Nearly 150 people gathered at Malcolm X College in Chicago on Nov. 7 for “Bridging the Equity Gap: A Wellness West Forum on Health and Housing” to discuss the critical issues at the intersection of health and housing. The forum was hosted by Wellness West, a coalition of more than 40 West Side organizations dedicated to creating a transformational continuity of care among hospitals, community health centers, community mental health centers, social services, and other critical points of care. The event began with opening remarks from Toni Preckwinkle, President of the Cook County Board of Commissioners, and Tesa Anewishki, CEO of The Loretto Hospital and Board Secretary of Wellness West. “I’m here today to recognize the important work of Wellness West,” said President Preckwinkle. “It’s well documented that families that live in poor quality of housing can experience an array of negative health outcomes.”

Misty Drake, Executive Director of Wellness West, then provided a report on the work and progress of Wellness West, now in its second year of operation. Ms. Drake shared that Wellness West has conducted nearly 18,000 Health Risk Assessments in the community and that 37 percent of respondents report either being currently housing insecure or at risk of being housing insecure in the short term.  Next, a panel of three Wellness West clients shared their personal stories. Wellness West clients Sonya Hughes, Angel Diaz and Renee Washington spoke poignantly of their challenges that led to losing their housing, and then their steps gaining it back through Wellness West and the Flexible Housing Pool. Telemundo Chicago’s Jessica Suarez served as moderator. More information about Wellness West is available at www.wellnesswest.org.

PHOTO #1 CAPTION: Nearly 150 people attended Wellness West’s health and housing forum Nov. 7 at Malcolm X College in Chicago.

Photo Credit: Wellness West