Tri City Health Partnership celebrates 25 years
This year, Tri City Health Partnership is celebrating 25 years of providing free, high-quality medical and dental care to uninsured adults in central Kane County, a milestone made possible by thousands of volunteers, generous donors, dedicated community partners, and a shared belief that everyone deserves access to healthcare.
Since opening its doors in 2001, it has provided more than 65,000 medical and dental visits to nearly 13,000 uninsured neighbors. Today, it remains the only year-round free medical and dental clinic serving uninsured adults in Central Kane County, supported by than 80 volunteer medical and dental professionals and the philanthropic support of the community.
The clinic’s founders are quick to point out that the clinic’s success has never belonged to any one individual.
“John Collins and I never wanted TCHP to be ‘our clinic,’'” said co-founder Dr. Patrick Gannon. “Yes, we may have pushed the snowball down the hill, but the wonderful boulder of love and compassion that it has become today was the result of hundreds of volunteers, directors, board members, donors, and, of course, the Great Physician — God. TCHP is truly a community success that long ago outgrew the dreams of two regular guys like John and me.”
Co-founder John Collins, a longtime friend of Gannon, recalls how the clinic found its home. “As a real estate broker, I looked at numerous sites, and Pat Gannon ended up purchasing the present-day clinic 25 years ago. It was and still is a perfect building for a free medical clinic. To now see another building added is incredibly fulfilling for our community. Thanks to everyone who made it possible.”
The late Dr. Charles Cavallo, a cardiothoracic surgeon who operated a free clinic in an Elgin church basement, was another important part of Tri City Health Partnership’s story.
After that clinic closed, Cavallo encouraged Gannon to establish a similar clinic in his own community. Gannon says Cavallo’s compassion, selfless service and quiet leadership remain woven into its foundation.
Reflecting on the clinic’s legacy, Dr. Gannon said its greatest accomplishment is what can happen when a community comes together around a common purpose.
“Each of us has been blessed with unique gifts and talents. We also have a responsibility to share those gifts in service to others. I believe TCHP is a beautiful example of what can happen when people with different beliefs and backgrounds come together with a shared purpose.”
While the clinic has grown significantly over the past quarter century, its mission remains unchanged: providing free medical and dental care to uninsured adults so they can live healthier, more productive lives.
A critical part of Tri City Health Partnership’s ability to provide comprehensive care is its network of community partners.
Among those valued partners is Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital, which has supported Tri City Health Partnership for many years by providing essential laboratory and imaging services, access to specialty care, and grant funding. Partnerships like this are an important reason the clinic has been able to grow from the vision of two local founders into a community-wide resource that it is today.
The demand for services continues to increase as more local residents find themselves without health insurance.
Through the dedication of volunteer physicians, dentists, nurses, hygienists, interpreters, administrative volunteers, and community supporters, Tri City Health Partnership continues to meet that need while preventing unnecessary emergency room visits and helping patients manage chronic conditions before they become medical crises.
“Twenty-five years ago, TCHP was founded on a simple but powerful belief: no one in our community should go without essential care because they cannot afford it,” said Danielle Ward, executive director. “As we look to the next 25 years, our responsibility is to strengthen that promise, respond to our community’s changing needs, and ensure TCHP remains a source of compassionate, high-quality care. With our volunteers, donors, partners, and neighbors beside us, I’m incredibly hopeful about what we’ll accomplish together.”
“The need is here, in our own backyard, and our ability to meet that need tomorrow depends on the support we receive today,” said board chair Drew Kotche. “We are deeply grateful to everyone who has helped build TCHP, and we invite our community to help ensure this vital resource is here for generations to come.”
Tri City Health Partnership will commemorate its 25th anniversary with two events. On Friday, Aug. 28, Tri City Health Partnership is hosting a multi-chamber ribbon cutting and open house at 2 p.m. at the clinic, 314 and 318 Walnut.
The Celebration of Care and Community on Sunday, Aug. 30, will bring together volunteers, donors, community leaders, and longtime supporters to honor the organization’s history while looking toward the future.
The event will be in Pottawatomie Park from 4 to 7 p.m. Tickets to the event can be purchased at tri-city-health-partnership.givecloud.co/25th-anniversary.
About Tri City Health Partnership
Tri City Health Partnership is a nonprofit organization providing free medical and dental care to uninsured adults who live or work in central Kane County. Founded in 2001, the clinic has delivered more than 65,000 patient visits to nearly 13,000 individuals through the generosity of volunteer healthcare professionals and the support of donors, foundations, businesses, and community partners. Funded entirely through philanthropy, it is committed to ensuring that no one goes without medical and dental care because they cannot afford it.