The Catalyst: December 2025

As we look back on 2025 and enter the holiday season, it’s clear this has been a truly historic year across the Illinois Medical District. Together with our partners, we advanced major projects, strengthened community connections, and celebrated milestones that will shape the IMD for generations — from breaking ground on our new park to expanding collaborations that enhance health, innovation, and opportunity. This 2025 special issue reflects the progress we’ve made and the collective commitment that continues to move our community forward.

So much happened in the IMD in 2025, from launching our new website, being named one of Chicago’s best workplaces, and so much more. I encourage you to read this entire issue — and if you do, I’m certain you’ll come away as inspired and hopeful as I am about the future of the IMD. The staff of the IMD Commission, guided by our strategic plan, work all year round to advance the IMD and deliver results for our partners and our community. And the organizations and people who make up the IMD continue to reach new heights, care for those in need, and advance the practice of medicine, inspiring us to dream big.

Before you read on, let me update you on what’s happened since our last issue as our team has been busy working to finish the year strong. We were seeing orange in October when the fourth annual Chicago Lighthouse Rise to Shine Run & Walk was held in the IMD. A wet morning couldn’t dampen the spirits of everyone who turned out to run, walk, or support the participants. Hundreds of runners and walkers showed unstoppable energy and determination — turning a rainy race day into a celebration of accessibility and community. Thank you to all who participated and we’ll see you again next year!

On October 30, we were honored to attend City Club Chicago for a panel discussion featuring founding members of West Side United. West Side United is a collaborative initiative working to close the 20-year life expectancy gap between Chicago’s Loop and 10 West Side neighborhoods by investing in health, economic opportunity, and community development. Founded by major health systems and community partners, it drives impact through programs in workforce development, education, housing, and small business support. To watch a recording of the event, click here.

To kick-off November, IMD Commission staff took their final excursion of 2025 to the Rush Archives to view their amazing collection of historical artifacts that preserve so much of Rush, Chicago, and IMD History. The Rush Archives preserves and shares the rich history of Rush’s education, research, patient care, and community leadership through extensive collections dating back to 1837, including documents and personal papers.

In 2024, we partnered with UI Health to launch an urban beekeeping initiative in the IMD. Last year, we held a honey extraction workshop at our office, and on November 19 of this year, our partner Alvéole hosted a beeswax workshop to learn about this unique substance where attendees were able to get their hands dirty making their own beeswax candles. To learn more about the IMD urban beekeeping initiative, you can follow the hive on their MyHive page.

But the biggest news of the year arrived on November 18, when we broke ground on the new park destined for the vacant parcel at 2023 W Ogden Ave. State of Illinois and City of Chicago elected officials, hospital leaders, IMD organizations, community members and more gathered to break ground on this historic new park — the first for the IMD in 80 years. Located in the heart of the IMD, across from Jesse Brown VA Medical Center, Cook County Health, and the Gateway retail center, the 1-acre public park will feature fitness zones, a playground, walking and running tracks, a sensory garden, native plantings, and plentiful seating. Thank you to all who made this day possible! Stay tuned for future updates as construction begins. You can read more at the Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ Chicago, Block Club Chicago, Chicago YIMBY, or to read the official release, click here.

Once built, the park will receive ongoing maintenance support from the Illinois Making a Difference Foundation (IMD Foundation), a new 501(c)(3) is a nonprofit organization formed this year by the IMD Commission to support our robust community outreach efforts.

On December 9, joined by the League of Black Women, the “She Must Live: Disruptive Change Response Summit” took place at Institute for Healthcare Delivery Design in the IMD, bringing together healthcare and civic leaders to map resources, identify gaps, and develop strategies to strengthen early screening, treatment access, and survivorship support for Black women. Black women face the highest cancer mortality rates of any group, even when incidence is equal or lower, underscoring the need for urgent, coordinated action. To help address this disparity, the inaugural session included insights from the Illinois Department of Public Health and presentations from IMD hospital systems working to advance equitable cancer outcomes. Thank you to all who attended and we look forward to working together in the years ahead to address this urgent issue.

I’m ending the year thinking a lot about wellness. Wellness is shaped not only by personal choices but by the environments and systems that support our daily lives. Access to parks, equitable opportunities, and reliable healthcare creates the foundation for healthier communities where everyone can thrive. When we talk about building an IMD where people can live, work, play, and learn, wellness is a vital component of that vision. When you prioritize wellness, your patients, workers, and visitors are better able to contribute their time, energy, and talents toward strengthening and uplifting the community they’re in — a win for them, and a win for us all.

So, as we settle into the frosty holiday season, we’re grateful for the continued warmth and support of the IMD community and our civic leaders who inspire us to reach new historic heights for the IMD. Please enjoy this special edition of The Catalyst — thank you for standing with the IMD and remember to shop local and support the organizations doing important work across the IMD and our city.

On behalf of the IMD Commission, I wish you and your loved ones happy and healthy holidays and a bright new year!

Sincerely,

Allyson Hansen

CEO and Executive Director

On Tuesday, November 18, elected officials and civic leaders from the State of Illinois, City of Chicago, hospital systems, non-profit organizations, and community members held a historic groundbreaking for a new park — the first park for the IMD in 80 years.

This landmark investment in the IMD was made possible through the leadership of Illinois Speaker of the House Chris Welch, Illinois Senate President Don Harmon, Senator Lakesia Collins, Senator Elgie Sims, Representative Yolonda Morris, and State Representative Jawaharial “Omar” Williams.

Located at the intersection of West Ogden Avenue and South Damen Avenue in the heart of the IMD — across from Jesse Brown Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center and John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County and a short walk from all IMD hospital systems — the park will be a new public space for the IMD and Near West Side community. The 1-acre publicly accessible open space will include:

• Two fitness zones with equipment for all ages and abilities;
• A playground area;
• A walking and running track;
• A sensory garden and walking path;
• Flexible greenspace for various types of programming;
• Diverse types of native plantings;
• Outdoor seating.

The last time a new public park was created in the IMD was 80 years ago, when the Louis Pasteur Monument was relocated from Grant Park to its current location on West Harrison Street across from the Old Cook County Hospital Building in 1946. This new park is the second new public space added to the IMD after the opening of a new Welcome Plaza at West Ogden Avenue and West Harrison Street in August 2024.

In August 2024, the IMD Commission selected Site Design Group Ltd. to lead the landscape architecture and design for the new park. You can read more at the Chicago Sun-Times, WBEZ Chicago, Block Club Chicago, Chicago YIMBY, or to read the official release, click here.

Stay tuned for more updates as construction begins next year!

2025 brought new housing, award-winning designs, historic firsts, street safety improvements, and more to the IMD.

There’s a new place to call home in the IMD: District Haus.

District Haus is a new construction all green rental community featuring 72 luxury residences. Spread across 12 boutique buildings with three- to four-story designs, each featuring 3 bedroom, 2-bathroom homes.

We got to tour the model unit in May and were impressed with the spacious floorplans, high ceilings, high-quality touches and unbeatable location with easy access to shopping at Costco, Jewel-Osco, public transportation, and quick access to IMD and Pilsen.

At the heart of the community lies a beautifully landscaped courtyard — a green space where residents can walk their dogs, unwind outdoors, or connect with neighbors. It’s more than an amenity; it’s a place where community naturally flourishes.

Located in the heart of Chicago’s most dynamic neighborhoods District Haus puts world-class hospitals, top universities, convenient shopping, and easy transportation right outside your door, just minutes from downtown and the bustling West Loop, creating a place you’ll be proud to call home.

Pre-leasing has already begun, and units are going fast! Visit their website to schedule a tour or contact them at 872-268-6322 or [email protected].

A new residential development in the Illinois Medical District reimagines the classic Chicago courtyard building with a modern “courtyard shift” design. Created by architects Jen Park and Brad Fowler of ParkFowler Plus, the design moves the courtyard away from the street to foster community and privacy. The buildings feature metal shingles and angled windows to enhance light and reduce visibility between units.

Developer Domus Real Estate Group plans to build nine of these eight-unit buildings in the Illinois Medical District as part of the District Haus development’s second phase. The design eliminates hallways, increasing usable space by up to 20%, which helps lower construction costs and keep rents affordable. Market-rate three-bedroom units will start around $3,300, while affordable units will be about $1,860.

The concept originated from a 2022 contest by the Chicago Architecture Center (CAC) and the City of Chicago’s Department of Planning and Development (DPD), seeking affordable, efficient homes that reflect changing lifestyles, such as remote work and energy-conscious living. These designs aim to fill the “missing middle” housing gap — homes affordable for middle-income families but not subsidized or luxury-priced.

CAC CEO Eleanor Gorski, who is also an Illinois Medical District Commissioner, praised the project, writing, “ParkFowler Plus wasn’t passive. They found the right developer with a proven record of building similar projects in the Illinois Medical District on-budget and on-time.”

The eight-flat design, she wrote, is “something a developer can get excited about because it’s a smart, modern, marketable design and allows the developer to make a good return on their investment. We need more activist architects who will push to fill a void in Chicago’s design landscape.”

The IMD Welcome Plaza that opened in August 2024 continued to improve this year when the large “IMD” letters gained illumination and a colorful ground mural on the pedestrianized section of S Wolcott Ave.

In addition to acting as a recognizable new gateway for the IMD, these new additions completed the vision for the Welcome Plaza set out as one of the transformative projects in our Bike and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (BPSAP) also announced in 2024.

We’re also making progress on our Harrison Street Enhancement Project. In 2024, we received an Invest In Cook grant to study ways to make that street safer for bikers and pedestrians. This project was also identified as one of the transformative projects in our Bike and Pedestrian Safety Action Plan (BPSAP) for the IMD.

The scope of work includes site analysis, concept design, detailed engineering, cost estimation and phasing, final design, community engagement, project management, flooding investigation, and sustainability considerations.

Areas under review include sidewalks and pedestrian space, crosswalks and curb bump-outs, ADA-accessible ramps, bike lanes and parking, street lighting and signage, landscaping and street trees, pavement and surface materials, traffic signals and timing, and crash and traffic data.

The project is currently in the design phase and is scheduled to be completed by spring 2026. If you have any questions regarding this project or other bike and pedestrian safety issues, contact Nicole Vahl, Health and Science Program Manager, at [email protected].

Project Sidewalk is a free online crowdsourcing tool that lets users virtually navigate city streets to label sidewalk infrastructure and identify accessibility barriers. We received a stipend to encourage the IMD community to map sidewalks and bikeways in and around the IMD, and in 2025, Team IMD participants completing missions to audit, label, and validate city blocks. Participants were entered into a raffle, and those winners were chosen in August.

2025 was a busy year in events that brought the IMD community together for meaningful dialogues, celebrations, giving back, improving our streets, and so much more.

We kicked off 2025 when we hosted the first IMD Youth Opportunities Fair at Malcolm X College in January, a targeted initiative designed to introduce young people to career possibilities within the IMD.

The fair created connections between students and industry leaders and academic institutions while providing hands-on learning experiences to inspire future healthcare and life sciences professionals. Representatives from dozens of public and private organizations took time to meet with hundreds of students who came from far and wide, eager to discuss extracurricular opportunities with friendly staff.

The event was organized through our Education Council, one of many community councils created by IMDC as collaborative spaces for like-minded stakeholders to share information and advance initiatives that benefit the IMD and neighboring communities.

The IMD Community Councils create connections between IMD’s strategic goals and local community needs while encouraging active participation and innovative partnerships. The councils provide space for discussion and action which ensures that the IMD remains responsive to the needs of its various healthcare institutions and 90,000 daily visitors.

The Education Council was formed to help educators broaden access to educational and professional pathways in healthcare, life sciences, and amplify the great work happening every day in schools located in around the IMD. Recognizing the importance of early exposure, the council devised the Youth Opportunities Fair.

Mark your calendars! 🗓️ The 2026 IMD Youth Opportunities Fair is scheduled for Tuesday, February 3 and returning to Malcolm X College. To learn more about the 2026 fair or Education Council, contact Nicole Vahl, Health and Science Program Manager, at [email protected].

In February, the IMDC announced our Scholarship Program, a new initiative offering financial support to Chicago youth who plan to continue their education and demonstrate academic excellence.

The IMDC awarded ten merit-based $1,000 scholarships to local high school, higher education, and graduate students who demonstrated academic excellence and live in areas of hardship. We hope these dollars help them continue their studies and grow as future leaders, just one more way we are working to give back to our community.

Then in May, we hosted the recipients for a lunch and awards ceremony at our office. Congratulations to the 2025 recipients, we look forward to seeing the great things you do in the future as you further your education — and check back next year if you would like to apply for a scholarship yourself, you can apply more than once!

In May, we went live with our new IMD website that was rebuilt from the ground up, with a new design, new features, and new content that better showcases the vibrant IMD community and our partners. Some notable features include:

Interactive Directory

Find organizations in the IMD fast with this interactive directory. Filter category or search by name. Click on any listing to learn more. And each category can be linked, so for example, if you had an upcoming meeting in the IMD and wanted to coordinate a place to eat, you could select Dining and then send them the link.

History of the IMD

Read this detailed history of the IMD dating back to the 1870s with photos to learn more about this remarkable place.

RFPs

A new place that makes it easy to track open and upcoming IMD Commission business opportunities.

Available Real Estate

Browse available IMD real estate to learn more about buildings, lab space, and land for lease. Includes photos and property information.

Why IMD

Learn about why the IMD is the perfect place to locate your business.

Events Calendar

Browse upcoming IMD events or submit your own.

Get Involved

Learn about ways to get involved in the IMD community, from community councils, to current programs and more. If your organization would like to be listed here, contact [email protected] to get your program added.

Parking Rentals

Learn about IMD Commission operated parking options or request more information.

Space Rentals

Host your next event at IMD! Learn about IMD Commission space rental options or request more information.

New URL

We have a new URL imdchicago.org so please update your bookmarks and emails.

If you spot any changes, want to get your programs added, or anything else website-related, contact [email protected] — happy browsing!

Our summer intern Collin Nuckles completed his 8-week internship in the Marketing and Communications department assisting with projects, events, and content creation. Collin also manages UIC Choir socials, so check them out to see more of his work. We wish Collin luck as he continues his education at UIC!

Also this summer, Carol Jones officially started working as the IMD Commission’s new Chief Financial Officer last month. Carol brings a strong background in financial leadership, most recently serving as CFO at the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), where she oversaw budgets, strategic planning, and financial operations. Her experience spans over 20 years in both the nonprofit and public sectors, with a focus on transparency, collaboration, and mission-driven stewardship. If you’d like to reach out to Carol, feel free to email her at [email protected].

On October 5, the Illinois Medical District Commission (IMDC) was honored to be named one of Chicago’s Best Workplaces by the Chicago Sun-Times. Working alongside our amazing partners — hospitals, universities, nonprofits, schools, small businesses and community members — is truly inspiring, uplifting, and makes coming into work every day feel like a joy. At the IMDC, our job is to shine a light on the amazing work being done in the IMD by all of you, and to ensure the IMD continues to grow for future generations, so we couldn’t be more thankful for this recognition that we too are a great place to work. Congratulations to all our fellow honorees! To view the full list, click here.

Starting in 2024, we launched an IMD Excursions initiative for our staff to see the meaningful and impactful work of our IMD tenants up close and in-person. We kicked off 2025 with a visit to The Chicago Lighthouse in February, followed by Vertiport Chicago in April, Malcolm X College and their Simulation Hospital in June, Urban Autism Solutions Growing Solutions Farm in August, and the Rush University Archives in November. Seeing our partners in action builds understanding for our staff, strengthens collaboration, and deepens our appreciation for the impact we create together for the IMD community.

In February, we were honored to host students from Girls in the Game — a Chicago-based nonprofit organization that uses sports-based youth development to empower girls to find their voice, discover their strength, and lead with confidence — for a leader-to-leader discussion with our staff. The students had the opportunity to ask us about our career paths, life experiences, and give feedback about the design of the new park in the IMD. To learn more about their organization, click here.

Our Sustainability Council held two events to help keep the IMD clean and safe for Earth Month in April.

We partnered with PCs for People to held two electronics recycling events are our office. PCs for People is a nonprofit and national leader in IT Asset Disposition (ITAD) offering certified data destruction and recycling services that have benefited over 500,000 people, redistributed 267,000 refurbished devices, recycled over 9 million pounds of e-waste, and helped over 77,000 homes connect to the internet.

Recycled computers are refurbished and distributed back into the community to support equal access to technology for low-income families, their warehouses employee adults from diverse backgrounds and with disabilities, and if items are not reusable, they recycle every component.

Then on April 26, volunteers met on Saturday morning to collect trash and help keep the streets of the IMD clean and safe.

In June, we were honored to host the Health Care Council of Chicago (HC3) for a Behavioral Health Summit. As mental health continues to take center stage in national and local discussions, health care leaders are uniting to address longstanding disparities and foster meaningful change. Speakers and leaders from across healthcare, social services, and policy came together to discuss issues of access, investment, and parity affecting our communities. A highlight of the event was the Mental Health Parity Index (MHPI), a first-of-its-kind tool developed by The Kennedy Forum and Third Horizon with support from the American Medical Association. To watch a recording of the event, click here.

On June 18, we were honored to host Lifeway Kefir for an activation in the IMD Welcome Plaza to celebrate National Kefir Day. Lifeway Foods was founded in Chicago 40 years ago and has grown to make Chicago the kefir capital of the world, and Lifeway CEO Julie Smolyansky attended UIC. Medical science show increasing evidence that consumption of products with probiotics like kefir yogurt, in addition to supporting gut health, also show promise in areas like overall wellness, disease prevention, and even aiding recovery from injury.

A week later, on June 24, we hosted the first IMD LGBT Resource Fair to celebrate Pride Month, organized through the IMD Pride Coalition, a group of IMD organizations focused on LGBT issues. Exhibitors and attendees came together to share health and housing resources welcoming to the LGBT community and for lots of dancing and laughs. Attendees also collected lightly worn winter jackets, food, and raised money to benefit TaskForce Chicago, a nonprofit located on the west side.

In 2022, The Morton Arboretum Chicago Region Trees Initiative (CRTI) partnered with the IMD to plant 30 trees during a community event. On July 30, they returned to the IMD for a re-mulching workday to care for those young trees. Mulch helps improve soil quality and supported their long-term survival. Throughout the day, CRTI also shared the benefits of trees and taught tree identification.

On October 19, the fourth annual Chicago Lighthouse Rise to Shine Run & Walk took place in the IMD. Chicago Lighthouse is an internationally recognized nonprofit founded in the IMD focused on helping those people living with a sight disability that celebrated its 120th anniversary. Rise to Shine is the only race in Chicago that prioritizes accessibility for all regardless of ability. There’s also a Fitness Fest, a kid’s race, and breakfast tacos — yum! Thank you to all who came out to support this amazing event and set your calendar for October 2026 for the next race. Remember to bring your families because all ages are welcome! To learn more, click here.

Last year, IMD Commission partnered UI Health and Alvéole to launch an urban beekeeping program in the IMD. During the summer, our honeybee colony produced hyper-local honey, while the bee provided a nesting habitat for important solitary wild bees and insects. You can find regular updates from our beekeeper as they observe and report on nesting activity, colony growth, and other bee updates on our MyHive page.

In September, we held a workshop where participants opened and inspected a live hive, learned about beekeeping tools and hive members, and experienced sights, sounds, and tastes from the hive for a memorable introduction to beekeeping.

And this November, we held beeswax workshop to where attendees got to learn about beeswax and make candles. Keep an eye out for a jar of IMD honey at a meeting or event near you soon!

Great things happened in 2025 as our partners launched new initiatives, programs, events, won awards, and so much more.

The John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County has become the first trauma center in Chicago — and only the second in Illinois — to receive Level I verification from the American College of Surgeons (ACS), marking a major milestone in trauma care for the city. This elite distinction reflects the hospital’s readiness, resources, and commitment to high-quality patient outcomes, setting a new standard for emergency and trauma services.

“Earning trauma verification from the American College of Surgeons is one of the highest distinctions a hospital can achieve. It reflects an elite level of readiness, quality, and patient outcomes that few institutions attain,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “ACS verification underscores that Stroger Hospital’s trauma team sets the standard for excellence, compassion, and innovation in saving lives and strengthening our community.”

“No one ever expects to need trauma care, but when they do, they want and deserve the best specialists and resources.  ACS verification is more than a designation, it is confidence that the trauma care at Stroger Hospital meets the highest national standards. We are proud to be the only ACS verified trauma center serving Chicago,” said CCH CEO, Dr. Erik Mikaitis.

The verification process evaluated Stroger’s trauma team on readiness, clinical care, performance improvement, and readiness to treat high-acuity cases — all under rigorous peer review. With nearly 4,000 trauma patients cared for in 2025 alone, this recognition underscores the hospital’s important role and reliability for patients in need of critical care across the region.

The Harold B. Smith Foundation has made a transformational gift to Rush University System for Health to establish the new Harold B. Smith Family Cancer Research Center. This generous support will allow Rush to significantly expand its research capacity and clinical-trial programs — enabling the system to triple its early-stage cancer trial volume to roughly 150 within five years.

“Supporting Rush was a lifelong passion of our father’s, who served as a dedicated trustee for more than half a century,” the Harold B. Smith Foundation’s trustees said. “To honor his legacy, we are proud to partner with Rush to advance medical innovation. The Harold B. Smith Family Cancer Research Center will enable Rush to further cancer research and treatment by offering more phase 1 clinical trials — which are crucial to developing new therapeutics. Our hope is that through this collaboration, our father’s enduring commitment to medical progress will continue and impact the lives of generations to come.”

The new center will accelerate the journey from laboratory discovery to clinical treatment by hiring additional translational researchers, speeding trial start-ups, and expanding access to novel therapies for patients. This landmark gift strengthens Rush’s position as a leading institution in cancer care and research, offering hope to patients and families seeking advanced treatment options.

In October, Chicago opened its first city-wide family justice center — CAN Hope — located in the Illinois Medical District. The center combines legal, medical, and advocacy services under one roof to support survivors of domestic violence, offering a “one-stop” resource hub for counseling, legal aid, and wrap-around care.

To read more or watch a video about this, click here.

This fall, UI Health and Cook County Health announced they had significantly expanded their collaborative partnership, originally launched in 2021, to deepen cooperation across medical education, clinical care, and research. Under the new agreement, students at UIC’s College of Medicine will have enhanced access to clerkships at Cook County Health, while both institutions’ staff will gain expanded options for residencies, clinical fellowships, leadership development, and continuing education.

“This transformational partnership between Cook County Health and UI Health is still just the beginning,” said Dr. Robert Barish, vice chancellor for health affairs at UIC. “By continuing to architect dedicated frameworks for visioning and strategy implementation, Cook County Health and UI Health are committed to the future of health care in Chicago and beyond.”

“As the development of this relationship continues to unfold, it will open up enormous benefits and opportunities for the patients, students, faculty and medical professionals of both of our organizations,” added Toni Preckwinkle, president of the Cook County Board of Commissioners. “The greatest benefits will be to the communities that rely on the medical expertise and the access to health care that both of our organizations provide.”

On the clinical and research front, the partnership will launch joint programs across 16 medical specialties, streamline provider recruitment and quality-assurance efforts, and increase access to clinical trials for patients. By pooling resources and aligning missions, UI Health and Cook County Health aim to strengthen the safety net, expand healthcare access, advance medical research, and promote health equity across Chicago and beyond.

The National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA) awarded a four-star rating to CountyCare, Cook County Health’s Medicaid managed care plan, making it the highest-ranked Medicaid plan in Illinois and among the top 22% of plans nationwide. CountyCare earned five stars for member satisfaction and four stars for overall care, as well as for child and adolescent well-being measures such as vaccinations and BMI assessments.

Cook County leaders credited the recognition to CountyCare’s evidence-based, patient-centered approach. With a network of 70 hospitals, 150 urgent and immediate care sites, and over 32,000 providers, CountyCare offers benefits like free LASIK and cash rewards for preventive care. Officials emphasized that its provider-led model and focus on quality improvement, care coordination, and community engagement have made it a trusted, high-performing health partner for nearly 400,000 members across Cook County.

Congratulations to Cook County Health for being recognized for its continued commitment to excellent patient care!

During “Simulation Week,” students at University of Illinois at Chicago (UIC) experienced state-of-the-art health care training through hands-on simulations that mirror real-world medical scenarios. At the college’s state-of-the-art M. Christine Schwartz Experiential Learning & Simulation Laboratory, students use high-fidelity manikins like “MamaAnne,” which can simulate childbirth and medical complications, students practiced delivering babies, responding to emergencies, and making clinical decisions in a controlled learning environment.

The event highlighted UIC’s investment in advanced medical technology and interdisciplinary education. Using simulation labs and actor-patients, students in medicine, nursing, and related fields strengthened teamwork, communication, and problem-solving skills, helping to prepare them for the complexities of modern patient care.

UI Health has achieved Magnet Recognition®, the highest honor for nursing excellence and quality patient care, awarded by the American Nurses Credentialing Center. This designation places UI Health among a select group of U.S. healthcare organizations recognized for exceptional nursing standards.

Dr. Tiesa Hughes-Dillard, Chief Nursing Officer, emphasized that Magnet status validates UI Health’s mission-driven care and commitment to excellence. CEO Dr. Mark Rosenblatt highlighted the organization’s strategic investments in patient outcomes, experience, and nurse workplace quality.

The Magnet Model evaluates nursing leadership, collaboration, and care improvement processes. Osei Omoike, Senior Director for Nursing Strategy, praised the recognition as a reflection of UI Health’s dedication to accessible, high-quality care for all patients.

Congratulations to the team at UI Health on this historic achievement!

Rush University Medical Center has been named to the U.S. News & World Report’s Best Hospitals Honor Roll for the sixth consecutive year, ranking among the top 20 hospitals nationwide. In the 2025-2026 report, 11 Rush specialties were ranked in the top 50, with seven in the top 20, including Neurology and Neurosurgery (5), Geriatrics (10), and Orthopedics (11). Rush also earned “high performing” designations in 27 adult specialties, procedures, and conditions across its hospitals.

These rankings reflect excellence in clinical outcomes, nursing strength, advanced technology, and patient feedback. Rush was recognized in every outcome-driven specialty category, highlighting its consistent quality of care. Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO, credited the achievement to the dedication and clinical excellence of the entire Rush team.

Congratulations to Rush on your ongoing commitment to delivering excellent care!

Cook County Health (CCH) has received the Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification, recognizing its efforts to reduce health care disparities and promote equitable care. This national certification, launched in 2023, evaluates hospitals on leadership, collaboration, data use, care delivery, and performance improvement. Stroger Hospital underwent a comprehensive review of over 40 standards, including analysis of clinical outcomes by sociodemographic factors, staff diversity compared to the community, and patient screening for social needs.

CCH, founded nearly 200 years ago to provide care regardless of income, insurance, or immigration status, continues to prioritize health equity. CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis and Chief Equity Officer Shannon Andrews emphasized the system’s commitment to inclusive, data-driven care. The certification affirms Cook County Health’s role as a national leader in equitable health care, transforming lives and uplifting communities.

Thank you to CCH for helping promote healthier communities!

Jesse Brown VA Medical Center has launched the “Buddy Card” initiative to help veterans connect their peers with VA health care services. Serving over 44,000 Veterans in Chicago and northwest Indiana, Jesse Brown VA offers comprehensive physical, mental, emotional, and spiritual care. The Buddy Card is a small card containing essential information for enrolling in VA care, designed to be shared among Veterans who trust each other’s recommendations.

Acting Executive Director Staci Williams emphasized the importance of peer referrals in the Veteran community, noting the strong bonds and trust that exist among them. The initiative encourages Veterans satisfied with their care to help others access the same services.

Jesse Brown VA is recognized for its high-quality care, earning a 5-star rating from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) and a 93.8 trust score for fiscal year 2025. Only three hospitals in the City of Chicago earned this distinction (Northwestern Memorial Hospital and Rush University Medical Center being the other two). These scores reflect the effectiveness, ease, and emotional impact of interactions with Veterans.

The medical center provides a wide range of services, including preventive care and health screenings. Buddy Cards are available at all Jesse Brown VA locations and patient advocate offices. Veterans can also connect with enrollment specialists by phone or in person and apply for benefits online or through designated clinics in the region.

Thank you to Jesse Brown for going above and beyond to support veteran care!

UIC’s School of Public Health created the Chicago Public Health Innovators (ChiPHI) program to engage high school students in public health careers. In collaboration with the Chicago Department of Public Health, Healthy Chicago Zones, and One Summer Chicago,

ChiPHI offers a six-week paid summer experience. Students participate in classroom learning, fieldwork, and leadership development focused on real-world public health issues like food access, chronic disease, and social determinants of health.

The program values students’ lived experiences and encourages them to design innovative solutions for their communities. It culminates in a symposium where students present their final projects to public health professionals and community leaders.

Thank you to UIC for training the next generation of healthcare leaders!

You may know that Vertiport Chicago in the IMD is Chicago’s only vertical take-off and landing facility that serves as a regional life-saving emergency medical services — but did you know they were also a popular event space?

This summer, they hosted official Lollapalooza After Parties, the Red Bull Batalla Chicago Qualifier, and so much more.

Executives in Chicago are trading traditional client dinners for helicopter rides to Michigan wine country, with trips arranged from Vertiport Chicago. These round-trip tours offer a fast, high-end way to impress clients, reward teams, or celebrate wins.

The trend reflects a shift in how companies allocate travel and entertainment budgets: from smaller gatherings to immersive experiences that foster stronger relationships and offer a memorable, out-of-city escape. For businesses in the region, the availability of luxury helicopter services means leadership can offer standout experiences without the hassle of conventional travel.

Only in the IMD!