Prairie State Wire

The Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) has announced the selection of six healthcare collaboratives for the State Fiscal Year 2023 cycle. This initiative, known as the Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program, aims to address gaps in healthcare services and tackle access barriers and inequities within Illinois' healthcare system.

The selected collaboratives have outlined plans focusing on improving maternal and child health in specific areas, reducing health disparities among older adults, and expanding behavioral health services for youth. The program encourages partnerships among healthcare providers to create innovative strategies that enhance access, quality, and equity in healthcare.

HFS received 40 applications for this funding round. The chosen entities advancing to the next phase are:

1. Developmental and Behavioral Health Pediatric Center led by Saint Anthony Hospital Foundation.

2. Healthcare Transformation Collaborative of Chicago's Far South Side Communities led by Roseland Community Hospital.

3. South Side Health Equity Collaborative led by Insight Health.

4. Southside Center for Excellence in Older Adult Health and Wellness led by St. Bernard Hospital.

5. West Cook Coalition led by Loyola University Medical Center.

6. Vermilion County Community Health Collaborative led by Carle Foundation.

These collaboratives will proceed to a phase where specific funding allocations will be determined by HFS.

Governor JB Pritzker expressed his support for these initiatives: "Since I signed the Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives legislation last year, healthcare collaboratives throughout the state have been hard at work providing quality and holistic healthcare to our underserved communities." He added, "Healthcare is a human right and every Illinoisan — regardless of their race, age, location, gender, ability, or socioeconomic status — deserves access to quality healthcare."

Theresa Eagleson, Director of HFS, highlighted the program's objectives: "This program seeks to make significant positive changes to the healthcare system in Illinois... We are thrilled to see creativity and innovation in the proposals."

Other state leaders also commented on this initiative's importance:

- House Speaker Emanuel "Chris" Welch stated: "Illinois communities need innovative solutions that cater to unique and complex healthcare challenges."

- Senate President Don Harmon noted: "These collaboratives are creating tailored plans... move us toward a healthcare system that truly reaches all Illinoisans."

- Sen. Mattie Hunter remarked: "I am hopeful that the work of this initiative will lead to lasting change..."

- Sen. Celina Villanueva emphasized: "This effort continues Illinois' work... reduce inequities in health outcomes..."

- Sen. Scott Bennett said: "...Broadening access to preventative care... are vital..."

While individual award amounts are being finalized with each collaborative entity, over $70 million is expected to be distributed during this fiscal year.

The Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program was launched by HFS in 2021 with an annual investment capacity of up to $150 million supported by federal matching funds.