For Immediate Release:                                                                  Contact: Ira Cohen

March 5, 2009                                                                                    (773) 533-7520

Congressman Davis Announces $1.3 Million Grant for Lawndale Christian Health Center as Part of Stimulus Package

Rep. Danny K. Davis (D-IL07) today announced the award of $1,300,000 to Lawndale Christian Health Center as a part of the Stimulus Package.  Davis has been a leader in seeking funding for community health centers as a critical part our national health program.  Community health centers have proven to be a highly effective form of providing cost effective quality care.

Davis stated, “I believe these dollars will be doing double duty.  We will see new jobs created in one of the most economically impacted communities in the District and those jobs will address some of the most critical health needs in one of the most medically under-served communities in the 7th Congressional District.”

According to their website Lawndale Christian Health Center:

“Since its founding, LCHC has grown rapidly to the point that over 110,000 patients are now seen each year. Services have expanded to include ancillary services such as laboratory, radiology, and pharmacy, a dental and eye clinic, and health support services for targeted populations such as pregnant women, asthmatics, diabetics, and persons with HIV. LCHC's expansion has continued with new sites located in Homan Square and at Farragut High School (soon to be expanding in size to accommodate demand), as well a fitness center created within the main location.”

“Despite the many attributes that make North and South Lawndale an attractive place for many people to call home, there remain some persistent, significant indicators of poor health and quality of life in Lawndale.”

“The health status indicators in three of the closest neighborhoods to the North of LCHC's Ogden clinic indicate the urgent need for additional services. Each of the communities is over 95% African American. The disparities are noted by comparison to the City of Chicago's total statistics. By ranking, of the 77 neighborhoods in the City of Chicago, East Garfield, West Garfield, and North Lawndale or ranked 75, 76, and 77 as having the greatest disparity of women not receiving prenatal care prior to delivery. LCHC's medical staff delivers about 700 babies per year, but the need to provide more services will exist for some time.”