Our Wins
Holding Steady. Moving Forward. Advancing Health Equity.
In a year shaped by political uncertainty, strained public systems, and deepening inequities, Health & Medicine Policy Research Group remained rooted in our mission: advancing health equity through research, advocacy, and community partnership. As Illinois communities faced mounting challenges—from workforce shortages to threats against public health infrastructure—we continued to show up, organize, and build solutions grounded in justice and dignity.
2025 marked both continuity and transition for our organization. Margie Schaps’ decades of leadership laid a powerful foundation of courage and conviction. As we carry that legacy forward, Health & Medicine remains clear in purpose: as long as injustice persists, our work is not done.
Highlights from 2025
Advancing Aging Equity Across Illinois
We led the Illinois Aging Together campaign, helping prompt the development of Illinois’ first multi-sector plan for aging equity. Through interviews, convenings, and collaboration with the Governor’s Office and the Illinois Department on Aging, we elevated community voices and laid the groundwork for a more age-inclusive state.
Defending and Funding Public Health
In coalition with community partners, we organized through the Fund Public Health campaign to demand increased and sustainable funding for Chicago and Cook County health departments—centering the needs of communities most impacted by underinvestment.
Strengthening the Public Health Workforce
Through the Good Jobs Challenge, we connected nearly 400 individuals from underserved communities to essential training and certification pathways, helping build a stronger, more equitable public health workforce. Our Schweitzer Fellowship Program, Chicago Area Health Education Center, and Youth Pathways initiatives continue to support emerging leaders at every stage of their journey.
Advancing Birth Justice and Reproductive Health
We convened more than 100 stakeholders at Illinois’ first Community-Based Birth Justice Strategy Summit and completed a research study identifying barriers and opportunities for freestanding birth center support and expansion. Building on earlier policy wins—including doula reimbursement—we are now focused on ensuring access to care where it is needed most.
Centering Healing and Trauma-Informed Practice
We supported the Illinois Healing-Centered Task Force and trained close to 100 individuals on trauma-informed care, practitioner burnout, and the impacts of collective trauma—helping organizations and leaders respond with compassion and evidence-based practice.
Opening Doors for Young People
Through the Chicago Area Health Education Center’s summer Community Health Worker Pathway Program, we exposed 25 high school students to diverse health careers, planting early seeds for the next generation of public health leaders.
None of this work happens in isolation. It is powered by community partners, advocates, health workers, donors, and supporters who believe—like we do—that health is a human right. As we move into the year ahead, we remain committed to standing with Illinois communities, responding to urgent challenges, and building a healthier, more just future together.
See our Historical Timeline of Significant Activities for more information on our achievements over the past four decades.
Help us continue our work toward eliminating health inequities in Illinois. Your generosity fuels our work and helps us bring about meaningful change.