For Release: Monday, May 18, 2009
Contact: David Gillies: 202-225-5661

DELTA REGIONAL AUTHORITY PROGRAM BRINGS DOCTOR TO CARBONDALE

Washington - Congressman Jerry Costello (D-IL) announced today that Dr. Varathaseelan Muthulingam has been approved to work in Carbondale through the Delta Doctors program, part of the Delta Regional Authority (DRA). Dr. Muthulingam specializes in internal medicine and will be employed by Southern Illinois Medical Services, NFP. The Delta Doctors program works with the U.S. State Department to bring doctors to the Mississippi Delta region.

Costello has been a strong supporter of the DRA, which is modeled after the Appalachian Regional Commission and responsible for developing plans and establishing programs for the economic development of the Delta region. Sixteen Illinois counties are in the Delta, including Randolph, Perry, Jackson, Union, Alexander, Pulaski, Franklin, Williamson, Johnson, Massac, Hamilton, Saline, Pope, White, Gallatin, and Hardin.

“Rural areas have traditionally had a tougher time recruiting physicians, and the Delta Doctors program is another resource to help meet the health care needs of Southern Illinois,” said Costello, a member of the Rural Health Care Coalition in the U.S. House. “In this and other ways, the DRA positively impacts our region, and I will continue to support these efforts.”

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