Gala raises $815,000 for Women's Health Initiative

The numbers are in. This year's Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation's Gala raised a remarkable $815,000 for the health of north side women and their families.

Attended by 960 guests, including Swedish Covenant Hospital physicians and community leaders, the event featured an evening of dining, celebration and entertainment. Proceeds raised will benefit the Women's Health Initiative's Community Access and Education Program and help build a new health and resource center, enhancing clinical services and educational outreach for women and their families on the north side of Chicago.

“The generosity shown by all of our donors and community members that attended this year's gala is truly humbling,” said Lauren Rubinson-Morris, gala chair and Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation board member. “Swedish Covenant Hospital Foundation is committed to women's health issues, and this funding will ultimately help ensure current and future generations of patients have access to exceptional healthcare in the unique healing environment that is Swedish Covenant Hospital.”

While most women are the principal healthcare decision makers for themselves and their families, many do not receive the preventative and wellness care they themselves need. For example, a 2012 community needs assessment conducted in Swedish Covenant's service area found that 37 percent of women over 40 reported they had not received a mammogram in the past two years.

A variety of factors contribute to this problem, including a lack of knowledge about the importance and availability of health services owing to language, cultural, financial and logistical barriers. The Women's Health Initiative recognizes the unique challenges to providing care in one of the nation's most diverse areas and will build on Swedish Covenant Hospital's institutional strength to further enhance clinical services and remove barriers to accessing health care.