A MESSAGE FROM OUR CEO | SHERRY PACE, MBA | | |
April is Alcohol Awareness Month—a time to reflect on how our behaviors and coping mechanisms can influence our relationship with alcohol over time. At Chicago Family Health Center, we believe that awareness is the first step toward prevention—and that includes recognizing how stress, trauma, or even everyday setbacks can sometimes lead us down a harmful path.
Understanding the early signs of risky alcohol use—like increased tolerance, using alcohol to cope with emotions, or neglecting responsibilities—can help us support those we care about before it becomes a crisis. Friends and loved ones may not always ask for help, but a compassionate check-in or sharing information about resources can make a life-changing difference.
This month, I encourage us all to reflect on how we manage stress, to model healthy coping strategies, and to be a support system for others. At CFHC, we’re doing our part by offering educational workshops, confidential screenings, and access to Behavioral Health professionals who help patients explore healthy alternatives to alcohol use. Our team works closely with individuals and families to identify risk behaviors early and connect them with supportive services—whether that’s counseling, community resources, or personalized care plans. Through these efforts, we aim to empower our community with the tools they need to face life’s challenges without turning to alcohol.
Keep reading for details on upcoming events and a spotlight on Board Member Markena Peavy.
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Sherry Pace, MBA
Chief Executive Officer
Chicago Family Health Center
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Markena D. Peavy brings a deep personal and professional commitment to her role on the CFHC Board of Directors. Born and raised in Washington Park, she is a graduate of Whitney Young High School and DePaul University College of Law. Today, she serves as Senior Counsel at BMO Bank.
With over 13 years of legal experience, Markena has built her career around business counseling, regulatory strategy, and supporting equitable access to financial services. Her path to CFHC began through a longtime colleague and fellow board member who introduced her to the organization’s mission. After attending several events and fundraisers, one aspect stood out: CFHC’s early investment in Behavioral Health.
“I was just always impressed that Behavioral Health services were offered,” she says. “That wasn’t common back then, especially for clinics serving communities on the South Side. CFHC was meeting a need no one else was focused on.”
Markena remains deeply rooted in the South Side and committed to the wellbeing of its residents. “I’ve lived in other cities, but this is always home. It’s important to me that this community is cared for—and CFHC is doing that work every day.”
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Chicago Family Health Center is inviting patients, family members, and caretakers to join our Patient Advisory Council—a group that would provide feedback to clinic staff to improve care, communication, and the patient experience.
Why join?
- Share your voice
- Influence real change
- Help shape patient-centered care
Open to all CFHC patients and caregivers. Interested? Contact Patty Johnson at 773-364-2266 or pjohnson@chicagofamilyhealth.org.
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Healthy Chicago Podcast talks Maternal Health
During Black Maternal Health Week, Commissioner Olusimbo Ige joined Monica Mitchell of CDPH and Hailey Steele from EverThrive Illinois for a powerful conversation on the maternal health disparities Black women and their babies face during pregnancy and postpartum. They highlighted the multiple layers of support needed to address the elevated risks of complications and maternal mortality among Black women.
At CFHC, our OB/GYN, Behavioral Health, and WIC programs work together to support expecting patients by identifying signs of stress early and offering personalized care. Our goal is to ensure that every patient—especially our Black mothers—receives the care, resources, and advocacy they need for healthy pregnancies and positive birth outcomes.
| | We have several health education events happening in the coming weeks. If you know someone who may benefit, please share this information with them. | | |
April 30 - Learn on Your Lunch: Risky Alcohol Use
Join us for an engaging health education session on risky alcohol use and its impact on health and wellness. This event will be co-led by our Chief Behavioral Health Officer Melissa Duplantis Psy.D. along with Substance Use Disorder Program Manager Althea Barboza.
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May 8, 2025 - Breaking the Cycle: Preventing Substance Misuse in Our Communities
Attend our upcoming session on substance abuse prevention, designed to raise awareness, build resilience, and support healthier choices across all ages. Hosted by Substance Use Disorder Program Manager Althea Barboza.
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May 17 - WIC Nutrition & Cooking Demo
We're hosting a fun and informative health education event focused on the WIC (Women, Infants, and Children) Nutrition Program! Learn how WIC supports families with access to healthy foods, nutrition education, breastfeeding support, and more.
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May 20 - A Community Conversation About Cancer Misinformation
UChicago Medicine and Latinos United for Cancer Education, Research & Outreach (LUCERO) will be hosting a conversation on cancer myths and misinformation. This event includes lunch, raffle, and giveaways. Please share with your patients, friends and family and encourage them to join this important session led by a panel of UChicago Medicine experts.
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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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