Access Community Health Network Debuts Community Mural in Chicago Heights
October 4, 2024
Today, Access Community Health Network (ACCESS) was joined by elected officials, including Illinois State Senator Patrick Joyce, Alderperson Kelli Merrick, ACCESS patients, and members from the community to celebrate an unveiling of a new community art project at ACCESS Family Health Society, located at 152 W. Lincoln Highway in Chicago Heights.
This is the third installment of a larger community art initiative focused on highlighting the beauty, diversity, and uniqueness of the communities ACCESS is proud to serve while hoping to uplift residents and bring communities together.
According to ACCESS CEO Mahomed Ouedraogo, "ACCESS has been a part of the Chicago Heights community for more than 25 years. and we are committed to supporting our community both within and beyond our health center walls by creating trusted, safe spaces where our patients can feel comfortable and find a true sense of belonging.”
With a commitment to supporting local artists and making art more accessible, ACCESS selected Chicago Heights-native Aaliyah Merrick as the muralist for the ACCESS Family Health Society art project. Aaliyah Merrick was selected for her talent and connection to the community.
The art project’s concept and design were developed with significant input from Chicago Heights residents through physical and online surveys. According to ACCESS Family Health Society Health Center Manager Carolina Zuniga, “The ACCESS Community Art Committee, in partnership with the dedicated ACCESS Family Health Society staff, gathered feedback from the community on the mural design until we all agreed on the set of seasonal images we see before us today—a visual narrative that encapsulates the history and spirit of Chicago Heights.”
The series of murals feature two iconic symbols of Chicago Heights including Bloom High School and the historic Lincoln Highway, which represent our community’s shared journey from childhood through adulthood. The changing seasons depicted in each mural symbolize the growth and transformation we experience together as a community.
Artist Aaliyah Merrick cites, “This mural project represents the true goodness within our community and my hope is that the mural will dazzle those passing by on Lincoln Highway. I would like people to feel joy and warmth that radiates out of the Heights.”
North side of ACCESS Family Health Society, facing the Lincoln Highwayu/Route 30. The mural features images relfecting the Chicago Heights community and the importance of health care.
About Access Community Health Network (ACCESS)
ACCESS offers patient-centered, preventive, and primary care services to nearly 165,000 patients annually throughout Chicago and suburban Cook and DuPage counties. As the nation’s sixth largest network of federally qualified health centers, ACCESS continues to innovate and evolve its care delivery model to address the total health needs of our patients. Recognized as a Patient-Centered Medical Home, ACCESS is focused on improving our patients’ overall experience. For more information, visit: www.achn.net.
CONTACT:
Natalie Shaffer at 312.526.2626