20^th Anniversary Celebration

In December of 2022, ILCHF achieved 20 years of partnering with organizations across the state of Illinois committed to improving the health and well-being of children and families. To commemorate this remarkable milestone, ILCHF Educated by hosting the “Innovations in Children’s Healthcare Workforce panel discussion, Activated its mission by awarding 21 grants of $20,000 each to organizations inspiring young people to join children’s behavioral and oral healthcare workforce, & Celebrated 20 years of collaboration by highlighting the impact made thus far through its many partnerships and the leadership of ILCHF’s Board of Directors.

The “Innovations in Children’s Healthcare Workforce” panel discussion featured Keynote Speaker Dr. Vidhya Prakash, FACP FIDSA, FAMWA, MD presenting on Innovations to Diversify Healthcare Professions. The “Innovations in Children’s Healthcare Workforce” panel discussion was moderated by ILCHF’S Christine Brambila, Senior Program Officer of Children’s Mental Health and the panel topics included: Youth Mentoring and Emerging Leaders, Recruiting New Workforce, Advancement of Existing Workforce, and Workforce Retention.

The session aimed to provide relevant healthcare workforce development strategies, an opportunity to brainstorm ideas with fellow grantees and other stakeholders from across the state of Illinois, and a moment to celebrate all that’s been accomplished through partnering organizations.

Hosted by Art Norman of NBC 5 Chicago, the 20th Anniversary Celebratory Luncheon featured an impact video highlighting 20 years of partnering with grantee organizations committed to cultivating, supporting, and promoting initiatives that improve the health and wellness of children in Illinois.

In addition, the ILCHF Board of Directors awarded 21 grants of up to $20,000 each (for a total investment of approximately $420,000) to organizations across the state of Illinois committed to inspiring the next generation of children’s behavioral and oral healthcare professionals, honored former Illinois Attorney General, Jim Ryan with an announcement and presentation of the inaugural Jim Ryan Legacy Grant, and acknowledged the significance of being able to partner with such passionate, dedicated, transformative organizations vowing to change lives one partnership at a time.

20th Anniversary Impact Video

Inaugural Recipient

Trauma and Resilience Initiative, Inc.

Karen Crawford-Simms, Executive Director

Recipients by Category

ILCHF’s Board of Directors and Staff are profoundly grateful for the privilege of supporting our collaborative grantee partners as they enable the children and families in their communities to lead healthier lives.  We look forward to our continued work together as we move toward the vision that “Every Child in Illinois Grows up Healthy.”