Chicago City Wire

A half-dozen community-based groups will obtain the region’s first Healthy Chicago Community seed grants as a result of a joint collaboration between two municipal agencies, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) announced recently.

 

CDPH is teaming with the Public Health Institute of Metropolitan Chicago (PHIMC) to back innovative initiatives aimed at improving the population’s health and well-being.

 

The six winning organizations won their status based on how well their submitted proposals conformed to goals outlined by Healthy Chicago 2.0, a citywide incentive established in March to address health gaps on a local level.

 

Over 100 groups applied for the grants, showing how critical health is to community development, PHIMC Executive Director Karen Reitan said.

 

“The best way to improve health is by working directly with residents and organizations in our communities,” CDPH Commissioner Julie Morita said. “These grants provide new opportunities for organizations to help ensure every resident has the opportunity and resources necessary to live a healthy life.”

 

The organizations include Build Inc., reducing teen birth rates; Gads Hill Center, addressing postpartum depression among Latina mothers through home visits; Haymarket Center, working with homeless citizens in crisis, and MetroSquash, formed to bring educational opportunity to the South Side.

 

Winners also include St. Anthony Hospital, promoting diabetic patient health education around Lawndale; and Westside Health Authority, aiming to improve safety via a walking program in the Austin neighborhoods.

 

“The sheer volume of applicants shows just how important health is to community development,” Reitan said.  “I am hopeful all our applicants will get involved with Healthy Chicago 2.0, as we work together to improve health equity.”