Prism and Molina Healthcare of Illinois Partner to Launch Statewide “Ready by 10/15” Back‑to‑School Health Records Check Hotline and Mobile Clinics

Prism Foundation, in partnership with Prism (collectively, “Prism”), recently launched Ready by 10/15, a free statewide school health records check hotline and community‑based mobile clinic series, made possible by a $250,000 grant from Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), in collaboration with The MolinaCares Accord (“MolinaCares”). This initiative aims to help families verify health and immunization requirements and meet the schools’ October 15 deadline.

Recent data shows that 92% of Illinois’ kindergarten students have MMR (measles, mumps, and rubella) vaccinations, falling below the 95% community-protection threshold – putting unvaccinated children at increased risk for measles. In line with Governor Pritzker’s priorities, Molina and Prism are working together to reduce barriers to getting needed vaccines.

“Measles finds the gaps — our job is to close them. With Molina’s support, Ready by 10/15 provides families one simple source to check records and find a clinic so our schools and communities can reach the 95% herd‑immunity target,” said Zul Kapadia, president of Prism. “As Medicaid redeterminations continue and coverage shifts for many families, we’re removing barriers with free, bilingual help, weekend hours, and neighborhood clinics so every child in Illinois can walk into school protected.”

“The health and well-being of our children depends on improving access to vaccines. Molina shares Prism’s commitment to closing gaps in care — especially in historically underserved communities,” said Matt Wolf, plan president of Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “This partnership is a vital step in meeting that commitment by bringing these services to our local communities where they are.”

Clinics are delivered in coordination with the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH), Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Chicago Public Schools (CPS), and local school districts, alongside community and faith‑based organizations and elected officials that host and promote events statewide.

“It is important to ensure that the children in our communities are safe and protected against all vaccine preventable diseases, especially measles,” said Chicago Department of Public Health Commissioner Olusimbo ‘Simbo’ Ige, MD, MS, MPH. “Ready by 10/15 will help families keep track of their vaccine requirements before the school deadline and find the necessary resources, should they not be up-to-date.”