NEW IN THE ILLINOIS MEDICAL DISTRICT: FEBRUARY 2018
FROM THE EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Gateway development has long been a topic of great interest to our IMD partners. This 9.5 acre mixed-use development project at the intersection of Damen and Ogden will feature over 1 million square feet of retail, housing, office and lab space, a hotel and a public courtyard. 
I'm happy to announce that last week, construction began on the retail phase of the development. Upon completion in fall 2018, this phase of the development will deliver approximately 20,000 square feet of retail and amenities.

We recognize that the project has not been without challenges, but we are committed to the completion of what will be an economic catalyst for the IMD community. The Gateway will also provide incentives for attracting the best and brightest talent to help us achieve our goal of becoming the world's next great health innovation destination. You can learn more about the development here


-SUZET MCKINNEY, DRPH, MPH

ChicagoCAC LUMINARY AWARD DINNER
On Thursday, May 3, the Chicago Chiildren's Advocacy Center will host its fourth annual Luminary Award Dinner. This year's honoree is Kristie Paskvan, Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer of Mesirow Financial. Kristie will be honored for her contributions to the city's children.
Proceeds from the event will  bolster ChicagoCAC's efforts  to prevent child sexual abuse and help children and families heal.  To learn more about the event or to purchase tickets, click here .

JESSE BROWN VA TOWN HALL 
The Jesse Brown VA invites veterans and their families to its upcoming Veterans Town Hall. The even will take place on Tuesday, February 6 at 10 AM on the 2nd floor of the main campus, located at 820 S. Damen.

A variety of leaders and subject matter experts will be in attendance to assist veterans and their families, including VA administration, VA Benefits and National Cemetery Administration at Abraham Lincoln National Cemetery. For more information, contact VA Public Affairs at CHSPAO@va.gov or 312-569-6101.
CHICAGO'S TOP BLACK WOMEN OF IMPACT
In honor of Black History Month, Make it Better celebrates black women who are making a difference in the City of Chicago. This impressive group of women are making an impact in their communities and improving the lives of others. Among the 42 honorees are IMD CEO Dr. Suzet McKinney and Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. To view the full list, click here.  
N.U. FERTILITY HEALTH STUDY
Researchers at Northwestern University are conducting a study about women's experiences with a newly available fertility screening service. The Fertility Age Test by FutureFamily directly provides women the opportunity to measure three hormones from a blood draw thought to
be important for fertility and conception.

The project seeks women ages 18-40 who are interested in a free screening. This provides an opportunity for women to learn about their fertility health, and to share their personal experience. If you or someone you know is interested in a screening, please email: moira.kyweluk@northwestern.edu or
call (803) 409-8786.
PARTNER SPOTLIGHT: CHICAGO LIGHTHOUSE 
Located at 1850 W. Roosevelt Road, the Chicago Lighthouse is one of the city's oldest social service organizations, and the most comprehensive, serving individuals who are blind, visually impaired, disabled and veterans.
To celebrate the 40th anniversary of having the federal contract to make clocks for the U.S. government, Chicago Lighthouse Industries has unveiled a new line of unique fashion clocks for commercial sale directly to the general public. To learn more about the Lighthouse wall clock program, click here
FOLLOW HER LEAD SPEAKER SERIES
On Tuesday, February 27, EverThrive Illinois will host a panel discussion on how to direct a passion for improving health into lifelong careers and positions of leadership. Featured panelists include Jasmine Johnson of Pfizer Inc, Tamela Milan of Access Warren Family Health Center and IMD CEO Dr. Suzet McKinney. 

The event will take place from 6 PM to 8 PM at the IMD offices, located at 2100 W. Harrison Street. A brief Q/A and networking session will follow the panel discussion. To RSVP for the event, click here
'RACE: ARE WE SO DIFFERENT?' EVENT
On Tuesday, February 13, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago will host a tour of the national exhibit "RACE: Are We So Different?". RACE was developed by the American Anthropological Association and the Science Museum of Minnesota. 

The exhibit tells stories of race from biological, cultural and historical viewpoints. The exhibition tour will take place at The Chicago History Museum, located at 1601 N. Clark Street. A panel discussion and networking event will follow the tour. For more information about the event or to purchase tickets, click here