Expanding Access to Quality Health Care
UI Health continues to expand the development and organization of new clinical service opportunities to better serve the healthcare needs of Chicago communities. Through new partnerships, renovation of existing facilities, and construction of new facilities, UI Health is expanding access to quality care.
Providing State-of-the-Art Specialty Care Heading link
Opened to patients on September 26, 2022, UI Health’s new Specialty Care Building (SCB) is a 200,000-square-foot facility designed to meet the growing need for specialized services and outpatient surgery in the Chicago metropolitan area. The state-of-the-art facility has nearly 200,000 square feet of surgical and patient care space dedicated to providing an exceptional healthcare experience for our patients and their families.
Bringing Health Equity to the Gage Park and West Elsdon Communities Heading link
UI Health formally inaugurated the 55th & Pulaski Health Collaborative with a ribbon cutting ceremony on Friday, May 20, 2022. The collaborative is a $15M project that brings together local partners, including Alivio Medical Center and Friend Family Health. In addition, the collaborative involves the partnership of Mile Square Health Center, the College of Applied Health Sciences, and OCEAN-HP to further enhance access of needed healthcare services to the Gage Park, West Elsdon and Elsdon communities.
Health Equity for the Auburn Gresham Community Heading link
In partnership with the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation, UI Health has established the Mile Square Health Center Primary and Immediate Care Center, part of the new Auburn-Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub. The care center aims to serve more than 8,000 individuals annually with adult and pediatric primary care, women’s health care, pregnancy and prenatal care, behavioral health and substance use disorder care, HIV care, dental care, and preventative care. Other services available at the hub include a UIC Neighborhood Center which, with the Chicago Bears Community Room and Teaching Kitchen, provides resources for healthy eating as well as academic resources, and workshops for small businesses and local entrepreneurs.
Promoting Health and Well-being for Children Heading link
A new agreement between UI Health and Cook County Health established the Partnership for Pediatric Care, which aims to collaborate on specialty pediatric services. This new clinical affiliation allows for shared services and 165 pediatric providers to be credentialed to provide care at each health systems’ locations. In addition to developing a new model of care for patients – informed by joint quality improvement, educational, and research programs – the Partnership for Pediatric Care will foster shared expertise, best practices, and resources in key pediatric specialties, leveraging each institution’s unique strengths.
Offering a First-Class Healthcare Experience for Patents and Their Families Heading link
The Welcome Atrium at the University of Illinois Hospital is a new two-story lobby that welcomes patients and their families and ensures their healthcare experience will be first-class. Opened to the public on February 1, 2023, the new atrium improves access, circulation, and wayfinding for patients, visitors, and staff; and offers contemplation and Pastoral Care areas, and conference rooms.
Expanding Access to Health Services for Chicago Families Heading link
On April 21, 2022, U.S. Senator Dick Durbin visited the Mile Square Health Center (MSHC) located in John B. Drake Elementary School. There are five such school-based MSHC locations offering a range of services to students and their families. After a tour of the health center, Senator Durbin spoke at a press conference about the positive impact of the Chicago HEAL Initiative – of which UI Health was a partner – which focused on 18 Chicago neighborhoods with long-standing social, economic, and health disparities