Mayor Announces $11M Investment Into Healthcare On South, West Sides

In a press conference Monday, Mayor Lightfoot reminded residents COVID-19 is still prevalent.
Photo credit City of Chicago

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CHICAGO (WBBM NEWSRADIO) -- The Lightfoot Administration has earmarked $11 million worth of investments in healthcare on Chicago’s South and West sides as part of the city's much-promoted "Invest South/West" program.The Mayor is banking on some major investments to be among the steps needed to reduce gun violence in those neighborhoods.

Mayor Lightfoot was grim about the deadly violence over the weekend, the second Monday in a row she said she felt that way. She was in the Auburn Gresham community to announce $11-million in investment health related-development in two communities.

"There is no easy answer. There is no simple solution. This takes a holistic approach," she said.

        The Mayor said the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub will receive $4 million while Mount Sinai Hospital’s North Lawndale Surgical and Ambulatory Care Center will get $7 million.

“Both great institutions, both community-focused and community-led, both Chicago prize finalists, and both will serve the healthcare deserts in those and surrounding communities,” Lightfoot said.

Carlos Nelson, head of the Greater Auburn Gresham Development Corporation said after decades of disinvestment, the $4 million Healthy Lifestyle Club will be the shot in the arm the South Side needs.

"It is shameful that in one of the greatest cities in the world, and at a historic business intersection like 79th and Halsted, the only vibrant business is a liquor store," Nelson said.

Chicago Planning and Development Commissioner Maurice Cox said he worked with Alderman Jason Ervin on a West Side project as well.

"I am thrilled that $4 million will go to the Auburn Gresham Healthy Lifestyle Hub," he said. "I am so thrilled that $7 million will go to the North Lawndale Surgical and Ambulatory Care Center on Ogden Avenue to help us jumpstart the revitalization of Ogden Avenue."

Mayor Lightfoot highlighted the grants as part of her Invest South/West program, a plan that city officials said will distribute $750 million in existing city funds over the next three years with a priority on 10 areas on the South and West sides: Auburn Gresham, North Lawndale, Austin, Englewood, Humboldt Park, Quad Communities, New City, Roseland, South Chicago and South Shore.