Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana (RMHC-CNI) Receives Chicago Community Impact Grant to Support Ronald McDonald Care Mobile Programs
Ronald McDonald House Charities of Chicagoland & Northwest Indiana was selected by McDonald’s Corporation to receive a $50,000 grant through the Chicago Community Impact Grants Program. The grant will help breakdown access barriers to healthcare by providing local children access to free medical care directly in their neighborhoods through their Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs.
Since 2008, the Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program has served more than 26,000 children in the Chicagoland community, and more than 2,400 children in the last year alone. Two Ronald McDonald Care Mobile programs currently serve children in north and south Chicagoland, frequenting local schools, libraries, community centers and other local organizations. In partnership with Advocate Children’s Hospital, the program offers:
- Initial health screenings
- Immunizations (4,665 vaccinations were provided in 2021)
- Primary care treatment
- Referral/follow-up appointment for everyday and serious medical needs
Designed with children in mind, the mobile medical clinic incorporates patient exam rooms, a waiting area, and a medical records area, providing an entry point into a regular pattern of healthcare for children living in underserved areas. Each Ronald McDonald Care Mobile program belonging to RMHC-CNI also offers a backpack distribution program to provide school supplies, toiletries and non-perishable food items for children facing food insecurity. In 2021, 1,777 backpacks were distributed.
The Chicago Community Impact Grants Program was developed by McDonald’s Corporation in partnership with The Chicago Community Trust to provide charitable funds to local nonprofit organizations that address some of the city’s most pressing needs for its Opportunity Youth – young people who face multiple barriers to employment and education. Thanks to their support, we’re able to serve families and children in the Chicagoland community who may not otherwise have access to medical care.
Our organization relies on the support of the entire community to help families get better together. We greatly value all donations, whether it’s through individual, community, or other corporate involvement.