Real Impact stories focus on the real differences that people, programs, and partnerships across the system make to the economic, social, and cultural well-being of our states. For more information, check out Alejandra Landa, Software Development Apprentice.
When Chicago’s Gage Park and West Elsdon neighborhoods experienced the closure of critical medical resources just before the pandemic, UI Health asked how it could help. The community, which is primarily black and Hispanic, responded enthusiastically.
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“Our mission has become to provide specialty care to communities that desperately need it,” said the 20-plus locations at the 2024 University of Illinois System Leadership State this fall. said Sandy McCullough, senior director of clinical operations for UI Health’s 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative. tour.
Since the beginning of 2022, the joint venture has served more than 30,000 patients, especially those in the neighborhood who face barriers to disease management. This is a shining example of how the U of I System and its partners are improving access to care and closing gaps in patient outcomes.
Read more stories like this in our 2024 Annual Report.
located in the same building
There is one clinic on the main floor of the building that connects patients with specialty services. Friend Health provides immediate care services. And it also helps catch patients in crisis.
“Many people with chronic conditions are far sicker than they were before the pandemic. Seeing them return to treatment, seeing their blood pressure improve, seeing their A1C improve It’s rewarding,” said Maribel Corral, a Friends Health physician assistant.
“Especially when it comes to cardiac care, it’s a breath of fresh air to have a warm handoff to someone upstairs at UI Health.”
A collaboration between the University of Illinois College of Medicine, the University of Illinois at Chicago School of Applied Health Sciences, and the UI Health Mile Square Health Center, this bustling four-story facility houses UIC’s College of Health Sciences and local health care providers for health screenings. We will gather. We also provide specialty services, behavioral and mental health care.
From survival to prosperity
“This work has been innovative and impactful, thanks in part to our extensive expertise and partnerships,” said Dr. Robert Barish, UIC Vice Chancellor for Health Affairs. “Enabling patients to truly thrive by addressing their acute and chronic care needs all under one roof with social services such as social health workers and community health workers. It provides the level of care and personalization you need.”
The clinic currently offers care in 20 specialties, including radiology and endocrinology.
“We opened with three specialties, and since then the number of patients we’ve treated has quadrupled. We hear all the time how much people love the convenience,” McCullough said. he said.
“They say they feel supported.”
transformational leader
The Illinois Department of Health and Family Services funded the launch of the collaboration through a $15 million Healthcare Transformation Collaboration Award. This is the first joint venture funded by the state.
“Our approach aims to address the often fragmented nature of health care delivery. Reducing that fragmentation is essential to improving health outcomes and reducing disparities.” said Heather Prendergast, M.D., Ph.D., associate dean for clinical affairs at the School of Medicine.
“Our goal is to transform healthcare, and we are fully committed to it.”
More than just managing symptoms
The team has no intention of slowing down.
“We’re going to expand this model to do even more,” Prendergast said. “True health equity requires leveraging technology to strengthen health care coordination, implement community-based health programs to address social determinants of health, and increase collaboration between health care providers and community partners. We need to foster strong partnerships.”
Patients who come in may find more than they expected, including bilingual staff and providers.
“By supporting insurance, facilitating access to community resources, hosting community education sessions, and providing targeted programs such as hypertension control plans, prenatal care, and diabetes and hypertension management, this facility We ensure a holistic approach to health care that improves patient outcomes, resulting in healthier, more resilient communities.”
To share a totally amazing story about the impact of the University of Illinois System, send us a message at lmabry@uillinois.edu.
