Wellness West
Program Overview
Wellness West is a transformational provider collaborative of six hospitals, 14 community health centers, four community mental health centers, and 17 community-based organizations who are known and trusted in the West Side. Together, these organizations create an uninterrupted continuity of care among hospitals, out-patient care, the social service network and community residents.
Community Health Workers (CHWs) housed in local community organizations screen clients for health and social needs and connect clients to physical and behavioral health care services. This model helps to identify patient needs in the community, where residents are already receiving other social services.
Key Partners and Impacts
The Wellness West network includes a diverse group of partners:
Hospitals and health systems such as Humboldt Park Health, Lurie Children’s, Rush University Medical Center, Sinai Chicago and others.
Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and behavioral health organizations that provide low- or no-cost care.
Community-based organizations that help address social determinants of health—such as housing, food, and employment.
Key impacts of the initiative include:
Improved access to primary and behavioral healthcare for residents who often fall through systemic cracks due to lack of insurance, transportation, or trust in institutions.
Care coordination and navigation services, making it easier for patients to stay connected with healthcare providers, follow up on appointments, and receive supportive services.
Reduced use of emergency departments for non-emergency issues, shifting toward preventive and community-based care.
The program is especially vital in communities with some of the lowest life expectancies in the city, aiming to interrupt cycles of preventable illness and chronic disease.
Long-Term Vision
The long-term vision of Wellness West is to create a unified, equitable care ecosystem for the West Side of Chicago. This includes:
Establishing unconnected patients to a local health network where every resident—regardless of income or insurance status—receives high-quality care.
Using data to monitor health outcomes and system performance, improving coordination between hospitals, clinics, and community providers.
Advocating for policy change and payment models that support whole-person care and community-based health solutions.
Ultimately, Wellness West seeks to redefine what health access looks like by embedding care within communities, removing systemic barriers, and ensuring that residents are supported across medical and non-medical needs. It’s not just about healthcare—it’s about building a healthier, more equitable West Side.
