The future of Chicago’s South Side depends on the quality of its residents’ health. That’s why the University of Chicago and the University of Chicago Medical Center (UCMC) have begun a bold new partnership with community residents to improve long-term health on Chicago’s South Side.
The Urban Health Initiative (UHI) draws on the University’s considerable strength in research and analysis as well as its medical knowledge and expertise to create “data-powered” health policy and investments and a more efficient health care system for South Side residents.
UHI is engaging community organizations, health care providers, and residents in efforts to expand access to quality care, address social factors that have an impact on health, and promote well-being. Recognizing there are many factors beyond the health care system itself that affect well-being, UHI takes a holistic approach to improving the health of the more than one million people living in our 34 South Side communities.
A National Leader
UHI has received positive recognition for its efforts to help underserved communities get better, comprehensive, routine care, while working to improve the cost-effectiveness of the health care system. The Chronicle of Higher Education named UHI “one of the most ambitious and innovative efforts being undertaken by urban teaching hospitals,” and the Washington Post praised the UHI team for “trying to produce a major expansion of community care that will improve patient health and reduce costs.”
UHI Projects and Plans
Research and education are key components of UHI’s strategy for understanding—and improving upon—the significant health disparities that exist on Chicago’s South Side in comparison with the rest of the nation.
The Center for Community Health and Vitality
CCHV's major components include the South Side Healthcare Collaborative, South Side Health and Vitality Studies, and the REACH Incentive Program. These programs engage clinicians, social workers, and policymakers in research on the social, political, and technological facets of health and vitality in communities on the South Side. The Center also enables the translation of that research into more effective primary and secondary disease promotion. CCHV seeks to foster interest among community members in pursuing education and training in the health professions, encourages Medical Center clinicians to practice in the community, and involves local residents in shaping the direction and outcomes of its research.
The South Side Healthcare Collaborative
SSHC is a network of 25 health centers providing primary care, chronic disease management, and some specialty care.
Using the UCMC as a base, patients are connected with a health center or doctor’s office where their comprehensive care is coordinated by a primary care provider and various other resources at the health center. This will help patients get:
- Regular checkups and screenings
- Prompt attention in the event of illness
- Ongoing management of chronic conditions
- Referrals to specialists as needed
Currently there are 72 UCMC doctors and 40 administrative staff working in UHI partner institutions. The University so far has invested $8 million in UHI, of which $2 million was granted in support to partner institutions.
South Side Health and Vitality Studies
The South Side Health and Vitality Studies aim to track several thousand South Side households over a generation to discover ways to ensure long-term health and wellness. These discoveries will inform effective health policy and action. The studies have begun with a Community Asset Mapping project that seeks to engage community members in keeping current information about the availability and distribution of commercial, health care, social and civic resources in all 34 South Side communities. Its goal is to give people reliable information to find quality services, to identify gaps, and to inform new community investments. Residents may view and give feedback on the Community Asset Mapping project at SouthSideHealth.org. The website also provides professionals with detailed information about referral sources for health and human services. Interested individuals can register to access and share information.
REACH Incentive Program
This initiative is administered by the Office of Community Based Education. It will encourage graduates of the Pritzker School of Medicine to work in primary care or a much-needed specialty in underserved areas on the South Side.
Patient Advocates
Patient advocates help patients at the UCMC emergency room find long-term community solutions for their health needs.
Community Hospital Affiliations
Community hospital affiliations help patients get faster access to inpatient care from UCMC physicians at locations that are convenient and affordable.
