Investing in Our Communities’ Health and Wellbeing

As the country and world grappled with the enormous task of getting people vaccinated, the YMCA of Metropolitan Chicago collaborated with health providers to protect those we serve from the pandemic. The partnerships enabled us to do our part as a wellness organization to address health inequities in our communities by increasing access to the COVID-19 vaccines. As vaccines became available, we hosted free vaccination clinics across our city and suburban locations throughout the year, starting with a clinic at the Kelly Hall Y in March, ensuring that everyone – including those in some of the city’s most under-resourced neighborhoods - got immunized.

Through various partnerships with the Illinois Department of Public Health, AETNA Health, CVS Pharmacy, and State Representative Janet Yang Rohr (IL-41st District), the Y hosted 30 vaccination clinics, helping to administer more than 1,820 doses of the vaccine in 2021.

Olive, who received her first dose of the COVID-19 vaccine at the Buehler YMCA, was “absolutely thrilled” to participate in her local center’s mobile vaccine clinic in October.

“The doctors were informative, and I was so pleased with the personal and kind staff that helped with this process,” she said. “Not having to wait in long lines made getting vaccinated a wonderful experience overall.”

Frank, Olive’s spouse, also participated in the Buehler YMCA’s mobile vaccination clinic. He described his visit in three words: “quick, easy, and painless.”