At the University of Illinois Cancer Center, our Community Engagement & Health Equity (CEHE) Office is dedicated to bridging the gap between research and real-world impact. Serving Cook County—home to over 40% of Illinois residents and designated as a Medically Underserved Area—we work alongside patients, survivors, and diverse communities to prevent and address cancer disparities.
Every collaboration strengthens our shared mission—from targeted screening events to statewide CHW training and funded Hope Leaders partnerships. We connect science with communities to transform outcomes across Cook County and beyond.
The University of Illinois Cancer Center is partnering with the Illinois Department of Public Health to support and strengthen Illinois’ community health worker (CHW) workforce through training, certification, and evaluation initiatives.
CHWs are trusted frontline workers who bridge the gap between communities and health services, improving access, quality, and cultural responsiveness in care.
This work includes ENACT, a 2023–2024 statewide scan of CHW training and development opportunities across Illinois.
The Hope Leaders program, led by the Cancer Center’s Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity, connects community organizations with cancer researchers to ensure local health needs help shape scientific projects.
Through this two-way partnership, community voices guide research, and researchers engage directly with the populations their work aims to benefit. Selected partners and scientists receive grant funding to support this collaboration.
Through our partnership with the Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program (IBCCP) we offer FREE breast and cervical cancer screenings, diagnostic services, and treatment to eligible individuals.
The Cancer Center ASSETS series, “Structural Solutions: Building Trustworthiness in Clinical Research,” explores the most effective ways to collaborate with Federally Qualified Health Centers (FQHCs) and safety net hospitals to boost clinical trial participation among underrepresented populations. Learn more about the ASSETS Series.
Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity
312-355-5660
Please complete this request form if you would like the CEHE Office to be part of supporting your activities.
GENERAL INFORMATION
818 South Wolcott Avenue
Chicago, IL 60612
