At the Forefront - UChicago Medicine

University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Announces Formation of Community Advisory Council

Exterior of UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial Hospital.

The University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial recently announced the creation of its first community advisory council (CAC). The CAC will seek community input on health issues of importance to its primary service area and surrounding communities. This council will facilitate discussion that will influence future decisions regarding community benefit for Ingalls Memorial Hospital in Harvey and Ingalls’ ambulatory locations.

The application for the CAC was publically circulated among community groups and local media, resulting in 22 applications from community stakeholders across Chicago’s Southland. Following a rigorous review process, Ingalls leadership selected 15 council members to serve on this CAC.

“We know our communities’ interests and concerns span many issues and needs, and we wanted our advisory council to have the expertise and varied perspectives to help us respond to those needs,” said Brenda Battle, Chief Diversity Officer and Vice President, Urban Health Initiative at UChicago Medicine.

The council is expected to begin meeting on June 23, 2020. At the first meeting, the group will start to determine its official processes. In the months following, the group’s responsibilities will include providing input and advice to Ingalls Memorial leadership regarding priority health and social determinant challenges.

“Forming a community advisory council is a fantastic first step to being better informed about the communities we serve,” said Brian Sinotte, President, CHHD and UChicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial. “This council will lead us in making proactive decisions to provide more opportunities for our patients and community to receive high-quality healthcare.”

Paul Donohue, Vice President of Philanthropy and Community Relations at the Ingalls Development Foundation, will serve as a leader on the council on behalf of the hospital. “Our work in philanthropy — connecting donors with opportunities to transform community health —will benefit tremendously by meaningful dialogue with our community advisory council regarding our philanthropic impact in the community,” Donohue said.

The community advisory council members are:

  • Christopher Torres: Regional Director, Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Chicago
  • Jaclin Davis: Executive Director, Cook County Southland Juvenile Justice Council
  • Cynthia Turnquest: Director of Outreach & Strategic Partners, The Cancer Support Center
  • John Thomas: Superintendent of Schools, Harvey Public Schools District 152
  • Karen Vrdolyak: Restoration Ministries, Vice President of Development & Admin
  • Audrey Pennington: Chief Operating Officer, Aunt Martha's Health & Wellness
  • Lyzeth Mondragon: Community Impact Director, American Heart Association
  • Derrick Simmons: Senior Pastor, Daniel Chapel AME Zion Church
  • Angelia Smith: Executive Director, Cornerstone Community Development Corporation
  • Linda Brown-Aldridge: Dean of Nursing, South Suburban College
  • Troy O'Quin: Manager of General Assistance, Thornton Township
  • Jennifer Gabrenya: Executive Director, South Suburban Family Shelter
  • Michael Giglio: President, Calumet City Plumbing Co. Inc.
  • Christopher Vandenberg: President, Trace Ambulance, Inc.
  • Carmin Frederick-James: Associate Pastor to Youth, Covenant United Church of Christ