[Excerpted from Block Club Chicago]
“CommunityHealth is one of the largest volunteer-based health centers in the United States, offering free services to low-income, uninsured Chicagoans, which is primarily an immigrant population, external affairs director Laura Ciresi Starr said.
“The group has been in close contact with the Mayor’s Office and other local groups to help the migrants, and many staff members and volunteers are bilingual, Starr said. Migrants are welcome whether they are only stopping in Chicago for a short period or if they plan to stay long-term, Starr said.
“‘We really strongly believe that everybody should have access to essential health care at no cost if they need it,’ Starr said. ‘We want to make sure they know we are available to be a welcoming place. That we can be their doctor’s office, their yoga studio, their pharmacy — all of these things all in one place.’
“CommunityHealth has three clinics: 2611 W. Chicago Ave., 5413 W. Diversey Ave. and 2759 S. Harding Ave.
“Anyone interested in learning more or becoming a volunteer can find more information in English, Spanish and Polish on the CommunityHealth website. CommunityHealth has a huge volunteer base that provides many of the organization’s services, with roles for medical providers, interpreters, health educators and more, Starr said.”
Read the entire piece at Block Club Chicago, September 2, 2022