The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Extends Partnership with Rosalind Franklin University, Contributing an Additional $25K to the Interprofessional Community Clinic in Support of Underserved Illinoisans

The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), announced a $25,000 grant in support of Rosalind Franklin University’s (“RFU”) Interprofessional Community Clinic (“ICC”), a student-led free healthcare clinic offering comprehensive care to underserved and uninsured patients. The grant will contribute to the cost of medical supplies, helping the ICC increase patient encounters, bolster healthcare services, and improve health outcomes for Lake County residents. Molina has been partnering with RFU since 2023 to improve access to care.

In Lake County, seven of the top 10 causes of death are chronic conditions. Furthermore, low-income regions in the county have the highest prevalence of these conditions, underscoring the need for accessible, free healthcare services. Molina and RFU’s partnership reduces barriers to care while also offering students, health professionals, and patients the opportunity to learn from and collaborate with one another, strengthening the health workforce in Lake County. Molina’s funding also helped the ICC establish a monthly pelvic health clinic, supporting women’s health.

“We are grateful for Molina’s generous support, which is helping us increase access to childhood and adult vaccines, address behavioral health challenges, and improve our overall capacity to serve patients” said Melissa Chen, MD, medical director for the ICC. “This investment allows us to train future healthcare professionals and deliver essential care, giving everyone, regardless of circumstances, the opportunity to live a healthier life.”

In 2024, the ICC served 134 individuals through 441 appointments, providing more than 300 laboratory services and offering five dermatology clinics providing free skin biopsies, screenings, and more. With the help of Molina funding, the ICC aims to increase the number of patients served in 2026.

“As a current physician volunteer and clinical instructor at the ICC, I’ve seen firsthand how community clinics can make a difference in the lives of individuals who might otherwise go without care,” said Dr. Varsha Chandramouli, chief medical officer at Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “This grant represents an investment not only in healthcare access but also in our future healthcare professionals who will one day champion stronger, healthier communities.”

This investment builds on Molina’s 2025 grant to RFU’s Chicago Medical School Mini Medical School — a program that offers fourth through eighth grade students from underserved communities an introduction to health science and medical professions. Molina’s continued partnership with RFU is a part of Molina’s larger commitment to building a healthier Illinois.