Newswise — (Chicago – Jan. 27, 2015) The Institute of Medicine of Chicago (IOMC) has announced the receipt of initial funding to pursue its new initiative designed to help eliminate health disparities in Chicago’s underserved communities. More than $290,000 has been raised to date.

With leadership support now confirmed from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, Advocate Healthcare, the American Medical Association, the American Osteopathic Association, Midwestern University/Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine, NorthShore University Health System, the Portes Foundation, Rosalind Franklin University, and from IOMC members, the Institute is on schedule to award grants/pilot projects in late 2015 that will:

• Communicate and promote successful models that address health disparities• Enhance the linkage between public health and health care delivery initiatives• Focus health disparity interventions on the city’s youngest and most vulnerable populations

Going beyond the traditional view of health disparities as “clinical problems,” the IOMC’s grants will emphasize social, economic, cultural and other determinants of health that need to be addressed in a comprehensive and coordinated manner. As part of this effort, the IOMC will also support community health workers (CHWs) through a new grant fund focused on the continuing education of CHWs and further developing their community leadership skills.

This fundraising effort is being conducted in parallel with the IOMC’s recognition and celebration of its 100th year. The official celebration of which will culminate at an Anniversary Gala Reception and Dinner on April 18th.

The IOMC has a long history of leadership and involvement in addressing issues of health disparities. Building from a 2002 National Academies of Science publication, Unequal Treatment: Confronting Racial and Ethnic Disparities in Healthcare, the IOMC has focused its efforts on raising awareness and encouraging public and private intervention. As stated by Mark Shields, MD, Chair of the IOMC’s Fundraising Committee: “Health disparities must be eliminated. Such inequities are incompatible with our American values and our principles of fairness, equity and basic rights.” “The time for studying the problem of health disparities is well past, and bold community-based action -- in the Chicago tradition of the IOMC -- is needed now,” said Barry S. Eisenberg, CAE, President of the IOMC.

For further information about the IOMC’s grant program, or the Centennial event, contact the IOMC offices at 312-663-0040 or visit www.iomc.org.

About the Institute of Medicine of ChicagoThe Institute of Medicine of Chicago is an independent organization of distinguished leaders in the health field who collaborate to improve the health of the public addressing critical health issues through a range of interdisciplinary approaches including education, research, communication of trusted information, and community engagement.

MEDIA CONTACT
Register for reporter access to contact details