FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Illinois Governor JB Pritzker Announces Historic Investment in Healthcare Equity
Insight Hospital & Medical Center Chicago and SBEV Chicago Impact Center Funded to Have a Transformational Impact on Community Healthcare and Education on Chicago’s South Side
Chicago, IL – December 19, 2024 – Yesterday, Governor JB Pritzker, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS), and the Illinois Capital Development Board (CDB) announced the selection of 13 organizations statewide to receive funding through the groundbreaking Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program. This $200 million initiative aims to address health-related social needs and reduce disparities in healthcare within historically underserved communities.
Among the awardees are Insight Hospital & Medical Center Chicago and the SBEV Chicago Impact Center, which will receive a combined $22 million to fund a state-of-the-art medical facility on Chicago’s Southside and the renovation of the new headquarters for the Impact Center.
This transformative investment includes:
- A 30,000-square-foot urgent care and primary care medical facility offering clinics, medical office space, and expanded healthcare access.
- The rehabilitation of the former Corpus Christi Church in Washington Park into a community hub featuring afterschool programs, community services and wellness programs.
The grant is part of the State’s commitment to supporting safety-net hospitals and medical centers, which provide essential medical care to patients regardless of their insurance status or ability to pay. Of the 13 selected organizations, 6 are safety-net entities, representing 48% of the total funding awarded.
Leadership Statements
Dr. Jawad Shah, Founder/CEO of Insight Health System, expressed his gratitude: “We are deeply grateful to the State of Illinois, Governor JB Pritzker, and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services for their visionary leadership and steadfast commitment to advancing healthcare equity. A special thanks to State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Representative Kim DuBuclet for their unwavering advocacy for quality and equitable healthcare for all. This grant will allow us to expand access to urgent and primary care services on Chicago’s Southside, ensuring residents receive the compassionate, high-quality care they deserve. Together, we are building a healthier and more empowered community.”
Atif Bawahab, CEO of Insight Hospital Chicago, highlighted the significance of the investment: “This transformative investment by Governor Pritzker and the State of Illinois exemplifies what can be achieved when public and private sectors unite for the common good. We are especially grateful to State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Representative Kim DuBuclet for their steadfast leadership in championing equitable healthcare access. The development of a comprehensive care facility will not only enhance medical access but also foster economic development in our community. We are honored to play a role in this vital effort.” 2
Maryum Rasool, CEO of SBEV Chicago Impact Center, shared her excitement: “We are thrilled and humbled by this generous support from Governor JB Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services. We also extend our heartfelt gratitude to State Senator Mattie Hunter and State Representative Kim DuBuclet for their leadership and dedication to equitable healthcare for all. This project is a beacon of hope for the Southside, transforming the historic Corpus Christi Church into a thriving hub for education, health, and community engagement. Together, we are revitalizing Washington Park and creating opportunities that will benefit generations to come.”
About the Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program The Healthcare Transformation Capital Investment Grant Program is a first-of-its-kind initiative designed to address systemic inequities in healthcare by funding projects that address social determinants of health, promote health equity, and improve access to care in underserved areas.
About Insight and SBEV Chicago Insight is committed to providing compassionate, high-quality care that meets the needs of the community. SBEV Chicago is dedicated to empowering communities through education, health services, and economic development. Together, they are transforming lives and building stronger communities on Chicago’s Southside.
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