Health & Wellness
“…injustice in health is the most shocking and inhumane form of inequality.”
Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
GAGDC was appointed as the Near South Regional Lead for the City of Chicago’s Healthy Chicago Equity Zone (HCEZ). In this role, we advocate and address critical community concerns – such as public safety, diabetes and mental illness. Our work aims to uplift the voices and needs most affected by health disparities across the near south region.
Another City of Chicago Department of Public Health initiative we lead is the Community Health Response Corps (CHRC) which is dedicated to reducing the life expectancy gap—particularly across Chicago’s South and West Sides. Through this initiative, our Community Health Workers (CHWs) are actively engaging residents where they live, work, and gather—offering blood pressure screenings, support for tobacco cessation, and education on nutrition, diabetes prevention, and more among many other vital health services.
As a health equity ambassador for the American Cancer Society, we stand on the front lines, educating our community and encouraging screenings for colorectal, breast and prostate cancers. Our message is clear: early detection can save lives, and everyone deserves the opportunity to prioritize health.
At Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation (GAGDC), we believe that health is a fundamental right for all, and we are committed to advocating for equity in health and wellness.
Through our initiatives, we not only offer hope but actively work towards a future where every member of our community has access to the care and resources they deserve.
We proudly host the bi-annual outdoor Health Fair on The Block, bringing together vendors focused on promoting physical, mental, financial and social well-being. These fairs serve as a hub connection, awareness, and support for our community.
One such hub connection is promoting access to high quality care onsite at our Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub. UI Health Mile Square Health Center - Primary and Immediate Care provides family medicine, immunizations, behavioral health, pediatrics, adult and pediatric dental services and more. Also, the Healthy Hub includes the Chicago Bears Community Room and Teaching Kitchen which serve as spaces where individuals learn the importance of diabetes prevention and healthy meal preparation, empowering them to take control of their health and well-being.
In collaboration with the Chicago Chronic Condition Equity Network (C3EN), which includes experts from Rush University and the University of Chicago, we are working closely as a community partner to close the life expectancy gap by identifying research initiatives. No one’s health outcomes should be determined by their race, gender, socioeconomic status or neighborhood. Together, we are building a future where every person can live a full, healthy life.
As the community quarterback, GAGDC continues to champion health and wellness and an improved quality of life for the south side of Chicago and beyond.