Health & Medicine Policy Research Group

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Health & Medicine Policy Research Group

Promoting social justice and challenging inequities in health and health care. www.hmprg.org/links

10/08/2026

How can community health workers and other frontline health professionals help clients navigate SNAP and Medicaid work requirements?

Health & Medicine is partnering with Protect Our Care Illinois, Illinois Community Health Workers Association and, Greater Chicago Food Depository for a two-part series covering who may be affected, which exemptions and requirements apply, and how to help clients stay enrolled. You’ll also have space to join the conversation and share what you’re hearing from clients and communities. Live Spanish interpretation will be available at both sessions.

Register separately for each virtual session:

SNAP Work Requirements | November 5, 12–1:30pm
Register here: https://ow.ly/7mFy50ZVUOv

Medicaid Work Requirements | November 12, 2–3:30pm
Register here: https://ow.ly/iAT550ZVUOu

Please share with colleagues and your networks!

09/15/2026

We’re thrilled to announce Ayesha Jaco, Executive Director of West Side United, as the keynote speaker for Health & Medicine’s 45th Anniversary Gala, Bringing Health Equity Into Focus.

Ayesha is a longtime champion for Chicago’s West Side, bringing communities, health systems, and partners together to address the structural conditions that shape health and ensure that the people most affected have a voice in shaping solutions.

Health & Medicine honored Ayesha with our 2020 Health Award for her advocacy for West Side residents, her work to address structural violence, and her commitment to community-driven change.

As Health & Medicine celebrates 45 years and enters a new chapter, Ayesha is an especially fitting voice for this moment. Her work reflects both the principles that have shaped our organization and the kind of bold, community-centered leadership needed for what comes next.

Join us October 21 at the Bridgeport Art Center. Reserve your tickets at hmprg.org or via the link in bio.

08/27/2026

Happy National CHW Awareness Week!
CHWs are trusted messengers, connectors, and advocates. They meet people where they are – in their language and in their neighborhoods. They know the struggles and the strengths of their communities. And that familiarity changes everything — it turns a clinic visit from intimidating to approachable. It removes the shame that keeps people from asking for help.

Funding CHWs means investing in the relationships that drive real health outcomes. The West Suburban CHW Initiative is a great example of this trust-building work, and we are proud to support these efforts.

Healthy Communities Foundation, Michael Reese Health Trust, Health & Medicine Policy Research Group, Aging Care Connections, Alivio Medical Center, Alivio para la comunidad, BEDS Plus, Healthcare Alternative Systems, Inc., Mujeres Latinas en Accion

08/26/2026

45 Years, Into Focus: Birth Justice

Every family deserves a healthy start.

Yet Black birthing people in Illinois continue to face stark inequities in pregnancy and birth, including a much higher risk of dying from pregnancy-related causes.

Health & Medicine is helping bridge the gap between community expertise and systems change. Working alongside the .Midwifery.Collective and birth workers across Illinois, we helped turn their knowledge and priorities into a statewide Birth Justice Strategic Plan.

Through our Birth Justice Initiative, we're bringing birth workers, health systems, policymakers, and funders together to help put that plan into action.

It’s what Health & Medicine has done for 45 years: connect people, ideas, and policy to move health equity forward.

Join us October 21 at the Bridgeport Art Center as we celebrate our decades of impact and bring what’s next Into Focus.

Reserve your tickets on our website at https://www.hmprg.org/event/health-medicines-45th-anniversary-gala/

08/18/2026

For 45 years, Health & Medicine has brought people together to improve health equity across Illinois.

Join us on Wednesday, October 21 at the Skyline Loft at Bridgeport Art Center as we celebrate that history, reconnect with friends and partners, and look ahead to the work still to come.
At a moment when protecting the health and well-being of our communities is especially important, we hope you’ll join us for an evening celebrating the people and partnerships that have shaped Health & Medicine’s work.

Guests will also have the opportunity to hear from our new Executive Director, Lauren Wright, and learn more about what’s ahead for Health & Medicine.

The evening will include a cocktail reception, seated dinner, and program.

Reserve your seat by October 1.

Tickets, tables and sponsorships: hmprg.org/gala

07/27/2026

✏️ Applications are now open for Health & Medicine’s Fall 2026 Health Equity Internship Cohort!

Our paid internship program gives current and recent graduate students the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in health policy and public health while contributing to work that advances health equity and addresses structural inequities.

Interns work alongside Health & Medicine staff on projects that may include policy research and analysis, advocacy, report writing, event planning, project coordination, and participation in collaborations and coalitions. Interns also receive mentorship, build their professional networks, and gain experience that can support a career in health policy, public health, social work, or health equity.

Applicants must be currently enrolled in—or have graduated within the past year from—a graduate degree program and live in the greater Chicagoland area.

Application deadline: August 10, 2026
Learn more and apply: https://www.hmprg.org/equity-intern-program/

Please share this opportunity with graduate students and recent graduates in your networks!

07/23/2026

Health & Medicine is recruiting members for our Youth Advisory Council (YAC)!

YAC is a paid opportunity to build leadership skills, explore health careers, connect with peers, and help shape programs and initiatives that make communities healthier and more equitable.

As a YAC member, you'll:

✨ Develop leadership and advocacy skills
🏥 Learn about careers in health and public health
🤝 Connect with other young leaders and community partners
💬 Share your ideas and help create meaningful change
💵 Receive a stipend for your participation

No previous leadership or healthcare experience is required. We're looking for curious, motivated people with different backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives who are ready to learn, grow, and make an impact.

If you're ready to build new skills, make new connections, and use your voice to help shape the future, we'd love to hear from you.

🔗 Apply by August 14. Application link in bio.

Questions? E-mail Matt McClintock at [email protected]

07/21/2026

Health care professionals and social workers in Illinois—earn CEUs while building practical skills to better support the communities you serve.

Health & Medicine's evidence-based trainings are now eligible for Continuing Education Units (CEUs) through the Moses/Weitzman Health System, Inc./Weitzman Institute.

Choose from three interactive training topics:
• Trauma & Health
• Burnout & Toxic Stress
• Collective Trauma

Participants leave with practical tools they can apply immediately to promote healing, reduce harm, and strengthen their practice.

Learn more about our trainings, view the brochure, or complete our training interest form at https://www.hmprg.org/trainings-on-trauma-health-and-healing/
Questions? Email [email protected].

07/17/2026

📢 We're Hiring: Grants Manager

Health & Medicine is looking for an experienced Grants Manager to join our team!

If you're a strong writer, skilled project manager, and passionate about advancing health equity and social justice, we'd love to hear from you.

This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in supporting our fundraising efforts by managing grant proposals, reports, and compliance while working alongside program, policy, finance, and development staff to help advance meaningful systems change across Illinois.

What we offer:
✔ Hybrid work environment (Chicago-based)
✔ Competitive salary ($65,000–$75,000)
✔ Excellent benefits, including 100% employer-paid health, dental, and vision insurance
✔ A collaborative team committed to building a healthier, more equitable Illinois

At Health & Medicine, we know that great candidates don't always meet every qualification listed in a job posting. If you're excited about our mission and believe your experience would help you succeed in this role, we encourage you to apply.

Priority application deadline: August 1, 2026 (applications reviewed on a rolling basis)

📩 To apply, send your resume and cover letter to [email protected]

Read the full job description and application instructions here: https://ow.ly/xALB50ZoTo2

Please help us spread the word by sharing this opportunity with your networks!

07/16/2026

We're proud to celebrate Yasemin Mumay on this accomplishment and recognize the hard work, curiosity, and commitment that made it possible. Congratulations, Yasemin, on this exciting milestone. We look forward to seeing your continued impact in dentistry and public health!
Read her article here: https://kevinmd.com/2026/07/xylitol-for-cavity-prevention-belongs-in-schools.html

Address

29 E Madison Street, Ste 602
Chicago, IL
60602

Telephone

+13123724292

Website

http://www.hmprg.org/

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