Will County Community Health Center

The Will County Community Health Center (WCCHC) is a vital healthcare institution in Joliet, Illinois, operating as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) under the umbrella of the Will County Health Department. Its core mission is to enhance the health and well-being of Will County residents by ensuring access to high-quality, integrated healthcare services, encompassing medical, Behavioral Health, and Dental Care. The center strongly emphasizes community collaboration, service, and education to achieve its goals. The WCCHC offers a wide array of services designed to meet the diverse needs of the community. These include comprehensive Primary Care for all ages, with specialized programs for adolescent health, adult medicine, and Pediatrics, including well-child exams, immunizations, and school/sports physicals. A significant focus is placed on behavioral health services, offering psychiatric and medication management, individual and group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment for opioid and alcohol addictions. Dental services are available for both adults and children, and eye care is provided, often in collaboration with institutions like the Chicago College of Optometry, Midwestern University. Beyond general health, the WCCHC offers specialized services such as family planning, confidential HIV and STI testing and treatment, and an on-site PrEP clinic for HIV Prevention. Obstetrics and gynecology services include prenatal and postpartum care, and collaborations with local hospitals like Silver Cross Hospital for deliveries and surgeries. The center also features an on-site pharmacy, tailored to serve patients with behavioral health, substance use disorder, and chronic conditions. To ensure accessibility, the WCCHC provides insurance assistance, helping eligible individuals enroll in Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace insurance. They also offer a limited number of same-day appointments for urgent care needs. Historically, the establishment of the Will County Community Health Center in 2003 was significantly influenced by the advocacy of Dr. Daniel Gutierrez, who served as its first medical director. His dedication to providing equal access to quality medical care for all, particularly low-income, uninsured, and underinsured residents, shaped the center's patient-centric approach. The WCCHC plays a crucial role as a safety net provider, aligning with the objectives of the Affordable Care Act by prioritizing preventive care and extending services to vulnerable populations who often face barriers to traditional healthcare. The center's patient demographics include a significant proportion of low-income, uninsured, and publicly insured individuals, with a notable percentage of Hispanic/Latino patients. The WCCHC actively engages with the community through various programs and events, often collaborating with other local organizations to address broader health and social determinants.