How We Make a Difference

Northwestern Medicine delivers world-class, culturally competent care regardless of race, age, gender, sexuality, ability to pay or any other social factor, in the communities where its patients live and work.

• We’re the largest provider of Medicaid care in DuPage, DeKalb and McHenry counties.
• Over the past two years, our system has seen more than 10,000 patients from Erie Family Health Center, one of nine clinical community partners across the Chicagoland area.

Northwestern Medicine invests in the economic growth of the communities it serves, recruits diverse candidates and provides innovative training, education and development initiatives to unlock new employment opportunities for under-resourced communities.

• We employ people in over 85% of Chicagoland zip codes.
• More than 10,000 students have participated in our youth development programs over the past 30 years.
• $3.7+ million spent on supplies and services from companies in under-resourced communities last year.

Northwestern Medicine partners with community organizations that provide access to nutritious food, shelter and other essentials, and support initiatives that reduce violence, address trauma and build safer communities.

• In summer 2021, our employees spent over 1,300 hours volunteering at 15 local events.
• 8,500+ coupons have been distributed to help address food insecurity in McHenry County to date.
• Over the past nine years, CATCH®, an early childhood health and wellness program, has helped nearly 14,000 young people learn more about gardening, nutrition and healthy eating.