About Us
Our Mission
The Quad City Health Initiative exists to actively pursue a healthier community.
Our Vision
The Quad City Health Initiative will be a catalyst for improving the health and overall quality of life within the Quad City community.
Our Goals
Raise Awareness: To increase the knowledge of consumers and providers about matters relevant to the health of the community.
Develop Projects: To encourage the growth or development of new projects in the Quad Cities which address unmet needs or gaps in health services.
Foster Collaboration: To bring consumers and/or providers together for the express purpose of coordinating services and maximizing resources to improve the health of the community.
Develop Plans and Reports: To support the collection, tracking and reporting of data relevant to the health status of the community.
Encourage Advocacy: To educate the Board and the community on grants, regulations, ordinances, policies, and legislation that will improve the health of the community.
Access Funding: To heighten awareness and share information about private and public resources that are available to improve the health of the community.
Our Definition of “Healthy Community”
The term “healthy community” encompasses all aspects of our region’s physical, mental, economic, social, and environmental health including issues of access, affordability and quality.
Our Background
The QCHI emerged out of the interest of over 300 community members and leaders in improving the health of the Quad City region. In 1999, the QCHI established an Executive Committee and a community Board, including over 30 representatives of local health departments, providers, insurers, social service agencies, educators, businesses, media, law enforcers, foundations and governments. These groups have met regularly under the chairmanship of Dr. Richard L. Phillis, M.D. (Ret.) to establish and support health related community projects.
Our Projects
To date, the QCHI has led and/or partnered in projects to address access to dental care, diet and exercise patterns, heat related illness prevention, access to children’s health insurance, tobacco use, and teenage pregnancy. Our project teams are Smiles For All, Wellness Champions, and the Heat Emergency Task Force. Our affiliate projects are Kids HealthNet, Tobacco-Free QC, and the Quad-Cities Coalition on Adolescent Sexuality and Pregnancy.
Our Sponsors
Major financial support of the Quad City Health Initiative is currently provided by the generous direct and in-kind contributions of Genesis Health System and Trinity Regional Health System. In 2008, additional financial support is provided by Alcoa and First Midwest Bank.