Humboldt Park Medical Center Brings Accessible Healthcare to an Underserved Community
A New Era of Health Equity
The Humboldt Park community celebrated the opening of a $30 million wellness center, marking a significant step toward addressing health inequities in one of Chicago’s most diverse and underserved neighborhoods. Located at the corner of Division and Richmond streets, just south of Humboldt Park, the Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center is the latest initiative aimed at providing accessible care and promoting wellness for residents.
A Center for Health Equity
“This center represents health equity in action,” said Diego Sanchez, chief executive of Humboldt Park Health, at the opening. “We are continuing to address the social determinants of health in our community by having a center like this one.”
State Senator Omar Aquino’s Role
State Sen. Omar Aquino, a key advocate in securing state funding for the project, spoke at the opening. “For too long, this community has been ignored, but today, we are living the tagline of the renewed Humboldt Park Health,” Aquino said. “This is what health equity looks like – an investment of $30 million right here in the heart of the people and community on the West Side of Chicago.”
A History of Health Disparities
Humboldt Park, home to a vibrant Puerto Rican community and other communities of color, has long grappled with systemic health disparities. The pandemic underscored these challenges, with the neighborhood experiencing a disproportionately high number of cases and deaths compared with other areas of Chicago. A 2018 survey by the Sinai Urban Health Institute found that 47% of Humboldt Park adults are obese, compared with 29.5% nationally. Diabetes affects 13% of residents, above the 9% national average, and 18% of adults experience symptoms of depression, more than double the national rate of 7%.
A Comprehensive Wellness Center
The three-story, 45,500-square-foot wellness center offers a variety of services, including nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and other programs focused on improving overall community health. It also features amenities such as an indoor track, fitness center, and swimming pool. “By providing health resources like diabetes education, nutritional counseling, and access to a gym at an affordable cost, we’re addressing this directly with the community,” said Diego Lopez, vice president of professional services at Humboldt Park Health. “When we officially open our doors, I expect there to be a significant increase in memberships and an increase in diabetes education programming, nutritional counseling, and access to wellness resources for the community.”
A Master Plan for Development
Beyond healthcare, Sanchez announced plans to build 100 units of affordable housing to combat gentrification and displacement in the neighborhood. “This is just the beginning of a master plan for the development of this community,” Sanchez said. “We are continuing to address the social determinants of health by having a center like this one, while also focusing on food security, safety, and, of course, housing.”
Conclusion
The Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center marks a significant step toward addressing health inequities in the Humboldt Park community. By providing accessible care and promoting wellness, the center aims to improve the overall health and well-being of residents. With its comprehensive services and amenities, the center is poised to make a positive impact on the community.
FAQs
Q: What services will the Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center offer?
A: The center will offer a variety of services, including nutritional counseling, physical therapy, and other programs focused on improving overall community health.
Q: What amenities will the center feature?
A: The center will feature amenities such as an indoor track, fitness center, and swimming pool.
Q: Who is behind the project?
A: The project is led by Humboldt Park Health, a non-profit organization dedicated to providing accessible healthcare and promoting wellness in the Humboldt Park community.
Q: How will the center address health disparities in the community?
A: The center will address health disparities by providing affordable and accessible healthcare services, as well as programs focused on improving overall community health.
Q: What is the goal of the center?
A: The goal of the center is to improve the overall health and well-being of the Humboldt Park community by providing accessible care and promoting wellness.
State Sen. Omar Aquino helped secure state funding for the health center.
