Hektoen Institute of Medical Research
Serve as a public affairs and external relations liaison for the 80+ year old Chicago public health institution with an emphasis on creating and solidifying strategic partnerships. This includes coordinating the activities of the Foxglove Alliance, a burgeoning coalition of 16 Chicago-based public health care organizations and leading the FGA’s M3R (more minorities in medical research) Campaign whose goal is to address the under-representation of minorities in medical/clinical research trials in Chicago and increase the number of minority youth being exposed to and entering the public health and medical sectors. A recent highlights have been launching the Community Pulse public affairs/public health television show on CAN TV and assisting Foxglove Alliance member, the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics, in securing their first ever State of Illinois funding which since the 2022 Budget Session has totaled $22 million.
Serve as a co-chair of the Anchor Committee and a member of the small business grant and impact investment work groups for the nationally renowned organization that is dedicated to building community health and economic wellness on Chicago’s West Side. Also represented West Side United with the national Healthcare Anchor Network (HAN) in 2024.
Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics
Serve on the Board of Directors and Advocacy & Policy Committee Chair for the Illinois Association of Free & Charitable Clinics (IAFCC) which was formed to help strengthen and grow Illinois’ free and charitable clinics who serve uninsured and underinsured Illinois residents.
Illinois Prescription Drug Repository Coalition
Co-founded and help coordinate the activities of a coalition that resulted in the passage of Illinois HB-119 on May 30, 2021 that creates the I-DROP Act (Illinois Drug Reuse Opportunity Program) that started on January 1, 2022. I-DROP allows the donation of unopened, unused prescription drugs to be donated to free clinics located in Illinois.