Delta Dental of Illinois Foundation, in partnership with Illinois Children’s Healthcare Foundation, awarded over $3 million in grants to 36 Illinois Federally Qualified Health Centers and other public health clinics that deliver vital health care services. Sixteen of those grant recipients are in the Chicago metro area. The Foundations developed the grant opportunity to help offset costs associated with reopening and continuing operations during the COVID-19 pandemic. Grants of up to $100,000 were available to Illinois health centers and clinics that integrate oral health into a primary health care setting. Grants were focused on these health centers and clinics because they offer crucial services to Illinois residents who are underserved and may face obstacles to receiving needed care. Among the 16 grant recipients from the Chicago metro area include:
Alivio Medical Center, Chicago — $100,000
This grant will go toward general operating support for children’s oral health services. Funding will be used to support staffing, as well as personal protective equipment for the dental department. Alivio provides health care to the uninsured and underinsured, including many from the Latino community.
Howard Brown Health Center, Chicago — $59,986
Howard Brown Health Center delivers health services to patients in areas disproportionately affected by health disparities at 11 clinical sites throughout Chicago, with a focus on the LGBTQ community, its allies and people with HIV/AIDS. This grant will support staff and construction costs for the health center’s newly opened pediatric dental suite in Englewood, as well as costs for personal protective equipment.
Erie Family Health Foundation, Inc., Chicago — $100,000
Erie Family Health Foundation, Inc. will use its funding to help rebuild its capacity to pre-pandemic levels and continue to provide services to its pediatric patients, many who are from low-income families. Their goal is to reach 60% of that capacity this year, serving a minimum of 6,354 children annually.
Lawndale Christian Health Center, Chicago — $50,000
Lawndale Christian Health Center is the medical home to more than 65,000 low-income patients, including 19,500 children, and offers a variety of services, including dental care. Grant funds will help support staff and operations.
