Access Community Health Network

As HIV cases are rising in Chicago, prevention, testing, and treatment matter more than ever. "Prevention tools like oral and injectable PrEP, routine testing, and early treatment are proven to stop transmission, but they only work when communities have access to them and understand how to use them," says Director of Infectious Disease Treatment & Prevention, Sade’ P. Slaton, M.B.A, PMP. "At ACCESS, we’re committed to continuing this work by meeting people where they are. Providing community‑based education on HIV and STIs, promoting safe and healthy sexual practices, raising awareness about testing and prevention options, and expanding access to prevention medication and care. Together, education and access empower our communities to stay informed, protected, and healthy." Read WGN-TVs story on the rise of HIV cases in Chicago: https://lnkd.in/gTGGksWB

Listening to moms and ensuring they have access to health care is critical to continuing improving materal health. Through comprehensive care, culturally responsive education, and connections to resources, we can work to ensure moms feel informed, supported and empowered throughout their pregnancy and after birth. Learn more about maternal health services at ACCESS by visiting https://bit.ly/3UmiY6p

Maternal health starts with feeling seen, heard, and cared for. By creating spaces for moms to find their voice and advocate for their health, their families, and their community, we’re working together to ensure moms and babies get the care they deserve no matter where they reside. Learn more about our services by visiting https://bit.ly/3UmiY6p

Many families experience barriers like stress, food insecurity, transportation needs, and more, which can make accessing health care harder. At ACCESS, we listen first and work to try to remove these barriers so moms can feel supported, informed, and able to show up for themselves and their families during pregnancy and after birth. Learn more about our services by visiting https://bit.ly/3UmiY6p

This Black Maternal Health Week, we’re proud to share voices and spotlight how programs like ACCESS Westside Healthy Start support moms in our communities every day. For patients like Iftin, these programs aren't just resources, they're a support system she and others can count on. Parenting can feel stressful and isolating at times, but Iftin reminds us that what many moms need most aren't material things; they're support, listening ears, and the reassurance that they don’t have to go through this process alone. Learn more about our comprehensive services and how we can support moms at every stage https://bit.ly/3UmiY6p #BMHW26

For many moms, pregnancy and parenting come with real challenges, and they shouldn’t have to face them alone. ACCESS continues striving to fill in the gaps within health care and improve social determinants of health within our communities by providing our patients with the right resources to fit their needs. Through one‑on‑one support and group education, we help moms feel confident, informed, and empowered to advocate for themselves and their children. Learn more about our comprehensive services and how we support moms at every stage https://bit.ly/3UmiY6p

This year marks the 9th Annual Black Maternal Health Week, observed April 11–17. For nine years, this movement has lifted up the voices of Black moms and families and called attention to the gaps that still exist in maternal health care. At ACCESS, we believe every mom deserves to be seen, heard, and supported, before, during, and after pregnancy. Throughout this week, we’re proud to share how #TeamACCESS continues working together every day to help moms and babies get a healthy start. #BMHW26

On behalf of the more than 152,000 patients that ACCESS proudly serves each year, I would like to thank Illinois House Speaker Emanuel “Chris” Welch for meeting with me, Lawndale Christian Health Center CEO Dr. James Brooks and our Illinois Primary Health Care Association team this morning to discuss the importance of the 340B discount drug program in supporting equitable health care access across Illinois. Thank you Speaker for signing onto House Bill 2371 SA2 and helping to continue to move it forward toward a vote this session. Voting for this bill protects the 340B program, saves lives and keeps community health centers running. #340bSavesLives

ACCESS was honored to join Cradles to Crayons Chicago at their Stronger Together Appreciation Brunch earlier this week with fellow community partners who share the same mission: helping families and meeting their needs. The impact of these partnerships can benefit our communities in transformative ways, providing stability, strengthening families, and helping our communities feel supported and fully equipped for success.

ACCESS CEO Mahomed Ouedraogo was honored to join AIDS Foundation of Chicago, Citizen Action/Illinois, health advocates and legislators yesterday for a news conference recognizing the 16th anniversary of the Affordable Care Act (ACA). Thank you U.S. Reps. Jesús “Chuy” García, Jonathan L. Jackson, US Congressman Danny Davis , Delia Catalina Ramirez, Lauren A. Underwood and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, for your tireless advocacy to protect and expand the ACA to ensure more Americans can access the affordable, lifesaving health care they deserve.