Fiscal Year 2025 Expanded Hours. - Project Title: Expanded Hours (HRSA-25-084) Address: 1029 E. 130th Street, Chicago, IL 60628 Applicant Name: TCA Health, Inc. Web Address: www.tcahealth.org Project Director: Veronica Clarke, CEO Grant Program Funds Requested: $500,000 Contact: (v) 773-995-6300; (f): 773-995-7985 Email: vclarke@TCAhealth.org BRIEF DESCRIPTION TCA Health's (TCA) proposal seeks to secure funding to expand the operating hours of TCA's health centers in Riverdale, Chatham, and Hegewisch. This expansion will address the significant healthcare needs identified in these communities, thereby improving access to essential medical, mental health, and dental services. TCA aims to address the significant healthcare needs identified, reduce barriers to care, and enhance overall health outcomes by extending clinic hours. The expansion will allow TCA to serve more patients, provide comprehensive care, and support the well-being of residents who face substantial health disparities and socio-economic challenges. TCA is also proposing to add one dental operatory to its dental clinic in Year 1 and purchase indoor and outdoor surveillance cameras, exterior lighting, and a video surveillance system to ensure the safety of patients and staff. NEEDS The need for expanded healthcare services in Riverdale|Chicago, Chatham, and Hegewisch is well-documented through various Community Health Needs Assessments (CHNA) conducted by local hospitals, health departments, and community organizations. These assessments consistently highlight high unmet needs in medical care, mental health services, and dental care. The University of Chicago Medical Center, Advocate Trinity Medical Center, and Roseland Community Hospital have identified managing chronic diseases, improving mental health services, and addressing maternal health as top priorities. They also have high emergency department utilization for avoidable conditions. Regional data compendiums underscore the acute need for additional dental services in Riverdale|Chicago and Chatham. Furthermore, community input underlines the necessity of accessible mental health services and comprehensive medical care in all sites. TARGET POPULATION The three targeted communities of the proposed initiative are deep in the heart of Chicago's South and Far South Sides of Chicago; people residing in the Far South Side live in what is considered Chicago's most isolated and polluted areas. Residents in Riverdale|Chicago are low-income and predominantly Black-African American (95%) and face tremendous structural and social barriers, health disparities, and racial inequities. Our target population in Chatham and Hegewisch are mixed low and middle-income communities; Chatham residents identify as 94% Black (Non-Hispanic), while in Hegewisch, 49% identify as Hispanic or Latino, 36% as non-Hispanic White, and 14% as non-Hispanic Black. The most pressing issues in all three communities include poverty, poor housing conditions, low educational attainment, unemployment, and food insecurity. SERVICES The expanded hours initiative will significantly enhance TCA's capacity to provide services to the three target communities. Medical services will focus on managing chronic conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, and asthma, as well as preventive care and health education. Mental health services will include counseling for conditions such as depression, anxiety, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Dental services will expand to include routine check-ups, preventive care, and emergency dental treatments. TCA plans to open each of its health centers at least one morning and one evening every week and one Saturday per month.
