Prairie State Wire

Governor JB Pritzker has announced a $20 million investment in Humboldt Park Health, aimed at enhancing healthcare infrastructure on Chicago's west side. This funding is part of the Rebuild Illinois infrastructure plan. Of the total amount, $19 million will be allocated to establish the Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center, which is expected to open 18 months after construction begins this summer. An additional $1 million will be used for infrastructure improvements throughout the hospital.

"Every single Illinoisan deserves the opportunity to be as healthy as possible regardless of their race, gender, age, economic status, or zip code," stated Governor Pritzker. He emphasized that this investment from the Rebuild Illinois capital plan would help create a community hub for wellbeing.

The new wellness center aims to provide affordable access to exercise equipment, fitness classes, swimming facilities, and community gathering spaces for area residents. It seeks to improve preventative care and early interventions for the predominantly Latino community in Humboldt Park.

Theresa Eagleson, Director of the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services, remarked on Humboldt Park Health's role in advancing health equity in Illinois: "At HFS, we make health equity central to everything we do each day."

This initiative aligns with Governor Pritzker's broader commitment to healthcare equity. In March 2021, he signed into law the Hospital and Healthcare Transformation Bill aimed at increasing access to community-based health services and fostering collaborations that address gaps in care delivery.

Humboldt Park Health participates in two collaboratives: Westside Health Equity Collaborative and Collaborative Bridges. These initiatives focus on improving access to culturally responsive healthcare and behavioral health outcomes while reducing costs by ensuring continuity of care between hospitals and communities.

State Representative Delia Ramirez highlighted her support for this project: "Increasing access to healthcare and improving health equity for our communities has been among my top priorities." State Senator Cristina Pacione-Zayas added that investing in such wellness centers contributes significantly towards creating robust communities by providing recreational opportunities and improving health outcomes.