January 7, 2008

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

FOR MORE INFORMATION, CONTACT:
Randall Baker
Director of Development and Public Relations
(312) 337-1073, ext. 217

BCBS awards $25,000 to Near North Health Service Corporation

CHICAGO—Near North Health Service Corporation announced today that it has been recognized by Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Illinois for its success in expanding access to health care and improving the well-being of the community, and has been awarded a $25,000 grant to continue its important efforts.

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois grant will be used for general operating support, which will benefit Chicago’s medically underserved. A portion of the grant will be especially useful during our “Men’s Health Week” activities, which occurs in June.

Near North Health Service Corporation (NNHSC) is Chicago’s second largest nonprofit community health provider and addresses health disparities existing among low-income Chicagoans.

NNHSC operates five full-service community health centers that extend a circle of care throughout Chicago. As a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), NNHSC serves low-income residents of Chicago’s North side (Cabrini Green), West Town, Humboldt Park, West Garfield Park, Austin, Kenwood/Oakland, Douglas, Grand Boulevard and Uptown communities.

In fiscal year 2007, NNHSC served 28,699 patients through a combined total of 86,080 visits at all NNHSC health centers. Unduplicated patient visits for enabling services, (which include nutrition education and social service programs), add 10,636 individuals to our patient base. It is also important to note that our combined patient population is 68 percent African-American, and 25 percent Hispanic. Low-income women and children account for 67 percent of all NNHSC patients.

The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services’ Bureau of Primary Health Care has recognized Near North Health Service Corporation. The Joint Commission (JCAHO) also recently awarded NNHSC with its four certificate of accreditation.

Near North Health Service Corporation is one of 180 organizations to receive a grant or donation this year from Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois, which focuses its giving in four key areas: health services for the uninsured and underserved, human services, education and the arts.