The joint effort aims to bring much-needed medical resources to 10 ZIP codes on Chicago’s West Side that have disproportionately high rates of chronic and mental illness.
The program, Wellness West, is funded by the Illinois Department of Health and Family Services’ Healthcare Transformation Collaborative. The cooperative is made up of hospitals, health systems, and community organizations focused on one purpose: addressing deficiencies in health care and social services.
“Nearly 40 health care providers have come together in a collaborative to seriously consider how to address reducing health disparities on Chicago’s West Side,” said Misty Drake, executive director of Wellness West. ” he said.
Louise Williams, Wellness West’s community health worker, first met a resident while attending a job training program at North Lawndale Employment Network, one of Wellness West’s partners.
William tested DeAngelo Mack and more than 400 other West Side residents using the same health risk assessment form. She realized that Mac needed help with rental assistance and mental health counseling.
“In fact, he was already seeing a mental health therapist, but he wasn’t seeing them regularly,” Williams said.
“I was that type of person. [of] He was someone I didn’t want to confide in anyone,” Mack said.
Mack said her anger and anxiety have improved significantly since receiving regular therapy.
“There are a lot of people just like me, and I just hope that they seek help and that once they get help, they can make a difference,” Mack said.
Wellness West makes resources available to its patient and provider partner customers.
“The idea is that we can screen patients, determine their needs, and provide access to those needs,” said Cook County Health Department Chief Medical Officer, one of 40 health systems, hospitals and hospitals. said Dr. Claudia Fegan. An organization with trained staff to identify eligible individuals.
“Try to talk to someone in the community and really find out where they are and what their needs are,” Fegan said.
With the help he has received, Mac envisions a brighter future. He wants to become a case manager to help others.
“I really want to work with young people and talk to them and let them know that they’re not just going to get into trouble on the street,” he said.
Williams, a West Side native himself, couldn’t be more proud of how far Mack has come.
“When you help the community, you help yourself. Especially like with D’Angelo, he feels good because he’s moving forward,” Williams said.
