AMA investing $2 million in Chicago group working to address social determinants

The American Medical Association last week joined a coalition of health systems in Chicago focused on improving health outcomes on the city’s West Side. As part of its involvement, the AMA will invest $2 million over two years in community development financial institutions that focus on improving access to healthy foods and affordable housing and help finance small local businesses in the community.

The interest in joining West Side United came from the AMA’s ongoing work to improve health equity, said Dr. James Madara, the association’s CEO. Last year, the AMA hired its first chief health equity officer and launched the AMA Center for Health Equity, which focuses on advocating for solutions to health disparities.

“We have been (based) in Chicago for a long time and this is our community although we are a national organization,” Madara said.

Six Chicago-based healthcare organizations also participate in the coalition: Rush University Medical Center, Ann and Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Amita Health, Cook County Health, Sinai Health System and University of Illinois Hospital and Health Sciences System. Northern Trust, a financial services company that has donated funds to community development financial institutions, is also a member.

Along with its financial commitment, the AMA plans to partner with the health systems to raise awareness in the community about the importance of blood pressure screening to reduce the incidence of heart disease. The AMA will also hire interns from the area and participate in local volunteer events.

Madara said the AMA will monitor the impact of its $2 million investment to determine if it will continue to contribute in the years ahead. If the effort is successful, Madara said the AMA would consider replicating the investment in other communities throughout the country.

“It’s important to have a national entity like the AMA helping to expand our investment pool and our reach across the West Side,” said Ayesha Jaco, executive director of the coalition.

West Side United’s main goal is to close the 14-year gap in life expectancy by 50% between those who live in Chicago’s West Side and the more affluent downtown by 2030.

Madara said he’s hoping the AMA’s involvement with West Side United will inspire other healthcare organizations to get involved in health equity efforts in their communities.