Grant Funded Programs
A major component of our outreach strategy is the use of grant-funded programs. These programs are sponsored by the Research & Education Foundation of the Michael Reese Staff, a separate, non-profit entity with programs located at MetroSouth Medical Center. In addition, MetroSouth Medical Center provides in-kind contributions and staff to support these grant-funded programs.
Foundation-sponsored programs that assist in outreach efforts include:
Illinois Breast & Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP)
The IBCCP Clinic at MetroSouth Medical Center provides free screening mammograms and cervical screenings as well as diagnostic follow-up services to uninsured women, regardless of income. For women who are diagnosed with breast or cervical cancer, IBCCP also provides surgery, treatment, medications and reconstructive breast surgery. Each patient is individually case managed to assure language and cultural barriers are addressed. Funding is also available to cover the cost of transportation for women based on need.
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program
708-489-7940 – English
708-489-7942 – Spanish
708-489-7941 – Chinese (Mandarin or Cantonese)
Prostate & Testicular Cancer Prevention Program
Funded through the IDPH Men’s Health Initiative, this program provides education & PSA testing to increase awareness and reduce incidence of testicular and prostate cancer. These workshops are held at local health fairs, churches, senior centers and other community centers. Staff nurses and phlebotomists coordinate the PSA blood draw, and participants receive a copy of their results within one week.
Senior Health Program
Health screenings and wellness education are provided at senior buildings, senior citizens programs and Commission on Aging Centers throughout the Southland. Nursing staff, registered dietitians, pharmaceutical staff, physical therapists and other members of the medical team provide early detection services to the seniors, including blood pressure screening, diabetes testing, osteoporosis testing, prescription drug safety, prostate cancer testing, cholesterol, body mass analysis, hearing testing, foot screenings and preventive health presentations.
Asian Health Outreach
Health outreach activities in Asian communities including Chinatown, Tinley Park and Northwest Indiana have made an impact in addressing the reproductive care in this underserved population. Community Health Outreach, MetroSouth’s Women’s Health Clinic and IBCCP clinics have joined forces to create the Asian Health Initiative in which culturally specific outreach services and education are provided in the areas of cervical cancer, breast cancer, prenatal care and family planning services. In addition, translation services, case management and navigating patients through the hospital system are provided on an individual basis.
Su Salud/Su Vida (Your Health, Your Life)
Latinas have low breast cancer screening rates, resulting in higher mortality rates. Reasons for low screening rates appear to be due to cultural, language and economic barriers. Su Salud/Su Vida is funded by the Susan G. Komen for the Cure Foundation and provides breast cancer education workshops to Latina women in order to educate and provide information on the risk factors associated with breast cancer, in addition to providing bilingual information that is culturally sensitive. Additionally, this program links Latina women to clinical breast exams offered through the Family Planning program or the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer program for reproductive health care and mammograms. Workshops are conducted at community agencies, social service agencies, churches, businesses, local colleges and universities.