Southern Illinois Healthcare has announced a photo contest to help decorate a community resource center the company is opening at University Mall in Carbondale.

SIH calls the center “The Place,” and says it will be convenient place to get information on SIH resources and ways to maintain a healthy lifestyle.

“There are significant resources available in southern Illinois for individuals to optimize their health and wellness,” said Woody Thorne, Vice President of Community Affairs. “The problem is that people often are not aware or do not know how to access these services.”

The company says the mall will be a central location to offer information about those health resources. Construction is underway.

Residents of Southern Illinois can help bring The Place to life by submitting photographs to be displayed throughout the facility. Photographers are encouraged to use their cameras to showcase what southern Illinois living means to them. Images should convey the beauty and benefits of living in southern Illinois.  Possible subjects may include nature, events, or people.

The Place Photo Contest will end on Dec. 15, 2012 and finalists will be selected in January of 2013.  Winning photos will be unveiled during the grand opening of The Place in 2013.

For more information and official rules for The Place Photo Contest, visit www.sih.net/theplace or call 877-480-4040.