Business Details
33 Years
experience
Free Quality Healthcare for All Chicagoans
CommunityHealth was founded in 1993 by Dr. Serafino Garella to address critical gaps in healthcare access for uninsured adults in Chicago. As one of the nation's largest volunteer-based health centers, we provide comprehensive primary and specialty care, medications, lab testing, mental health services, and health education at no cost to low-income individuals. Our Patient-Centered Medical Home model, recognized by the National Committee for Quality Assurance, ensures patients develop ongoing relationships with providers while receiving culturally competent care. We operate six days a week across multiple locations, offering over 20 medical specialties and dental services through a collaborative network of volunteers, donors, and community partners.Our core values of Excellence, Respect, Trust, Collaboration, and Justice guide our commitment to non-discrimination based on race, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, ethnicity, national origin, or immigration status. We protect patient privacy by never sharing personal health information with law enforcement without a court order. Through telehealth options and community partnerships, we continue expanding access while maintaining our founding mission: quality healthcare for all.
Services
Primary Care
Specialty Care
Dental Services
Telehealth Visits
Mental Health Services
Health Education
Lab Testing
Medication Dispensing
Details
- Year established: 1993
Highlights and features
- We provide free comprehensive care through volunteer medical professionals from leading Chicago hospitals
- Our Patient-Centered Medical Home model ensures ongoing provider relationships
- We offer 20+ medical specialties and dental services at no cost
- We protect patient privacy with strict non-disclosure policies
- Our telehealth options expand access during immigration enforcement surges
Associations and certifications
- National Committee for Quality Assurance
Services
Primary Care
CommunityHealth provides comprehensive primary care services through board-certified physicians. Patients receive preventive care, chronic disease management, and acute illness treatment in a patient-centered medical home model. Our approach emphasizes long-term provider relationships and holistic health management for uninsured adults in Chicago.
Specialty Care
We offer over 20 medical specialties including cardiology, gynecology, and gastroenterology. Volunteer specialists from Chicago's leading hospitals provide expert care at no cost. Services include diagnostic testing, treatment planning, and coordinated care with primary providers for comprehensive health management.
Dental Services
Our dental clinic provides cleanings, fillings, and extractions by licensed professionals. Services are available exclusively to registered patients with priority given to established members due to high demand. Emergency dental care is prioritized through our triage system.
Telehealth Visits
Telehealth options allow patients to receive medical consultations remotely. This service ensures continued care during immigration enforcement activities while maintaining privacy. Virtual visits are available for follow-ups, medication management, and non-emergency consultations with licensed providers.
Health Education
We offer free health education classes covering nutrition, exercise, and chronic disease management. Programs include cooking demonstrations, fitness workshops, and disease-specific education sessions. These initiatives empower patients to maintain health between clinical visits through evidence-based lifestyle changes.
People
Dr. Serafino Garella
Founder
Internist who founded CommunityHealth in 1993 after identifying critical healthcare gaps for uninsured Chicagoans. Served as medical director until 2012, establishing the volunteer-based model that now serves thousands annually.
Steph Willding
CEO
Current CEO leading CommunityHealth's expansion efforts. Advocates for telehealth solutions during immigration enforcement surges and oversees strategic initiatives to maintain access for vulnerable populations.
Yoel Sanchez
Volunteer
Award-winning volunteer contributing 478 hours since June 2024. Provides critical support across multiple departments while exceeding annual service expectations by 500%.
Dr. Arvydas Vanagunas
Gastroenterologist
Dedicated GI specialist volunteering over 250 hours since 2012. Serves as sole provider for gastrointestinal services, ensuring specialized care access for underserved patients.
Questions
Who qualifies for CommunityHealth services?
We serve uninsured and underinsured adults in Chicago regardless of immigration status or ability to pay.
What medical services do you offer?
We provide primary care, 20+ specialties, dental services, mental health care, lab testing, and medication dispensing.
How do I schedule an appointment?
Call 773.395.9900 to register as a patient and schedule your first appointment at our main clinic or satellite locations.
Are dental services available to new patients?
Dental care is available but has long wait times for new patients after initial registration.
How do you protect patient privacy?
We never share personal health information with law enforcement without a court order and maintain secure facilities.
Do you offer telehealth options?
Yes, we provide telehealth visits to ensure continued care during immigration enforcement activities.
Videos
Reviews (4)
Jeffrey Hilson
Feb 26, 2021
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Don't expect your appointment to be on time. At least an hour later. Same for pharmacy and labs you need to wait 1-3 hours after check-in. You need to beg them to help you even if you feel really bad they said STAY HYDRATED
Marina Vodovoz
Dec 15, 2020
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Well, I am not really happy to write not a very positive review, but I can't keep it just for myself. Yes, people are nice, but the nurse that was trying to take care of me was a little bit different. I didn't even have an appointment with a doctor, it was only her. She is not very competent at all! She asked me the only one question about my feelings, if I felt isolated. And I said "yes, sometimes." And when our conversation was over, she said "you need antidepressants." Seriously?!
I don't. I am a holistic practitioner and have a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. I came with some objective symptoms. She is not a psychiatrist to give me such an insulting advice! I asked if it is possible to have any more tests, she said "no." If you have an option, then this clinic is not a good choice at all!
I don't. I am a holistic practitioner and have a Master of Science in Oriental Medicine. I came with some objective symptoms. She is not a psychiatrist to give me such an insulting advice! I asked if it is possible to have any more tests, she said "no." If you have an option, then this clinic is not a good choice at all!
Lucy Castaneda
May 28, 2019
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This is one of the worse Clinic ever, HORRIBLE staffs, what the ladys in the front desk have done too my mother, BEST BELIEVE they will hear from me personally and the person in charge!
Felix Lafontaine
Apr 23, 2017
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They are a great clinic and very helpful for those without insurance! Thank you for being there for us! Greatly appreciate everything that everyone does there for me and others! God bless everyone! :
