Standing in Solidarity with the Asian American Community
Oak Park, IL – PCC Community Wellness Center is deeply grieved by the killings of eight people, including six Asian American women, on March 16. This incident has highlighted the recent increase in violence towards Asian Americans. While we recognize that hatred and racism are systemic in American society, we are outraged by every act of violence, every abuse, every injustice.
We stand in solidarity with Asian Americans, both in the communities that we serve and throughout our nation. We mourn with the families and friends of the eight people who were killed last week: Daoyou Feng, Delaina Ashley Yaun, Hyun Jung Grant, Paul Andre Michels, Sun Cha Kim, Soon Chung Park, Xiaojie Tan, and Yong Ae Yue. Their deaths are a painful reminder that systemic racism continues to have a devastating impact on Asian Americans, and all people of color, in this country.
As a community health center, PCC is committed to providing high-quality, affordable health care services to people of all ethnicities, especially those in underserved areas. We recognize that racism impacts health care, so we will continue to advance health equity. Our desire is that all individuals will have the means to attain the best health possible.
Achieving optimal health has been challenging for many people during the COVID-19 pandemic, and this has been compounded by racism. When the health and safety of even one person is threatened, it affects the well-being of us all. As we work to end the pandemic, we will work to Stop Hate against Asian Americans, Pacific Islanders, and all people of color. We are inspired by our compassionate concern for the wellbeing of all communities of color, and all those who may feel invisible. We recognize how deeply interconnected we are, so we strive to ensure whole, healthy communities within our service area.
PCC Community Wellness Center to partner with RUSH in the Protect Chicago Plus Program
CHICAGO, IL – PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) is partnering with Rush and the Protect Chicago Plus (PCP) initiative to vaccinate 1,200 residents in the Austin community every Sunday beginning Sunday, March 14 through Sunday, April 18, 2021, at Catalyst Circle Rock Charter School, 116 N. Central Avenue. Healthcare volunteers will administer vaccinations from 7 a.m. – 5 p.m. The PCP program is a city-wide strategy initiated by the Chicago Department of Public Health to get vaccine supply and necessary resources to neighborhoods that have been most troubled by the COVID-19 pandemic. The agency collaborates with community healthcare clinics and hospitals, Federally Health Qualified Centers (FQHCs), local officials, stakeholders, and community-based organizations in these vulnerable areas to organize vaccination sites and ensure residents are registered to receive the vaccine. Shots are given in two doses, with three weeks of the first doses followed by three weeks of the second doses. The Austin initiative is sponsored jointly by Rush and Loretto Hospital. Partners include Alderman Emma Mitts (D-37th Ward), Alderman Jason Ervin (D-28th Ward), Alderman Chris Taliaferro (D-29th Ward), Rush, Loretto Hospital, PCC Community Wellness, Austin Coming Together, and The Catalyst Schools. z"We are pleased to participate in the Protect Chicago Plus - Austin initiative to mitigate the spread of the coronavirus," said Dr. Paul Luning, chief medical officer at PCC Community Wellness.
According to the City's most recent COVID vulnerability index (CCVI) report, of the 26 neighborhoods listed as the most affected by COVID, 15 are in the top tier. Districts are ranked by highest susceptibility during the pandemic and often linked to low socioeconomic status, high COVID hospital admission rates, and high rates of COVID deaths. West Side communities on CCVI's high vulnerability list include Austin, North and South Lawndale, Belmont Cragin, and East Garfield Park. Belmont Cragin was a pilot site and completed its event with 2,000 residents vaccinated each weekend. PCC was a partner in that event as well.
"This is an enormous collaborative effort by organizations across the Greater West Side of Chicago. We are honored to work with our fellow healthcare providers to improve the health of the communities we serve," said Dr. Luning.
Shots are by appointment only. No walk-ins accepted. Individuals must register for the vaccine, be 18 years of age or older, and live in the Austin community. Austin residents interested in receiving the vaccine can register at www.rush.edu/austin or call 312-563-0767. To learn more about Protect Chicago Plus, go to www.chicago.gov.
Lt. Gov. Stratton visits PCC Wellness Austin’s Substance Use Treatment Center
CHICAGO, IL – August 13, 2020 – Lieutenant Governor Julianna Stratton met with CEO Robert Urso and members of PCC’s leadership team last week to learn about its comprehensive chemical dependency treatment program and the plethora of ancillary services offered to individuals suffering from substance use disorders. “We were very pleased and honored to have Lt. Gov. Stratton at PCC. This was a great opportunity for us to get the word out about the work PCC is doing in an effort to help address the opioid epidemic, as well as for us to share our vision, mission, and programs we have in place to help resolve the social determinants of health in the communities served by PCC,” Robert Urso said, president and CEO of PCC Community Wellness Center.
It is undeniable: Racism is a public health crisis
As members and leaders from many of Chicago’s healthcare organizations addressing the disproportionate black and brown mortality from the COVID-19 pandemic, we say without hesitation that Black Lives Matter.
No person of decency can look at the images of George Floyd’s killing without feelings of rage, horror, shame and grief. The deaths of Mr. Floyd, Rayshard Brooks, Ahmaud Arbery, Breonna Taylor — and too many others — are unjust and unconscionable.
We must double down on our efforts. Systemic racism is a real threat to the health of our patients, families and communities. We stand with all of those who have raised their voices to capture the attention of Chicago and the nation with a clear call for action.
The health centers and hospitals we represent are deeply woven into the fabric of the communities we serve, live and work in, and we stand united as frontline staff against racism, injustice and inaction.
PCC Community Wellness Center providers receive national recognition for patient satisfaction
PCC Community Wellness Center will continue serving Melrose Park and surrounding areas
February 20, 2019—PCC Community Wellness Center will continue to operate its PCC Melrose Park Family Health Center, despite the recent announcement regarding Westlake Hospital’s proposed closure. The clinic, located within Westlake Hospital’s Professional Office Building, has proudly served the Melrose Park community since 2012. While PCC does not yet know whether they will be able to continue to lease space in their current location over the long-term, operations will continue as is through at least June 30, 2019. If Westlake Hospital closes, as proposed, PCC is committed to finding new space for the clinic in the Melrose Park community.
Local physician Carolyn Fitzpatrick, M.D. named Chairperson of the Board of Directors for PCC Community Wellness Center
November 20, 2019—Dr. Carolyn Fitzpatrick was recently named Chairperson of the Board of Directors for PCC Community Wellness Center. PCC is a Federally Qualified Health Center with a network of 11 community health centers serving residents of Chicago’s West Side and west suburbs. available at PCC’s Chemical Dependency Clinic.
PCC Community Wellness Center’s Treatment Program Available for Overdosing Patients
September 5, 2018—PCC has become aware of an increase in opioid overdoses due to the striking increase in patients presenting to West Suburban Medical Center for opioid reversals. PCC encourages people struggling with opioid use to enter treatment. Treatment is readily available at PCC’s Chemical Dependency Clinic.
Celebrate National Health Center Week at the PCC Austin Farm
August 16, 2018—On Tuesday, PCC Community Wellness Center hosted an open house at the PCC Austin Farm. In partnership with the National Association of Community Health Centers, PCC participated in National Health Center Week to raise awareness about the mission and accomplishments of America’s health centers.
Pediatric Appointments Available at PCC Community Wellness Center
July 30, 2018—Dr. Penny White, pediatrician at PCC Community Wellness Center (PCC) is accepting new patients at two PCC health centers in Chicago’s Austin area. As a pediatric physician, she can care for babies, children, and teens. Services include well child exams, immunizations, treatment for minor or chronic illnesses, lead screening, and school physicals.