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MERIDIAN HEALTH PLAN OF ILLINOIS SPONSORED A CLERGY HEALTH EQUITY SUMMIT ON JUNE 27, 2024

Date: 06/27/24

Luncheon engaged Chicago-area faith leaders in a discussion around public health priorities and solutions  

CHICAGO (June 27,  2024) — Meridian Health Plan of Illinois, Inc. (Meridian), a provider of government-sponsored managed care services for families, children, seniors, and individuals with complex medical needs and a company of Centene Corporation (NYSE: CNC), is pleased to announce its sponsorship of the Clergy Health Equity Summit that took place on June 27, 2024, which fostered a discussion on health equity priorities, including Black maternal health, and collaborative solutions in the post-pandemic environment.

Clergy from across the region gathered to meet with the new Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), Dr. Olusimbo (Simbo) Ige, after her historic appointment as the first Black woman to lead the department in its nearly 200-year history.

From left: Dr. Olusimbo Ige, CDPH and Nyasha Nyamapfene, founder of Gospel Run addressing the audience during the opening of the event

"This is an absolutely exciting moment in Chicago's fight for health equity," said Dr. Rutu Ezhuthachan, Meridian Chief Medical Officer. “The appointment of Dr. Ige, a champion for health equity, offers a powerful opportunity to address the disparities including finding solutions in support of Black maternal health. Chicago’s Black pregnant women face unacceptable challenges, and Meridian is committed to working alongside Dr. Ige and community leaders to ensure all mothers, regardless of race, have access to quality care and support throughout pregnancy, childbirth, and postpartum, among other health equity priorities that impact our communities.”

The event, convened by Gospel Run, the largest faith-based health engagement platform in the Chicago area, facilitated collaboration between faith leaders and public health officials to address longstanding health disparities in the city.

"Health equity is an urgent priority," said Nyasha Nyamapfene, Gospel Run Founder. “In today’s post-pandemic environment, we can build on that momentum to take on the epidemic of preventable chronic disease.”

The event took place at Apostolic Church of God in the Woodlawn community of Chicago. The luncheon and reception brought together 50 faith leaders, including Dr. Ige, and leaders from RUSH University System for Health and Meridian.

From left: Dr. John Rich, Director (RUSH of Health Equity), Dr. Rutu Ezhuthachan, CMO (Meridian), and Dr. Olusimbo Ige, Health Commissioner (Chicago Department of Public Health) discussing key health concerns impacting communities throughout the city of Chicago

The discussion delved into key health equity concerns, including:

  • Black Maternal Health Crisis
  • Cancer Screenings (breast, colon, prostate, ovarian)
  • Nutrition and Food Literacy
  • Behavioral Health Disparities

Meridian, the largest Medicaid managed care organization in Illinois, is delighted to have sponsored this event and contribution to shaping a new chapter in Chicago's health equity narrative. Together with community leaders and public health officials, Meridian strives to create a healthier future for residents in the communities they collectively serve.