#United States #Endeavor Health #Palatine #Community Resource Center #AHA NOVA Award

Endeavor Health's Community Resource Center: A Model for Community Health

Endeavor Health's Community Resource Center (CRC), located in Palatine, Illinois, has recently been awarded the prestigious Dick Davidson NOVA Award from the American Hospital Association (AHA). This award recognizes outstanding health care initiatives that foster innovative partnerships aimed at enhancing community health and wellness. The CRC exemplifies a successful model for delivering essential services to those in need, becoming a vital part of the northwest suburbs of Chicago.

A Comprehensive Approach to Community Health

The CRC operates as a “one-stop shop,” uniting over a dozen partner agencies under its roof. This approach enables the center to provide an extensive range of services that cater to individuals and families in the region. Services offered include health and wellness resources, educational and literacy support programs, employment assistance, food and clothing distribution, as well as counseling and youth development initiatives. The goal is to meet the multifaceted needs of the community at various life stages.

Each year, the CRC experiences approximately 150,000 visits from community members seeking support. In the past year alone, it successfully distributed food to nearly 85,000 individuals and provided clothing to over 6,500 adults and children. It also facilitated education, health, and literacy programs for about 7,500 individuals, significantly impacting the community’s well-being.

Strengthening Community Ties through Collaboration

Endeavor Health demonstrated its commitment to the CRC by investing over $1 million for renovations in 2022. This investment not only improved the facility but also fostered a collaborative environment where partner agencies can thrive and better serve the community.

Among the CRC’s strategic partners is Partners for Our Communities, which oversees daily operations and offers case management, legal clinics, and youth programming. Another key partner, Faith Feeds Food Pantry, plays an instrumental role in distributing food yearly to tens of thousands of residents in need. Furthermore, Endeavor Health provides community health workers and nurses dedicated to offering chronic disease management and prenatal support services, ensuring comprehensive care within the center.

Acknowledging the Impact of Collaborative Efforts

J.P. Gallagher, President and CEO of Endeavor Health, expressed immense pride in receiving the AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award. He stated, "This recognition underscores the importance and strength of partnerships that enable us to uplift every member of our community." Karen Baker, the System Director for Community Impact Engagement, added, “For over 20 years, the CRC has empowered individuals to transform their lives and engage meaningfully with our community.”

The AHA Dick Davidson NOVA Award is a testament to the importance of combined efforts in addressing the complex health needs faced by communities today. Endeavor Health's Community Resource Center not only showcases the potential for hospitals and health systems to enhance health outcomes but serves as a guiding example for other organizations seeking to implement impactful programs.

For those interested in learning more about the Community Resource Center and its various agency partners, resources are available online, offering insight into their ongoing initiatives and collaborative efforts.

About Endeavor Health

As Illinois's third-largest health system, Endeavor Health operates with the mission to enhance the health of communities across seven northeastern Illinois counties. With over 28,300 team members, including more than 1,900 physicians, Endeavor Health provides personalized and pioneering patient care through a network that includes over 300 ambulatory locations and nine hospitals. For more information, visit Endeavor Health’s official website.