Edward-Elmhurst Health has announced it has awarded $3,994,000 to 14 organizations across Cook, DuPage and Will Counties through the first distribution from its Community Investment Fund.
As a feature of their merger that was announced in January 2022, Edward-Elmhurst Health and NorthShore University HealthSystem each committed $100 million to their respective communities, for a combined total of $200 million. The funds will generate millions of dollars annually to enhance health and wellbeing, advance health equity and support local economic growth. In February, NorthShore announced the first distribution from its Community Investment Fund, $2.6 million, to seven partner organizations in Cook and Lake Counties.
“This is the power of community. What you’re seeing is organizations coming together, partnering to invest and ensure that improved health for our residents is not just a hope or a dream, but reality,” says Mary Lou Mastro, CEO, South Region, NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health. “We’re excited because these will be long-term, enduring relationships and efforts to fulfill our mission of advancing the health of our communities.”
Community organizations were selected based on alignment with Edward-Elmhurst Health’s Community Investment Fund objectives – health equity, social determinants of health and community economic security. Edward-Elmhurst’s partner organizations are working to address priority areas of need, including healthcare access, navigation, literacy and equity; food insecurity; housing; job creation and career development; and mental health and substance abuse disorders. Partner organizations include:
Access, Navigation, Literacy and Equity
DuPage Health Coalition: Medical debt relief and financial literacy $250,000
Greater Family Health: New Health Center in Franklin Park $400,000
Naperville Education Foundation: Project RISE – Nutrition, housing, physical/mental health support $250,000
Southwest Suburban Immigrant Project: Health Justice Program $250,000
Food Insecurity
Friends of Lisle: Expanded food storage and distribution $250,000
Loaves and Fishes: Mobile food delivery program $325,500
Housing
Bridge Communities: Transitional housing for families facing homelessness $292,500
DuPagePADS: Emergency housing and stabilization services $250,000
Job Creation and Career Development
KidsMatter: Workforce training and Mental Health First Aid for high school students $250,000
VNA Health Care: Nursing Workforce Pathway Program $93,000
Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Easterseals DuPage & Fox Valley: Mental health of children with disabilities and their families $250,000
Indian Prairie School District 204: CARES – Mental health, wellness, health equity resources $500,000
Outreach Community Ministries: Access to affordable mental health services $333,200
Stepping Stones: Recovery Home for women with children $300,000
For more information about Edward-Elmhurst’s Community Investment Fund partners, visit www.eehealth.org/about-us/community-investment-fund.
The NorthShore – Edward-Elmhurst Health Community Investment Funds will build on an established, enduring commitment to community. In the last five years alone, NorthShore and Edward-Elmhurst Health have combined to deliver more than $2 billion to service area communities through charity care, subsidized health services, educational programs, and local health and wellness initiatives. To learn more about Edward-Elmhurst Health’s Community Investment Fund and commitment to Diversity, Equity and Inclusion, visit www.eehealth.org/about-us/community.