FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
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Earlier this week, the IMD
announced its involvement in a
West Side United
collaborative that has pledged $6 million aimed at eliminating health disparities on Chicago’s West Side.
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The West Side United collaborative
will invest $6 million
this year with four community development financial institutions (CDFIs). The CDFIs will offer loan capital to small West Side businesses and organizations based on the community’s needs, such as improving access to affordable housing and healthy foods, financing local business projects, or supporting job creation efforts and educational programs.
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The IMD is proud to stand with West Side United and its partners in the fight for health equity. With this collaborative, we hope to inspire those around us to create the best opportunities possible for community members to access resources and live longer, healthier lives. You can read more about the investment collaborative
here
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-SUZET MCKINNEY, DRPH, MPH
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NEW STUDY SHOWS IMD IS POISED FOR QOZ SUCCESS
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Earlier this month, the IMD published a
white paper outlining the findings of a market study it commissioned with Kaufman, Hall & Associates.
According to the study, federal tax incentives such as Federally qualified Opportunity Zones (QOZ)
can attract private capital to build thriving mixed-use, “live-work-learn-play” environments to support life-science and business growth.
The IMD seeks to leverage its 31 acres of development area in a QOZ to attract impactful investors and developments that will help build a vibrant life sciences community dedicated to
In addition, the IMD's status as an ideal location to to establish a life sciences presence can act as a catalyst to improve lives in the surrounding communities by acting as a gateway to funnel additional developments and job opportunities to Chicago’s South and West Sides.
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RUSH EARNS NATIONAL DISTINCTION FOR PANCREATIC CANCER WORK
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The National Pancreas Foundation recently
awarded Rush University Medical Center the designation of "National Center of Excellence for Pancreatic Cancer" for its "multi-disciplinary approach, social support and advanced research resources needed to successfully treat this devastating disease."
Rush is one of 43 hospitals in the country - and the only hospital in Illinois - to achieve the designation..
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JOB OPPORTUNITY: UIC COLLEGE OF NURSING
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The UIC College of Nursing has an opening for the position of Associate Director of Development. The Associate Director will work closely with the Assistant Dean for Advancement to qualify, cultivate, solicit and steward annual leadership and major gifts from prospective donors, alumni and friends of the UIC College of Nursing.
S/he will be proactive in building relationships as a front line fundraiser. S/he will be a vibrant team player in the pursuit of increasing levels of philanthropy, alumni engagement and visibility for the college. S/he will work as a key collaborator in the College of Nursing and across UIC, in order to advance the college’s goals within the framework of IGNITE: The Campaign for UIC, a $750M comprehensive campaign. To learn more about the position or to apply,
click here
.
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URBAN AUTISM SOLUTIONS LAUNCHES NEW VOCATIONAL PROGRAM
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Urban Autism Solutions has launched a new initiative in addition to Growing Solutions Farm at the IMD. The program,
The UAS West Side Transition Academy, teaches Chicago Public High School students and young adults with autism and related disabilities vocational and social skills for future employment.
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During warmer months, participants will partake in vocational training at Growing Solutions Farm. Members of the community are invited to attend the academy's
open house, March 10th at 1220 W Lexington Street, to learn more about this innovative program.
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In response to growing concerns about the spread of Coronavirus, local, state and federal health officials have published guidelines for citizens on how to protect themselves.
Despite a recent increase in the number of confirmed cases in the US, the risk to the general public remains low at this time. Individuals are encouraged to observe basic precautions to help protect against infection, such as:
- Washing your hands frequently with soap and water
- Coughing or sneezing into your elbow, rather than into your hands
- Avoid public places such as school and work if you are ill
- Consult with your medical provider if you feel sick
Additional information is available via:
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