legal Council for Health Justice (LCHJ) held its annual Summer Soirée event Aug. 21 at Sidetrack in Chicago’s northalsted neighborhood.

The institution presented Illinois Governor JB pritzker with its highest honor, the James Monroe Smith Founder Award, for his ongoing work to advance health equity and champion LGBTQ+ rights in Illinois.

LCHJ Executive Director julie Justicz said the LGBTQ+ community has been through hard times before with perseverance and courage and “those same qualities will push us through this moment … particularly the trans community who have been the targets of this management, we have your back. We are here, and we are not going away and with the support of this room, this Governor, this state, we will get through these times.”

Justicz called pritzker “one of the most amazing champions that we have in this state” and cited his work to bolster Medicaid coverage and being “a true hero of the LGBTQ community.” she also announced the new venture that they spearheaded with the Illinois state goverment-Illinois Pride Connect Resource hub and Legal Hotline.

Championing Health Equity: A Conversation with Carrie Chapman of the Legal Council

Carrie Chapman is a driving force behind the Legal Council for Health Justice, serving as their Deputy Executive Director. Her work focuses on dismantling systemic barriers to health and well-being, particularly for marginalized communities in Illinois. Windy City Times recently spoke with Chapman about the Legal Council’s mission, current initiatives, and the challenges and triumphs of advocating for health equity.

The Legal Council operates on the belief that legal advocacy is a crucial tool for achieving health justice. “We see health not just as a medical issue, but as fundamentally tied to social and economic factors,” Chapman explained. “Things like housing,employment,education,and access to food all play a important role in a person’s health outcomes. We use the law to address these underlying determinants of health.”

Currently, the Legal Council is heavily involved in several key areas. They provide direct legal representation to individuals facing barriers to healthcare, such as wrongful denials of coverage or discrimination. They also engage in policy advocacy, working to shape laws and regulations that promote health equity at the state and local levels.A significant focus is on addressing the social determinants of health through initiatives like advocating for affordable housing and fighting discriminatory practices.

Chapman highlighted the importance of community partnerships. “We don’t operate in a silo,” she emphasized. “We work closely with community-based organizations, healthcare providers, and other stakeholders to understand the needs of the communities we serve and to develop effective solutions.” This collaborative approach ensures that their work is grounded in the lived experiences of those most impacted by health inequities.

Despite the progress made,Chapman acknowledges the significant challenges that remain. “Systemic racism and other forms of discrimination continue to create significant barriers to health for many people,” she stated.”We’re also seeing increased attacks on healthcare access, which disproportionately impact vulnerable populations.”

However, Chapman remains optimistic. “I’m inspired every day by the resilience and determination of the people we work with,” she said. “And I believe that by continuing to advocate for policy changes, providing legal assistance, and building strong community partnerships, we can create a more just and equitable healthcare system for all.”

To learn more about the Legal Council for Health Justice and their work, visit their website at https://www.legalcouncil.org/.

Pritzker Honored by Legal Council for Health Justice

Illinois Governor JB Pritzker was recently honored by the Legal Council for Health justice at their annual awards gala. The organization recognized Pritzker for his unwavering commitment to social justice and his partnership in advancing health equity across the state and nation.

Retired Cook county Circuit Court Judge Jim Snyder presented pritzker with his award, recalling Pritzker’s early career as a lawyer during the HIV/AIDS crisis. Snyder noted that Pritzker consistently stepped up to assist those in need,a dedication to social justice that has remained steadfast throughout his career.

“I am so proud to live in a state were people stand up and do the right thing at the right time,” said Pritzker. He lauded the Legal Council for Health Justice as “a force for positive change and a lifeline for the most vulnerable communities,” emphasizing their impact on countless lives. “Because of our work together Illinois is becoming beacon of hope if we are not already. We are a place of refuge.”

The event celebrated the Legal Council’s ongoing efforts to address systemic barriers to health and advocate for policies that promote equitable access to care.

Windy City Times: Celebrating Community Champions and Addressing Health Equity

The Windy City Times recently highlighted two individuals making significant impacts in Chicago’s LGBTQ+ and healthcare landscapes: derry Queen and Mahomed Ouedraogo. Their work embodies a commitment to community empowerment and addressing critical health disparities.

Derry Queen: A Reign of Resilience and Advocacy

Derry Queen,a prominent figure in Chicago’s drag and activist communities,continues to inspire through her artistry and unwavering dedication to social justice. Known for her captivating performances and fierce advocacy, Queen uses her platform to raise awareness about issues affecting marginalized communities, particularly within the LGBTQ+ spectrum. Her work extends beyond entertainment, encompassing vital conversations around inclusivity, acceptance, and the fight against discrimination.

mahomed Ouedraogo: Leading ACCESS Community Health Network Towards Equity

Mahomed Ouedraogo, CEO of ACCESS community Health Network, is spearheading efforts to improve healthcare access and outcomes for underserved populations. ACCESS, a network of community health centers, plays a crucial role in providing complete medical, dental, and behavioral health services to individuals nonetheless of their ability to pay. Ouedraogo’s leadership focuses on addressing systemic inequities in healthcare and ensuring that all Chicagoans have the prospect to live healthy lives.

Both derry Queen and Mahomed Ouedraogo exemplify the power of community engagement and the importance of advocating for a more just and equitable society. Their contributions are vital to fostering a Chicago where everyone can thrive.

Legal Aid Society Announces New Leadership, Focus on Systemic Change

The legal Aid Society of Metropolitan Family Services (LASMFS) has announced the appointments of Taylor Belew as Executive Director and Mahomed Ouedraogo as Director of Growth. These appointments mark a pivotal moment for the organization as it embarks on a renewed commitment to systemic change and advancing justice and equity.

Belew brings a wealth of experiance in non-profit leadership and a deep dedication to social justice. Prior to joining LASMFS, she served as the Deputy Director at the Chicago Coalition for the Homeless, where she spearheaded advocacy efforts and program development.Ouedraogo joins LASMFS from the YWCA Metropolitan Chicago, where he successfully led fundraising initiatives and cultivated strong donor relationships.

“We are thrilled to welcome Taylor and Mahomed to the Legal Aid Society,” said a representative from Metropolitan Family Services. “Their expertise and passion will be instrumental in driving our mission forward and expanding our impact on the communities we serve.”

LASMFS provides free legal services to individuals and families facing critical legal issues, including housing, domestic violence, and immigration. With this new leadership, the organization aims to not only address individual cases but also tackle the root causes of systemic inequities that contribute to legal challenges.

“we believe that everyone deserves equal access to justice, regardless of their income or background,” said Belew. “We are committed to working collaboratively with community partners and stakeholders to create lasting change and build a more just and equitable society.”

Ouedraogo added, “I am excited to join an organization with such a strong commitment to its mission. I look forward to building relationships with donors and supporters who share our vision for a more equitable future.”“`html

Pritzker Honored by Legal Council for Health Justice

Governor J.B. Pritzker received the Legal Council for Health Justice’s annual award at their Summer Soirée event. The organization recognized pritzker’s commitment to healthcare access and equity in Illinois.The event, held on August 21, 2025, celebrated the Council’s work advocating for policies that address health-related legal needs of vulnerable communities.

The Legal council for Health Justice provides legal advocacy and representation to individuals and communities facing barriers to health. They focus on issues such as access to care, public benefits, and protection from discrimination. Their work directly impacts the health and well-being of many illinois residents.

HealthJB PritzkerLegal Council for Health Justice