Silver Cross Hospital - Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission

Overview

Since beginning discussion of building a replacement hospital (in 2007), Silver Cross Hospital leaders expressed their concern over the future of its current neighborhood. The hospital board of trustees and local community leaders established the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission – a not-for-profit organization to explore redevelopment options for the current site and coordinate activities aimed at creating a stronger, healthier future for Joliet’s eastside. The Commission works to coordinate and enhance existing programs for workforce development, education, and business growth with a focus on health care and construction. It’s the first time a hospital in the community has expanded its charitable mission to include key stakeholders in its decision-making.

Impact

In the past year, the Commission awarded more than $244,350 in educational health care-related scholarships and workforce development grants to more than 125 individuals associated with several community organizations: Joliet Community Action Network Male Mentoring Program, NAACP (National Association for the Advancement of Colored People), National Hook-up For Black Women, Alpha Kappa Alpha Sororities, Harvey Brooks Foundation, 1st Hispanic Latino Scholarship, Hispanic/Latino Coalition of Will and Grundy Counties and Community Service Council.

Challenges/success factors

The new replacement hospital created more than 500 construction jobs. Through its scholarships and grants, the Commission has helped prepare young people of the community for these jobs. Silver Cross Hospital awarded scholarships to students enrolled in Joliet Junior College’s Basic Nurse Assistant Program; the Certified Nurse Assistants (CNA) program is a stepping-stone to becoming a registered nurse. It has also presented scholarships to students pursuing education in health care and technical professions.

Future direction/sustainability

Having been in the community for more than 117 years, Silver Cross is committed to leaving a legacy that will continue to build the health and strength of the community. The Commission has brought forth positive plans to improve health care, employment opportunities, and quality of life for Joliet’s eastside neighborhoods. A key focus has been to provide input into the re-use of the existing hospital campus. The hospital has committed to leave a health center on the campus. To date, Silver Cross has worked with the Veteran’s Administration to open a community-based outpatient clinic on the Silver Cross Joliet campus after the hospital relocates to New Lenox in 2012.

Advice to others

Supporting community programs is an important role for every hospital. By establishing the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission, positive plans have been established and implemented to improve health care, employment opportunities and quality of life for area residents. The Commission’s work has provided many opportunities to work together with Silver Cross Hospital, local leaders and community organizations to make this vision a reality. It is the hospital’s hope that the Silver Cross Healthy Community Commission will enhance the lives of our neighbors, our families and the entire community for years to come.

Contact: Karen Helman
Manager, Community Relations/Marketing
Telephone: 815-300-7561
E-mail: khelman@silvercross.org