RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF JULY 14, 2022
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RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing National Health Center Week and honoring Erie Family Health Center
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WHEREAS, National Health Center Week, observed the second week of August, celebrates the accomplishments of community health centers while simultaneously highlighting the importance of such facilities; and
WHEREAS, begun over fifty years ago, National Health Center Week seeks to demonstrate the fundamental role that community health centers play, often providing care to low-income and underserved minority populations; and
WHEREAS, in recognition of National Health Center Week, and in appreciation of the extraordinary care that health care workers have been providing during the ongoing novel coronavirus pandemic, the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago honors Erie Family Health Center; and
WHEREAS, Erie Family Health Center was created in 1957 by Dr. Robert Snyder, an internist at Northwestern University Medical School. Sensing a need for health equity, Dr. Synder began providing medical care for ailing seniors at Erie Neighborhood House, a community center for immigrants located in West Town; and
WHEREAS, by 1970 Erie Family Health Center had transformed into a full-service health center. In 1986, Erie Family Health Center opened a second location in Humboldt Park and in 1988, the Mayor of the City of Chicago proclaimed October 6 “Erie Family Health Center Day” in recognition of the facilities’ service to the community; and
WHEREAS, today, Erie Family Health Center serves approximately 82,000 patients annually in thirteen separate locations throughout Chicago and the northern suburbs in the following medical arenas: adult and senior health, behavioral health, children’s health, dental care, prenatal care, reproductive health, teen health, and HIV/AIDS care; and
WHEREAS, Erie Family Health Center is determined to provide quality healthcare to the underserved residents of Chicago regardless of their ability to pay with compassion, respect, and cultural sensitivity; and
NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize National Health Center Week and honor Erie Family Health Center; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago and that a copy of same, suitably engrossed, be presented to Erie Family Health Center.
Dated: July 14, 2022