED EMPLOYEES. WITH A HISTORY DATING BACK TO 1916, DMH TODAY ENCOMPASSES TWELVE STATE-OF-THE-ART CENTERS OF EXCELLENCE WHICH FOCUS ON THE CUTTING EDGE OF MEDICINE TODAY AND PROVIDE THE COMMUNITY WITH AWARD-WINNING QUALITY HEALTH CARE.APPROXIMATELY 250,000 PERSONS RESIDE IN DMH'S SERVICE AREA, INCLUDING SUBSTANTIAL NUMBERS OF MEDICARE AND MEDICAID BENEFICIARIES, AS WELL AS PERSONS WHO DO NOT QUALIFY FOR EITHER PROGRAM AND THUS SEEK CARE PURSUANT TO DMH'S FINANCIAL ASSISTANCE (CHARITY CARE) PROGRAM. THE LOCAL COMMUNITY HAS BEEN HIT HARD BY THE RECENT ECONOMIC DECLINES.