NorthShore University HealthSystem Addresses Area Health Needs, Brings Unprecedented Care to Underserved

NorthShore University HealthSystem’s Glenbrook Hospital is bringing vital care to the Glenview and Northbrook communities through youth counseling services, high school mentoring programs and even medical technology trainings. NorthShore contributed $268 million last year in community benefits, according to its FY2012 Community Benefits Report. That translates into more specialty care and health education programming for area residents.

“Thanks to the support of NorthShore University Health System, we can build on our responsibility as a community mental health center and offer another resource for high school students dealing with mental health issues,” said Gary D. Smith, President of The Josselyn Center, which partners with NorthShore to run the Community Mental Health Partnership for Youth. “Adolescents struggling with mental illness often feel there is no hope, but through our partnership with NorthShore and the school district we are able to help guide them to see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The Community Mental Health Partnership for Youth provides critically needed mental health programs for underserved teens. Trained medical professionals provide psychiatric evaluations, medication advice and at a simpler level, a listening ear. The program looks to keep kids in school while they seek treatment.

“We are always evaluating the needs in the communities we serve, and right now mental health services are a top priority,” said Dave Rahija, Vice President of NorthShore’s Glenbrook Hospital. “We feel important it’s important to be a steward for future generations. That means offering services that help young adults see just how valuable they are to their friends, families and the greater community.”

Supporting math and science education is another priority for Glenbrook Hospital.  Every year, students from High School District 214 attend “Medical Academy,” a program that allows them to job shadow at Glenbrook Hospital. Glenbrook South High School students have the opportunity to gain a first-hand account of the hospital laboratory and emergency and radiology departments as part of their Medical Technology curriculum. The hospital then awards three academic scholarships to graduating seniors pursuing health technology careers.

NorthShore also partners with the Glenview School District 34 Science Olympiad, LEGO Robotics program and North Suburban YMCA Fit Happens Program.

About NorthShore University HealthSystem

Headquartered in Evanston, Illinois, NorthShore University HealthSystem (NorthShore) is a comprehensive, fully integrated, healthcare delivery system that serves the Chicago region. The system includes four hospitals in Evanston, Glenview, Highland Park and Skokie. NorthShore employs approximately 10,000 and has 2,400 affiliated physicians, including an 800+ physician, multispecialty group practice with over 100 office locations. Further, NorthShore supports teaching and research as the principal teaching affiliate for the University of Chicago Pritzker School of Medicine.

The NorthShore Research Institute focuses on clinical and translational research, including leadership in clinical trials and medical informatics. The NorthShore University HealthSystem Foundation is the primary philanthropic entity of NorthShore. The Foundation raises charitable contributions and engages volunteer friends in support of NorthShore’s ongoing mission to preserve and improve human life.

NorthShore has significant capabilities in a wide spectrum of clinical programs, including Kellogg Cancer Center, NorthShore Neurological Institute, cardiovascular care, orthopaedics, high-risk maternity and pediatrics. NorthShore is a Magnet recognized organization, the first in Illinois designated as a system to receive this prestigious honor that demonstrates excellence in nursing and high standards in patient care. NorthShore is a national leader in the implementation of innovative technologies, including electronic medical records (EMR). In 2003, NorthShore was among the first in the country to successfully launch a system-wide EMR with demonstrable benefits in quality, safety, efficiency and service to patients. NorthShore has been recognized by multiple national organizations for this notable achievement.