Alivio Medical Center- Celebra Partner of the Month

This month of we are highlighting Alivio Medical Center (Alivio) in Chicago, IL as our community partner of the month. Alivio has been partnering with Celebra for the past 5 years in our medical diagnosis and screening area, HPV educational project as well as patient assistance programs for the uninsured. In each one of the endeavors in which we have partnered, Alivio has been successful, surpassing all expectations.

Alivio Medical Center opened its doors in 1989, as a bilingual bicultural nonprofit community health center, located in the heart of the Pilsen community. At that time 40% of residents had no insurance, 20% had no coverage beyond hospitalization, and 2% of those insured had individual coverage only. In its first year, Alivio served 5,000 patients on an operating budget of $1.4 million. The center’s staff included two full-time doctors, one full-time nurse practitioner, four full-time midwives, a full-time nutritionist, a part-time obstetrician and a part-time internist.

Over the past 5 years we have seen Alivo grow in capacity and in reach.  Today Alivio operates 3 health centers in the community and 3 school based health centers. In addition, Alivio's Health Promotion department, “Companeros en Salud” has been expanding their reach to the community via workshops in Diabetes Prevention, understanding the Food Pyramid, Correct Food Portions, Where are the fat and cholesterol hiding?, Ideas to eat more fruit and vegetables, Cancer Prevention (breast, cervical, and prostate), HIV/STD’s, Men’s Health, Importance  of Physical Activity, Stress Management Ideas and other topics.

Programs like the above allow Alivio to continue to service thier community not only by offering primary care and health services but also by providing preventive education creating a holistic approach of health and wellness. And in that Alivio and Celebra share a common goal and mission.