The Equity Institute

The Equity Institute is a collaborative of universities, colleges, and healthcare entities who work together to increase access to healthcare and other human needs, such as housing, in the Will and Grundy counties and throughout Illinois. WGMC serves as the hub.  As a team, we participate in research, community consultation, data analysis and environmental scans to ensure that our contributions to the discourse about the community are sensitive and accurate. This program works to address the systemic healthcare issues that exist through influencing federal, state and local level policy in Illinois. Our work advocates for the empowerment of the communities we serve and for an  increased healthcare safety net for historically marginalized and underserved groups such as people of color, LGTBQ+ communities, those with behavioral health needs, those who are housing insecure and the uninsured. Through this program, it is our hope that policies in Illinois can begin to reflect healthcare as a human right, not a privilege.

How Can I Apply To Be a Part of the Equity Institute?

The Equity Institute at the Will – Grundy Medical Clinic consists of an interdisciplinary team including but not limited to individuals with experience in public health, public policy, healthcare administration, social work and other human services backgrounds. As this is a team of predominantly students, WGMC is always looking to accept interns on a rotating basis. If you are interested in working towards decreasing healthcare disparities in Illinois and would like to apply to this position, you may do so here. Positions vary but may include Public Health Coordinator, Global Health Intern, Public Health and Policy Intern and Social Work Intern. If interested, contact Executive Director, Shawn Marconi, at [email protected].

More specific requirements for a position in the Equity Institute include:  

    • At least 3 semesters completed in a bachelor’s degree program in public policy, public health, social work or health services administration. 
    • Strong written and communication skills
    • Experience with quantitative and qualitative data collection and analysis 
    • Ability to prioritize and complete assignments independently with excellent attention to detail and under general supervision 
    • Ability to work collaboratively a part of a team