Chris Mambu Rasch

It is critically important to address #rural Illinois residents’ struggles to maintain healthy, active and productive lives. Pre-pandemic, 1.5 million Illinois residents live in the 62 non-metropolitan counties. Some of the key issues rural Illinoisans faced included: ⚡ Shortages in #PrimaryCarePhysicians and subspecialists, especially in #MentalHealth ⚡ Some of the highest rates of overdose deaths and #Opioid prescriptions ⚡ A higher percentage of children in rural areas experience financial difficulties meeting basic needs ⚡ High rates of readmission, #SocialIsolation and limited health care services for the rural aging population ⚡ Increased rates of childhood obesity ⚡ Struggles with #Housing quality and affordability Rural healthcare and the economy are dependent on each other to succeed. You can read more about how to action from the SIU School of Medicine here: https://lnkd.in/g2A3sj_s #RuralHealth #Healthcare #Illinois #PublicHealth

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Check out the latest LSCP Perspectives column to learn more about the results of the #housing Target Market Analysis and what we need to do to keep momentum going.

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Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) member systems BJC HealthCare and SSM Health in St. Louis, MO and anchor collaborative West Side United in Chicago, IL have helped to bring place-based economic development and jobs to their cities. BJC HealthCare and SSM Health formed a joint venture, St. Louis Healthcare Support Services, LLC, to build and operate a regional laundry facility that will better meet the health systems’ needs and will clean 35 million pounds of the health systems’ linens each year. Initially, the joint venture will look to hire 80 community members from underserved areas for these good paying jobs with benefits. From the Fierce Healthcare article: “We often say ‘good healthcare starts with a job,’” [Tom] Hervieux, [BJC’s vice president and chief supply officer], said, “and creating economic development in the community and reinvesting with our purchasing and hiring dollars really make St. Louis and our larger community a better place to be.” “Because being that we're anchored here, and we live here, we want to continue to be good stewards and good neighbors,” said [Michael Gray, System Vice President and Chief Supply Chain Officer, SSM Health]. West Side United (WSU) is an anchor collaborative on Chicago's west side whose members include HAN members RUSH University, Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children's Hospital of Chicago and Ascension WSU is partnering with several organizations in Chicago, including the Steans Family Foundation, to establish Fillmore Linen Service, a local healthcare laundry linen service entity for hospitals to shift their business to and as a model to create meaningful local jobs. Fillmore Linen Service will create 175 living-wage jobs with advancing skill levels for rising incomes. The linen laundry will handle 62 million pounds of laundry annually. As the Employer and Community Engagement lead for the Fillmore Economic Development initiative, WSU will provide strategic direction and operational oversight, providing long-term recruitment and retention planning for North Lawndale and surrounding West Side communities in partnership with Skills for Chicagoland's Future, North Lawndale Employment Network (NLEN), and others. From the Steans Family Foundation article: After a completion period, the Fillmore Center will be placed into a Community Benefit Trust by the Steans Family Foundation. This will allow local residents to share in and control profits from the building. Residents will determine how profits are invested using a digital and democratic decision-making platform. #SDoH #healthequity #AnchorMission #CommunityWealth

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“Finding the right senior living community is more than just a decision; it’s a commitment to a better quality of life.” Grand Rapids West and Kalamazoo offers a variety of senior living choices. This area has thriving communities dedicated to enhancing the quality of life for seniors! One of the key factors to consider is what type of senior living arrangement best suits an aging adult's needs. Understanding the different options can help make the decision easier and ensure a comfortable and fulfilling lifestyle for the coming years... Our newest article explores the senior living options in the Grand Rapids West and Kalamazoo area. Check it out: https://loom.ly/PZBjk9M

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