A new initiative launched Wednesday by the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus Foundation will provide grants and look for solutions to eliminate systemic barriers to equitable healthcare for Black communities across Illinois. [Health News Illinois]

The effort will include a grant program and a "series of policy think tanks" with public health experts, medical professionals and elected officials, per a statement from the caucus.

It will build off of the caucus’ healthcare omnibus approved last year and look at further steps policymakers can do to address disparities, said Sen. Mattie Hunter, a Chicago Democrat and one of three legislative and community chairs overseeing the plan.

Other members include Rep. Camille Lilly, D-Chicago, and Dr. Anthony Williams, a staff scientist at the University of Chicago and co-founder and chief scientific officer of Circulogix, a liquid biopsy company.

The foundation plans to offer $5,000 grants to 11 Black students in Illinois who have completed a medical degree and are working as medical providers or practicing in a medical residency program.

“The (foundation), through this … programming, aims to position itself as a thoughtful leader to achieve inclusive solutions for the concerns that are plaguing Black Illinoisans culminating in synergistic policy development that will improve the quality of life for all,” said Tiffany Hightower, executive director of the foundation.

Note: Ms. Hightower is a Fellow of IOMC. 

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