Trusted Care in the Southland for More Than a Century
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial has served the Southland for over a century—meeting health needs through trusted local care, strategic partnerships, and a strong commitment to equity beyond the hospital walls. From behavioral health and maternal care to chronic disease prevention and community outreach, Ingalls works side by side with local residents and its Community Advisory Council to improve health outcomes and strengthen community well-being.
Community Outreach in the Southland
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial's outreach work focuses on breaking down barriers to care and partnering with the community to drive health equity.
2024 highlights
- 83 cardiology patients enrolled in the Liaisons in Care Community Health Worker Program
- $335,438 in grant funding provided for community-led initiatives (2022 – 2024), targeting chronic disease prevention, food insecurity, youth development, access to care and violence prevention
- 6,157 individuals served through the Complimentary Nutrition Station Program, supporting oncology patients and others facing food insecurity
- 21 in-person and virtual fitness events, including cardio drumming and hip-hop cardio classes
- 250 families received essential baby items during the Healthy Baby Network's Annual Drive-Thru Baby Shower
Annual Day of Service and Reflection
In 2024, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial hosted its second Day of Service and Reflection (DOSAR)—bringing employees together to support Southland community organizations through hands-on volunteer work.
With more service projects and increased staff participation in 2024, volunteers supported Southland organizations by gardening, sorting food, cleaning and organizing donated items at local sites. The event reflects UChicago Medicine's commitment to partnering with Southland residents and organizations—not only in clinical settings, but across the community.
Investing in Community Mental Health
To meet the growing demand for behavioral health services on Chicago's South Side and in the south suburbs, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial invested $840,000 to expand its inpatient behavioral health unit. The expansion added 15 new beds and staff—reducing wait times, improving access and strengthening local mental health support.
Through the Behavioral Health in the Community initiative, Ingalls Memorial also partners with local organizations to deliver mental health education, outreach and direct support.
Community Impact (2023 – 2024):
- 45 events including community tabling, educational workshops and speaking engagements
- Direct mental health consultations and resource distribution across the region
Supporting Moms and Families
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial is working to close the gap in Black maternal health outcomes by expanding OB-GYN services in Harvey, where it remains one of only two hospitals with a full birthing unit.
Through the Healthy Baby Network:
- Since 2008: more than 2,600 new parents supported with 97% of participants connected within 24 hours
- In 2024: 31 prenatal classes held, 414 safe sleep cots distributed
- In fall 2025, specialized maternal health services from UChicago Medicine in Hyde Park will expand to Harvey, bringing culturally competent care closer to home
Choose Healthier, Balance Your Life
Launched in June 2024, this wellness pilot empowers residents in the UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial primary service area to manage chronic conditions and adopt healthier lifestyles, with a focus on heart health, diabetes prevention, fitness and emotional well-being.
2024 highlights
- 13 participants completed workshops and monthly telehealth coaching
- Average weight loss: 9.8 pounds per participant over three months
- 100% program satisfaction for participants, who received free wellness journals, fitness sessions and blood pressure cuffs
Ingalls Development Foundation's investment in the Southland
Through the Ingalls Development Foundation, UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial invests in the Southland's future by expanding access to education, career pathways and economic opportunity.
- Since 2001, $3.29 million awarded in higher education scholarships to more than 2,000 students
- From fall 2022 – fall 2024, $20,000 invested in sustainable career and economic pathways for Southland students and residents
- In 2024, the first workforce development cohort launched, with three students from Thornton Township High School District 205 gaining career exposure through internships
UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial
Supporting Southland families
See how Ingalls is working to close care gaps and improve birth outcomes.
Expanding access to mental health care
Learn how new beds and staff are meeting growing behavioral health needs.
Improving Black maternal health
Explore how local programs are supporting moms and families.
Drive-Thru Baby Shower connects families to care