Friend Health Expands Community Health Services with New Clinic in Back of the Yards
Friend Health Expands Community Health Services with New Clinic in Back of the Yards
Friend Health, a prominent federally qualified health center (FQHC) in Chicago, is set to officially open its expanded Back of the Yards community health center on November 22, 2025. This significant expansion signifies Friend Health's commitment to providing comprehensive health services on the South Side and marks a pivotal moment in the organization's nearly three decades of service.
A State-of-the-Art Facility
The new health center is located in the historic Oppenheimer-Goldblatt Bros. Department Store Building at 4700 S. Ashland Ave. Covering 15,000 square feet, this facility is three times the size of the previous site and serves as a beacon for community revitalization within the New City United Yards development. It aims to increase access to primary care and preventive health services, addressing a critical need in the community.
Wendy Thompson, CEO of Friend Health, emphasized the importance of this new center, stating, "Every household should have access to quality care. We designed this center so families can find family care through a trusted primary care provider with maternal and behavioral health support, all in one place." This vision aligns with Friend Health’s mission to offer integrated, trauma-informed care under one roof, ensuring that all individuals receive the necessary health services.
Comprehensive Services Offered
The Back of the Yards health center will provide a wide range of services, including:
- - Adult and Pediatric Primary Care
- - Maternal Health and Mental Health Services
- - On-site Pharmacy with discounted prescriptions
- - Full-Service Laboratory
The clinic features 21 exam rooms thoughtfully designed for various medical specializations, including pediatrics, adult medicine, OB-GYN, and behavioral health. Additionally, the center will provide community programs such as insurance enrollment assistance, navigation of social services, fresh food giveaways, and workforce development training for community health workers. Plans for dental care services are also underway, aimed to begin in 2026.
Community-Centered Development
The expansion project has garnered support from both the community and city officials, including Alderwoman Jeanette Taylor, who highlighted the importance of community feedback in development processes. "Back of the Yards neighbors have been advocating for quality, accessible, and affordable healthcare options close to them," she remarked. This collaborative approach to development ensures that projects are aligned with the actual needs of the community they serve.
Friend Health currently serves over 40,000 patients annually across its network, which includes six neighborhood health centers and six HRDI behavioral health clinics. The Back of the Yards center will complement the existing services, particularly with innovations in telehealth, mobile health units, and strategic partnerships focusing on health equity and improved health outcomes in underserved neighborhoods.
Leading the Charge for Quality Care
The medical team at the Back of the Yards clinic includes key leadership roles filled by experienced professionals committed to enhancing patient care. Dr. Sheiva Tsay, who has a background at the University of Chicago Medical Center, serves as the OB-GYN Medical Director to address essential women’s health needs. Other notable appointments include Dr. Charles Barron, Chief Medical Officer, and Dr. Bianca Williams, Pediatrics Medical Director, highlighting Friend Health's dedication to quality medical care for families.
Chief Clinical Operations Officer Tracey Robinson, RN, elaborated on the holistic approach to care: "We treat the whole person with dignity and practical support. Nobody should delay affordable healthcare because of cost, distance, or distrust. We remove those barriers."
Conclusion
Friend Health's new Back of the Yards community health center stands as a testament to the organization’s commitment to providing essential health services to those in need. The integration of comprehensive health and social services into a centralized location aims to foster a healthier community while promoting dignity and respect for all patients. By expanding access to quality care, Friend Health plays a crucial role in shaping the future of healthcare for Chicago's South Side.
For more information, visit Friend Health.
Topics Health）
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