West Side United, a collaborative of six hospitals and over 100 community organizations has embarked on an ambitious initiative to narrow the life expectancy gap between Chicago’s West Side and downtown areas. This 20-year effort aims to cut the current 14-year disparity in half by 2030.
The initiative focuses on addressing social determinants of health in Chicago’s West Side communities, where residents face higher rates of chronic diseases and shorter life expectancies compared to their downtown counterparts. West Side United’s approach targets four key areas: health and healthcare, neighborhood and physical environment, economic vitality, and education.
Since its inception in 2017, West Side United has made significant strides. The collaborative has invested over $85 million in local businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations. These investments include a $6 million small business accelerator grant program and the creation of over 3,500 jobs for West Side residents.
The initiative’s healthcare focus involves expanding access to mental health services and implementing a community health worker program. Additionally, West Side United is addressing food insecurity by supporting the development of grocery stores in underserved areas.
Education initiatives include scholarship programs and partnerships with local schools to create pipelines for healthcare careers. The collaborative also supports affordable housing projects and works to improve public spaces and transportation.
West Side United’s comprehensive approach demonstrates the potential of cross-sector collaboration in addressing complex health disparities. As the initiative progresses, it serves as a model for other cities seeking to tackle similar challenges in urban health equity.
While the long-term impact of these efforts remains to be seen, West Side United’s multifaceted strategy represents a significant commitment to improving health outcomes and quality of life for Chicago’s West Side residents.
See “Can investments cut health gaps? Chicago’s a proving ground” (October 10, 2024)