UI Health Helps the Community Kick-off the School Year in a Healthy Way

UI Health and UIC were very pleased to participate in the 20th Annual Monarch Awards Foundation’s Community Expo on Saturday, August 22, 2026. The Monarch Awards Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, has a mission to support local children, families and communities through service programs and college scholarships. Founded in 1988 and affiliated with the Xi Nu Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, this organization strives to break down barriers and improve the lives of at-risk youth and families.

UI Health/UIC participants included the University of Illinois Hospital & Clinics, Mile Square Health Center, UIC Retzky College of Pharmacy, UIC College of Dentistry (Pre-Dental Club), UIC College of Nursing, the UIC African America Academic Network, UIC Office of Enrollment Management, University of Illinois Cancer Center. Other event parters included Walgreens, ComEd and Peoples Gas. Our combined presence helped provide resources and information to over 500 attendees. This community “block-club” style event was held on the campus of the Montessori School of Englewood located at 6936 S. Hermitage Avenue.

Young attendees were provided instruction on how to brush their teeth (along with the distribution of free toothbrushes and toothpaste), and blood pressure screenings were provided on-site by our hospital professionals. The University of Illinois Cancer Center provided information on various cancers as well as focusing on Men’s Health Information (colorectal/prostate). Our Mile Square staff provided motherhood/fatherhood initiatives through our Healthy Start Lifestyles Program and answered basic information about our various health center sites. Walgreens provided on-site vaccinations for children returning to school, along with ComEd and peoples gas who provided loads of giveaways to attendees and resources. Finally, our UIC Office of Enrollment Management, College of Nursing, and College of Pharmacy team spoke to high school age attendees about admission to UIC and our summer camps for teens.