Chicago City Wire

UI Health has been awarded nearly $40 million to enhance healthcare services on Chicago’s Southwest side. Of this, $33 million stems from Illinois' Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program. The grant will establish the Community-Centered Comprehensive Care for Chronic Conditions (C6) Model, complementing the existing 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative by creating a comprehensive care center and community wellness programming.

The funds aim to expand primary care access, improve diagnostic and screening services, and integrate specialty care. The establishment of community-based care navigation will provide wellness programs and educational resources, ensuring holistic patient support. This effort is expected to improve health outcomes for residents suffering from chronic conditions like diabetes, heart disease, and cancer.

The project will significantly enhance preventive care access and reduce travel for medical imaging and screening services. A focus on programming related to healthy living will be included, emphasizing exercise, nutrition, and therapeutic support.

Additional funding exceeding $6.5 million will aid further developments at 55th & Pulaski. Since its February 2022 inception, the collaborative has recorded over 35,000 patient visits. This funding supports several initiatives, including the completion of a state-of-the-art dental suite to meet local dental care needs, addressing capital improvements such as HVAC system upgrades, and enhancing care coordination via OCEAN-HP and UI Health Care Connect.

Efforts also include improving EHR interoperability to streamline coordination between primary and specialty care, reducing provider burdens. The Lifespan Disability Clinic at the 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative continues to provide primary care for individuals with developmental disabilities, offering various clinical and supportive services, preparing the next generation of physicians, and enhancing access for this population.

These initiatives underscore UI Health's dedication to reducing healthcare disparities in underserved communities. Expanded access and improved resources aim to strengthen community health for the residents of Gage Park, West Elsdon, and surrounding areas.