By: Ashmar Mandou

Chicago health advocates and national health organizations, the United Way and Pfizer, launched the new Chicago Health Guide: Resources for the Uninsured and Underinsured at a health briefing during the 41st Annual Conference of the National Association of Hispanic Nurses (NAHN) held at the Hyatt Regency Chicago. The guide will serve as a resource for residents of Chicago who are uninsured or underinsured and help direct them to affordable health care resources throughout the Chicagoland area. “We are thrilled to launch the Chicago Health Guide as we kick off our national conference here in Chicago,” said Susana Gonzalez, President of the Illinois Hispanic Nurses Association. “The National Association of Hispanic Nurses has worked with Pfizer over the last decade to help bring similar resources to six other cities and states across the country. This initiative is a true example of collaboration among partners that have the common goal to help improve the health of our communities and I hope that my fellow Chicagoans will take advantage of the resources and information that fills this guide and can help them access the health care they may need.”

Inside Chicago Health Guide: Resources for the Uninsured and Underinsured, residents will find a complete listing of health care resources, providing contact information and health tips in an easy-to-use and easy-to-read format in English and Spanish. The guide, which is free to residents, will be available to the public via the United Way of Metropolitan Chicago office, community health centers, as well as several community-based organizations. Residents may also call 1-888-720-1337 toll-free. “We are proud to sponsor the new Chicago Health Guide,” said Kate Walsh, Regional Business Director at Pfizer. “Pfizer has been helping patients gain access to the Pfizer medicines they need for more than 25 years, and recently the company has stepped up that effort by doubling the allowable income level for its patient assistance program. Unfortunately, patients still face many ongoing challenges in paying their medical out-of-pocket costs or accessing medical care. We hope that this guide can facilitate that access for those in need.” The publication was made possible with the help of NAHN, United Way of Metropolitan Chicago, the National Black Nurses Association (NBNA), and Pfizer RxPathways.