Nurturing Health Equity: Growing Stronger Com­mu­ni­ties, Together

Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP) Reports

Everyone should get the chance to live their healthiest lives. At Rush University System for Health, we know that good health is shaped by more than medical care. It’s also about access to building blocks of health like safe and affordable housing, quality education, nutritious food and family-supporting jobs. That’s why we’re committed to working alongside community members, local nonprofit organizations and public partners to address the root causes of health inequities.

Rush’s 2025 CHNA and 2026–2028 CHIP reflect what we’ve learned by listening to the voices of the 21 communities we serve and combining that input with the information highlighted in our interactive community profiles.

Our work to advance health equity is grounded in trust, shaped by data and guided by the lived experiences of residents. Together, we’ve identified shared priorities and created strategies that respond to what community members say they need most.

Nurturing healthier neighborhoods takes time, care and collaboration. We invite you to explore the Rush CHNA and CHIP, which outline our goals, the steps we’re taking and the progress we’re measuring along the way. They document how we’re working together to create a future where everyone has the opportunity to thrive.

Community Benefit Highlights

At Rush University Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, our commitment to improving health outcomes goes far beyond clinical care. As part of the Rush University System for Health, we are proud to present the 2024 Community Benefit Highlights—a reflection of our ongoing efforts to advance health equity and strengthen the well-being of the communities we serve. 

These highlights showcase the impact of our Community Health Needs Assessment (CHNA) and Community Health Implementation Plan (CHIP), as well as the strategic investments made through our Anchor Mission. From addressing social determinants of health to fostering partnerships that support neighborhood vitality, this report captures the meaningful ways Rush is working to ensure that everyone has a fair and just opportunity to live a healthy life.

Community Benefits Plan Reporting Compliance: RUSH has fulfilled the requirements of the Illinois Community Benefits Act by preparing and filing its annual Community Benefits Plan report with the Illinois Attorney General and making the report publicly available, including notification to the public regarding its availability.

Commitment to Financial Assistance and Equitable Access 

Rush System for Health is committed to reducing financial barriers to medically necessary care by making financial assistance available to eligible patients across its hospital facilities. In alignment with federal 501(r) requirements and Illinois charity care reporting expectations, Rush maintains a Financial Assistance Policy that outlines eligibility criteria, the application process, and how patient balances are reviewed for possible financial assistance. Rush tracks financial assistance activity by hospital facility, including applications received, approved, denied, and pending, as well as common reasons for denial. Rush also reviews available demographic information, including race, ethnicity, gender, and primary language, to support transparency and help evaluate equitable access to financial assistance. Charity care is reported at cost and is distinguished from bad debt, with emergency department-related charity care identified as part of total charity care reporting. This process reflects Rush’s ongoing commitment to regulatory compliance, transparency, and ensuring that patients have access to care regardless of their ability to pay.