We have long known that being uninsured causes health disparities, so it is not surprising that the COVID-19 pandemic is disproportionally affecting the uninsured. Click here to read the CDC’s explanation as to why.

As of May 28th, the DuPage County Health Department reports 7,479 confirmed COVID-19 cases and 351 COVID-19 deaths. Notably there is a disproportionate burden of illness and death among racial and ethnic minority groups. In fact, they report that the COVID-19 case rate among black DuPage County residents is 2.3 times higher than that of white DuPage County residents and the rate among Latino residents is 5.0 times higher than that of Non-Latino residents.

This is especially troubling as Latinos are also almost 13% less likely to be insured. To learn more how COVID-19 is affecting our community click here to visit the DuPage County dashboard.

DuPage County is expecting a new testing site. Click here to learn more.

The ​ Illinois General Assembly FY 2021 budget includes funding for comprehensive health coverage for immigrant seniors made especially vulnerable by the COVID-19 crisis. The allocation creates a pathway to health coverage for all low-income Illinois residents aged 65 and older, with household incomes of up to 100% FPL ($ ​ 12,760 ​ for an individual) regardless of their immigration status.  

“This unprecedented crisis necessitates unity and empathy, and a recognition that everyone deserves meaningful access to health care.” — Rep Lisa Hernandez (D-24), Assistant Majority Leader, Co-Chair of the Illinois Latino Legislative Caucus

COVID-19 has dramatically increased the number of people who need healthcare assistance, but shelter-in-place orders make it hard for families to get connected to care. Thankfully, challenges also create unique opportunities.

 

Since many uninsured families are also being served by local food pantries, schools, churches, and mosques, DHC reached out for help. The response has been outstanding; a host of local partners are now including DHC materials with their emergency food boxes! Thank you to Loaves and Fishes, Peoples Resource Center, Northern Illinois Food Bank, Wayne Township, Milton Township, West Suburban Food Pantry, Glen Ellyn Food Pantry, Tritown YWCA and others for your incredible partnership! 

 

Imagine if every school district, faith partner and food pantry could include health access materials in their food distribution or outreach. Can you help us make that vision possible? Help connect us with other local partners by contacting Karen Doyle at kdoyle@acccessdupage.org . Thank you!

 

Click here to see a program brochure detailing DHC’s Access DuPage, Silver Access and DuPage Dispensary programs.

"As immigrants, it is difficult to get access to healthcare, and Access DuPage is a very vital part of our life. My husband got extremely sick and had to be taken to the hospital and I don't know what we would have done if we didn’t have Access DuPage. My husband has now recovered, and we are very grateful for all the help that Access DuPage provided." Divina, age 55, married, mother of 2

If you would like to help someone like Divina have access to good health, click here now .