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“Inequities in the healthcare system existed long before the COVID-19 pandemic, and if we don’t take action now, they will exist after the pandemic too. Our responsibility now is to expand accessible and equitable health systems all across Illinois and there’s no time to waste,” Pritzker said. “Today, when I sign the bipartisan Hospital and Healthcare Transformation Bill into law, Illinois will make a giant leap forward in that mission. The healthcare transformation bill requires providers to take into consideration barriers residents have encountered in seeking access to quality care. Entities seeking funding in the program’s first round must submit their proposals on or before April 9 at Illinois.gov. – ABC 7

Equity in health care during the pandemic has been a major theme for Pritzker, who was joined at Loretto Hospital on Friday by a bipartisan group of lawmakers for the signing of a bill creating a new $150 million-per-year program to fund local collaborations aimed at reducing disparities in health care. – Chicago Tribune

The COVID-19 pandemic exposed many inequities in healthcare. In fact, Illinois will now invest $150 million per year in initiatives to support communities most in need of care. This was possible through a bill Gov. JB Pritzker signed into law on Friday. State lawmakers say this plan will help historically underserved communities across the state – from Black and brown neighborhoods in metro areas to small towns in central and southern Illinois. The state will also receive federal matching funds to address underlying health conditions for people relying on safety-net hospitals or critical care centers. Pritzker says access to good hospitals is a key part of human rights to healthcare. But, he explained people also need access to mental health services, addiction treatment, and diagnostic or preventative services. “These social determinants are the backbone of whole health,” Pritzker said. “We must demand true wellness for all of our neighbors, for all of Illinois.” – WEEK-TV

Illinois Gov. JB Pritzker signed the Healthcare and Hospital Transformation bill into law Friday. The bill will invest $150 million to support healthcare initiatives in underserved communities, specifically in Black, brown and rural areas. Communities who apply for the money can spend it on resources outside of healthcare, like stable housing or grocery stores. “COVID-19 exacerbated all the inequalities in the health care system,” Pritzker said. “But, they already existed before the pandemic and If we don’t take action now, they will exist after the pandemic too. Our responsibility now, is to expand accessibility and equitable health systems all across Illinois.” The bill allows for communities to decide for themselves how best to spend the money they’re given. – My State Line

Calling it a “giant leap forward” in the mission to reduce inequities across Illinois, Gov. J.B. Pritzker Friday signed into law the Healthcare and Hospital Transformation bill. The law, which passed the Illinois General Assembly earlier this year, provides $150 million in state and federal money for the current fiscal year to bridge gaps in health care statewide, especially in under-served communities, its supporters say. “Make no mistake, this legislation is a win for all Illinoisans, but none will benefit more than those who have been disproportionately hurt by COVID-19 — from our Black and Brown neighborhoods to our rural communities of every background to other historically under-served communities,” Pritzker said, speaking at The Loretto Hospital in Austin. – Chicago Sun-Times

Today’s Topic: “Transforming Health on Chicago’s South Side and the Impact of the Pandemic on Older Adults” with Community Health Focus Hour host Dr. Doriane Miller. – WVON

The healthcare disparities that exist in Black and Brown communities are profound, systemic, and growing. Just look at the impact that the COVID-19 pandemic is having on communities of color as evidenced daily in the numbers of those who test positive, are hospitalized, and are dying from this insidious virus. – Chicago Crusader

As faith and community leaders, we were so grateful to see legislators come together a few weeks ago and take serious steps to improve health equity across the state. As faith-based leaders and community organizers, we applaud the unanimous decision of our state legislators to officially start the process for allocating $150 million this year in health transformation funding for neighborhoods where the needs are greatest—especially on our city’s South Side. – Chicago Citizen

A pair of coalitions of hospital, community and church leaders hope to tap tens of millions of dollars in just-approved state money to fund initiatives aimed at addressing health care inequities like those that have long plagued the South and West sides. – Chicago Sun-Times

At the rate the virus is spreading, January will be the deadliest month of COVID-19 in the United States, with minority communities shouldering the brunt of the consequences. Community leaders, South Side clergy, and healthcare providers in Chicago are urging legislators not to wait to put more healthcare resources into these communities. Now is the time to recognize the disparities, and do something about it. – Chicago Crusader