As we approach the end of the school year, many families are focused on summer activities. However, our community health centers are gearing up for back-to-school preparations. Summer is a prime time to help young people and their families get back on track with their health needs, whether it’s wellness visits or overdue vaccinations.

To meet these needs, we're conducting targeted outreach to ensure all students receive their required exams. We're also incorporating vaccination checks into every visit, training our medical assistants to administer vaccines, and extending clinic hours to accommodate busy schedules.

In addition, we’re excited to announce our annual Back-to-School Health Event on August 8. This event will offer a fun environment for children, along with opportunities for physicals, dental exams, and plenty of family-focused activities to ensure everyone is ready to start the school year right.

We anticipate welcoming around a thousand families this year, and we’re looking for partners to join us. If you're interested in sponsoring the event or offering health and wellness services to the community, we’d love to collaborate. Together, we can ensure our community’s children are healthy and prepared for a successful school year.

Keep reading for details on our response to the surge in Measles cases, our summer STI testing initiatives and more.

Pride in Prevention: Our Summer HIV Testing Initiatives

This summer, our infectious disease department is proud to support the community through a range of initiatives, especially during Pride Month. We offer a rapid HIV clinic three days a week and will be tabling at many Pride events around the city to offer free rapid HIV tests and to promote our health center.

In addition to these events, we'll also be at local Walgreens locations, offering free rapid HIV testing. This annual initiative allows us to test hundreds of people and connect them with the services they need. We’re committed to fostering a healthier community and celebrating the vibrant diversity of our city.

Community Health Centers Provide Care to Millions, but Cuts Could Put Them in Jeopardy

A recent article from The Commonwealth Fund highlights how federal funding cuts are putting community health centers (CHCs) at risk nationwide. The freezing of grant funds and a reduction in the Community Health Center Fund have already led to staff layoffs and clinic closures, even as demand for services hits record highs. The situation is worsened by recent workforce reductions and reorganization at the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), along with the removal of key data that helps track CHC performance and needs. Together, these changes threaten access to care for millions of patients who rely on CHCs for essential health services.

Chicago Family Health Center is committed to maintaining quality care despite federal funding cuts. We’ve preserved staffing levels and appointment access by managing resources wisely, recognizing that layoffs would deeply affect the communities we serve.

To keep this momentum, we're pursuing new grants and inviting community support through our recurring donation program. Even small monthly gifts can help us continue providing vital care to those who need it most.

We have several health education events happening in the coming weeks. If you know someone who may benefit, please share this information with them.

May 27, 2025 - The Loneliness Crisis: Wellness Through Social Connection

Loneliness can impact mental health, leading to anxiety and depression at any age. Teens face social pressure, adults juggle careers & relationships, while seniors battle isolation.

But there's hope. Cultivating connections, practicing self-compassion, and exploring hobbies can help you combat those feelings. Let's talk about it and together we can break the silence!

August 8, 2025 - Annual Back-to-School Health Fair

Get ready for a healthy school year! As part of National Health Center Week, our annual Back to School Health Fair will be held on Friday, August 8, 2025, at our South Chicago Clinic, 9119 S. Exchange Ave.

Discover essential health services, fun activities, and free giveaways to kickstart the upcoming school year! From health screenings to nutrition and mental health resources, we’ve got everything you need to ensure your family is ready for a healthy return to school

At CFHC, every gift makes a difference. Your generosity helps us provide life-saving care, health education, and support services to thousands of individuals and families who depend on us every day.

When you donate, you help:



• Expand access to Medical, Dental, Behavioral Health, and Pharmacy services
• Support vital programs like cancer screenings, wellness education, and chronic disease management
• Ensure that no one is turned away because of their ability to pay

Together, we can build a healthier future for our community — one patient at a time.

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