HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC., TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL RACE AND HEALTH EQUITY AWARDS, DEC. 7th


HABILITATIVE SYSTEMS, INC., TO HOST THIRD ANNUAL RACE AND HEALTH EQUITY AWARDS, DEC. 7th

HSI Celebrates 45th Anniversary; Honors Leaders, Legislators Who Improve
Community Health Outcomes

CHICAGO (Nov. 17, 2023) – Led by President and CEO Donald J. Dew, Habilitative Systems, Inc. (HSI), now celebrating its 45th year, will host the Third Annual Race and Health Equity Awards Celebration, Dec. 7th, at the South Shore Cultural Center, 7059 South Shore Dr., Chicago.

Themed “Recognizing the Impact of Political Determinants of Health,” this year’s Race and Health Equity Awards acknowledge the role legislators and legislation, as well as community leaders, play in positively impacting the quality of life in local communities, including health outcomes.

This year’s honorees are Illinois Senate Majority Leader Kimberly Lightford (4th District), State Sen. Mattie Hunter (3rd District), State Rep. Camille Lilly (78th District), State Rep.
La Shawn Ford (8th District), and Center Director Andrea Adams, South Shore Cultural Center.

“Our Illinois state legislators kicked the door open, transforming health and human services throughout the state, writing and ratifying new legislation that has resulted in positively impacting health outcomes for our families,” Dew said.

HSI, a Historically Black Community Based Organization (HBCBO), provides behavioral health and human services in 15 underserved communities throughout metropolitan Chicago.

Health and human services is one of the four pillars the Illinois Legislative Black Caucus identified as needing reform in order to dismantle systemic racism in the State of Illinois.
“Sometimes legislators get a bum rap, but the work that they do is important to daily life, and our Illinois legislative honorees are continually delivering for us,” Dew said.

“Our honoree Andrea Adams has a long history of service in the City of Chicago. She is an unsung heroine who has led governmental entities and organizations doing good work on our behalf. Sometimes she is a quiet behind-the-scenes worker, but she is always a mighty force to make things happen, locally and on the national level. We are proud to honor her,” Dew said.

The Race and Health Equity Awards will benefit HSI’s many programs, which include case (care) management, employment and training, outpatient mental health, and residential and substance use services.

This year the program also supports students aspiring to become community health workers, a vital partner for health equity, said Cynthia Washington, HSI fundraising chair and immediate past board chair.

“Lives are at stake. Our communities need to be able to access healthcare systems to gain equitable care, an undeniable human right. Proceeds from the Race and Health Equity Awards help us in the daily fight to meet this critical need,” she said.

The Race and Health Equity Awards will have a festive ambiance and will include fine dining, dancing and entertainment by two major musical dynamos, vocalist Simone Green and violinist Adrian Morris.

For more information and tickets, call 773-854-8313 or visit: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/hsi-3rd-annual-race-and-health-equity-awards-celebration-tickets-723574018367?aff=oddtdtcreator.

About Habilitative Systems, Inc.
For 45 years, Habilitative Systems, Inc., a Historically Black Community Based Organization, has provided quality behavioral health and human services to individuals and families in 15 underserved communities throughout the Chicago Metropolitan area. HSI staff respond to the most pressing needs of society, serving persons with mental illness, disabilities, substance use disorders as well as seniors, and children experiencing prolonged trauma.

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