CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) – The duty of helping people in underprivileged communities stay healthy is proving to be a treasured mission but also a challenge for so-called "safety net" hospitals.
They are expected to care for many uninsured and low-income patients. And they are also providing care in neighborhoods where people may not see a doctor until it is an emergency. Karen Teitelbaum, CEO of Sinai Health Systems on the West side, said her organization is employing community health workers to help change that.
Norman Vasquez, head of Finance for Jackson Park Hospital, said hospital encourages preventive care among seniors on the South Side. Also, doctors are dealing with the hunger issue head-on by giving meal tickets to "food challenged" patients.
