Health and Medicine Policy Research Group

Founded: 1981

Contact: Margie Schaps, Executive Director

Address:
Health and Medicine Policy Research Group
29 E. Madison Suite 602
Chicago, IL 60602-4404

Phone: (312) 372-4292
Fax: (312) 372-2753
E-mail: info@hmprg.org
URL: http://hmprg.org/

Mission:
To help formulate and advance policy, advocacy, and systems that enhance the health of the public.

About the Organization:
The Health and Medicine Policy Research Group was founded by Dr. Quentin D. Young more than thirty years ago to address health and healthcare needs for underserved Illinois residents. Since its establishment in 1980, the group has expanded its focus to include women's health, prison health, welfare reform, and long-term care reform. Among other things, HMPRG has helped develop a gender and trauma-sensitive health delivery model for court-involved youth, worked to pass legislation that allows for freestanding birth centers in Illinois, and created a working group of health and disability organizations tasked with developing an integrated care model that improves the quality and reduces costs under Medicaid for people with chronic and/or complicated medical conditions.

Current Programs:
Programs offered by HMPRG include the Center for Long-Term Care Reform, which has contributed to and influenced policy aimed at transforming the state's long-term care system for older adults since its launch in 2001; the Chicago Area Schweitzer Fellows Program, which provides thirty students each year with the opportunity to design and implement projects that improve the health and well-being of underserved Chicago residents; the Court Involved Youth Project, which promotes a juvenile justice system that contributes to the positive development of court-involved youth; the Elder Economic Security Initiative, which measures the well-being of older adults to determine the income and support services needed to help meet their basic needs; and IllinoisHealthMatters.org, an online health reform resource jointly launched by the Health and Disability Advocates, Sargent Shriver National Center on Poverty Law, AgeOptions, and the Campaign for Better Health Care. In addition, the organization occasionally launches projects to address time-sensitive problems and other tackles emerging issues through special initiatives.

Web Site:
The HMPRG site includes details about the organization's programs, projects, and special initiatives, as well as a downloadable e-book (12 pages, PDF) that describes the impact it has had; health and wellness news; and information about its giving program. Visitors to the site also can learn about the organization's founder, approach, and philosophy.

Funding:
Support for HMPRG is provided largely by foundations and individuals.