As a public health student and healthcare worker in Illinois, I’ve witnessed how lack of access to primary care deprives patients of the support they need to stay healthy. Patients tend to delay care until illness becomes critical and rely on emergency rooms for basic needs, driving up healthcare costs for everyone and widening health disparities. Therefore, I’m calling on Dr. Sameer Vohra, Director of the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), to prioritize funding and workforce policies that expand access to primary care in underserved areas across the state. 

Access to strong primary care improves chronic disease outcomes and increases life expectancy. However, Illinois faces a growing crisis because the Kaiser Family Foundation reports 262 areas in Illinois that are experiencing a shortage of health professionals. This means thousands of residents, especially in rural regions and low-income neighborhoods, struggle to receive even the most basic preventive care. 

The Illinois Department of Public Health recognizes that social determinants of health, such as income, housing, and education, deeply affect people’s ability to access care. However, we must also address the structural shortage of providers that worsens these inequities. To build a healthier Illinois, I urge Dr. Vohra and IDPH to increase funding for community health centers and free clinics serving uninsured and low-income populations, as well as expanding telehealth services to increase access to care. By meeting patients where they are, we can help close this healthcare gap. I also urge them to support programs that train and place providers in shortage areas to help close these health deserts. 

By taking these actions, Illinois can ensure that every resident, regardless of zip code or income, has access to the care they need to live a healthy life.

Please sign and share this petition to show your support for expanding primary care access across Illinois. Together, we can help Dr. Vohra and IDPH prioritize this public health issue.