Leading the Charge for Health Equity in Chicago - Dia Nichols
In a time when health disparities continue to widen, I feel a sense of responsibility and hope as I lead Advocate Health Care — Illinois’ largest health system and the state’s second-largest employer.
Throughout my career, I have been driven by a deep passion for people and a belief in the value of human capital. Whether mentoring colleagues, developing leaders, or championing communities, I have always sought to turn challenges into opportunities for growth and transformation. I am committed to blending business acumen with compassion to make a tangible difference, especially for underserved populations.
I recently had a once in a lifetime opportunity to publicly announce Advocate Health Care’s $1 billion investment to transform healthcare access and outcomes on Chicago’s South Side. That moment was more than an announcement; it was a declaration of intent to address systemic inequities and improve lives in a community long marginalized by disparities in care.
A Mission Rooted in Equity and Compassion
At that event, I shared a stark reality: residents of Chicago’s South Side live, on average, 30 years less than their neighbors just a few miles to the north. This health disparity and life expectancy gap if the largest in the nation. It represents a fundamental injustice, and addressing it is at the heart of my work, as well as my colleagues at Advocate Health Care.
For me, this mission is deeply personal. Growing up, I witnessed how systemic inequities impacted my own family. My grandmother, living in the segregated South, nearly lost her life due to the lack of accessible medical care. It was only through the compassion and determination of a single doctor that she survived. Her story is a painful reminder that far too many families are not as fortunate.
That memory fuels my determination to ensure that health outcomes are no longer dictated by zip codes, but by a shared commitment to equity, compassion, and quality care for all.
Transforming Healthcare on the South Side
This $1 billion investment represents not just hope but action. Advocate Health Care’s vision for the South Side is bold and comprehensive, including:
• A New $300 Million Hospital: A state-of-the-art facility that will replace the aging Advocate Trinity Hospital, designed specifically to address the unique needs of this community.
• Ten Neighborhood Care Sites: Bringing preventative care closer to residents, these sites aim to meet people where they live, work, and worship, reducing the need for hospital-level interventions.
This is not just about building facilities; it’s about transforming the way care is delivered. By focusing on prevention, community support, and addressing the root causes of health disparities, we aim to create a model of care that uplifts the entire community.
This journey will take time, and we cannot do it alone. I am deeply grateful to the residents of the South Side, my healthcare colleagues, elected officials, and Advocate Health teammates for their unwavering partnership. Leaders like Dr. Michelle Blakely, a South Side native and President of Trinity Hospital, have been instrumental in shaping and driving this effort forward.
A Vision for Lasting Change
Our goal is to set a national example for how health systems can invest in underserved communities to create lasting change. This is not just about addressing disparities — it is about envisioning and building a future where every individual can live a long, healthy life.
As I shared during my remarks, “We are bullish about this. We are committed to this.” The path to health equity is not easy, but it is essential. And with the support of this incredible community and the tireless dedication of so many, I truly believe that meaningful progress is not just possible — it is inevitable.
Connect with Dia on LinkedIn.
