University of Illinois at Chicago Office of Public Affairs (MC 288)
601 S. Morgan St., Chicago, IL 60607-7113, (312) 996-3456, www.uic.edu/depts/paff

May 2, 2000

Contact: Amanda Mazur (312) 996-7681; amazur@uic.edu

MILE SQUARE EXPANDS HEALTH SERVICES

The Federal Department of Health and Human services recently awarded $1.1 million to UIC-affiliated Mile Square Health Center to fight poverty-related health problems such as heart disease, infant mortality and sexually transmitted disease.

"Mile Square is providing more than care for the physical body. Our facility is providing care and social support for the entire family," said Henry Taylor, the center's executive director.

With funding from a $500,000 annual federal general-operating subsidy, Mile Square will be able to help make primary health care more accessible to the residents of the Near West Side, East and West Garfield Park and West Haven communities. A portion of the funding will pay salaries for personnel needed to extend operation hours for Mile Square and its satellite clinics in the Near West Family Center, Suder Elementary School, and the James Jordan Boys and Girls Club.

Mile Square will also use recent funding to develop a more comprehensive care program for adolescents to reduce the rates of infant mortality and teen pregnancy. In addition, portions of the funding will help support the development of the African-American Male Health Clinic, aimed at increasing access to primary care for men, and a clinic for senior citizens that will provide a variety of psychosocial, nutrition counseling, podiatry and pharmacy services.

A second renewable grant will allow Mile Square to enter into a collaborative effort to increase access to primary care for residents of Henry Horner, ABLA, Rockwell and other nearby public housing communities.

With 25,000 students, the University of Illinois at Chicago is the largest and most diverse university in the Chicago area and one of only 88 national Research I universities. Located just west of Chicago's Loop, UIC is a vital part of the educational, technological and cultural fabric of the entire metropolitan region.

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