The Ascension Illinois Physicians Council heard presentations in October from grant finalists for this fiscal year. This year, the council awarded nine grants totaling $94,613to support programs that directly impact the patients and communities we serve. With these awards, the council has granted more than $1 million, funding more than 70 projects since 2013.
“This milestone is a testament to the generosity, vision and leadership of our physician members,” said Dr. Rema Johnson, emergency medicine physician with Ascension Saint Alexius and former council co-chair. “Since awarding our first grants in 2013, we’ve championed initiatives across our market, including culinary grief therapy for hospice families, rides for seniors and an extensive education program for our heart failure and hypertension patients to help limit hospitalizations.”
“Every physician and every grant awarded has helped make this remarkable achievement possible,” said Dr. Shubhrajan Wadyal, psychiatrist with Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital and incoming cochair. “We thank each of them for their dedication, leadership and generosity, and look forward to continuing this incredible impact together.”
Below is the list of grants funded this fiscal year by the council:
Treating Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders, Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital — $20,000
This program provides comprehensive mental health services and support for pregnant and postpartum mothers and their babies (mother-baby dyad) with Perinatal Mood and Anxiety Disorders (PMAD). The grant is needed to cover the expenses for unfunded and underfunded clients (including those on Medicaid) to ensure access to this critical, state-of-the-art treatment.
Foglia Residential Treatment Center, Center for Addiction Medicine, Ascension Illinois Foglia Family Foundation Residential Treatment Center — $15,000
The Center for Addiction Medicine (CAM) provides 20-30 days of residential substance use treatment, including therapy and medication management, primarily for patients with a substance use disorder and a secondary mental health diagnosis. The grant will serve unfunded patients who otherwise would not be eligible for this residential level of care.
Transforming Lives Program, Ascension Illinois Center for Mental Health – Arlington Heights — $14,904
The Transitional Living Program provides housing, therapy and supportive services for up to 30 adults diagnosed with chronic mental illness, many of whom are homeless. The grant supports rental costs for two unfunded clients for one year.
SAFE (Supportive Access For Everyone): Emergency Innovations for Autism, Special Needs and Behavioral Health Kids, Ascension Saint Alexius — $12,500
This project, located in the hospital’s Emergency Department, aims to support patients with autism, special needs and behavioral health conditions who experience heightened anxiety and sensory overload in the ED. The grant will be used to purchase engagement tools such as iPads, sensory toys and weighted blankets to reduce anxiety and improve the quality of care for this patient population.
Launch into a Fulfilling Sober Life, Ascension Illinois Housing and Health Alliance, Bonaventure House and The Harbor — $10,000
This program provides occupational therapy services focusing on life skills, education and job training for formerly homeless clients living with HIV/AIDS and a substance abuse history in recovery homes. The funding will cover direct resident needs like tuition, work supplies and certification test costs to help ready the clients for life beyond the Alliance.
Underfunded/Unfunded Eating Disorder Patients, Ascension Alexian Brothers Behavioral Health Hospital — $10,000
The Eating Disorder Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) provide multidisciplinary treatment for adolescents and adults and is the only inpatient eating disorder treatment to accept Medicaid in the Chicago area. The grant will help assist patients who are underfunded or unfunded for treatment and to provide transportation assistance for those with travel barriers.
Dietary Counseling for Hypertension Patients, Ascension Alexian Brothers — $5,000
The Hypertension Clinic provides specialized management for chronic and resistant hypertension, offering free dietitian consults to every new patient to implement dietary changes. The grant will be spent on dietitian costs for an average of two hours per week.
Heart Failure Support Group, Ascension Alexian Brothers — $5,000
This program provides emotional and educational support to heart failure patients and their caregivers to enhance self-management and reduce readmissions. The funding covers costs for low-salt meals, water, dessert and guest speakers, including a cooking demonstration, for six to seven meetings over the next year.
Cooking for a Better Life, Ascension Illinois Center for Mental Health – Arlington Heights — $2,209
This project is an integrative treatment approach within the Community Integrated Living Arrangements program, providing 24-hour long-term housing for eight clients diagnosed with severe mental illness. Focusing on the link between nutrition and mental health, the grant will be used to purchase a new stove and for ongoing weekly groceries to support group and individual cooking lessons.
