Our History

An Enduring Commitment to Justice

When Michael Reese Hospital opened its doors in 1881, it did so with a commitment to welcome everyone — regardless of creed, nationality, or ability to pay — to be innovative in its work, and above all, to be compassionate people. 

When the hospital closed its doors, Michael Reese opened ours – committed to carrying on the hospital’s founding values through our mission to advance health for all Chicagoans. 

Evolving Towards Greater Impact

Michael Reese has evolved significantly over the past three decades. Most recently, in 2024 we completed our transition from a private foundation to a public charity. This new status allows us to use our resources in more creative ways and ultimately have a greater impact on health in Chicago. Explore our timeline to learn more about our evolution.  

Our Journey

  • Michael Reese Health Trust is established as a private foundation following the sale of the Michael Reese Hospital and Medical Center and its health plan.

    We initially focus on providing care for underserved and uninsured individuals, including children, young people, individuals with disabilities, the elderly, and immigrants. A portion of funding is dedicated to supporting Chicago’s Jewish community, honoring the legacy of Michael Reese Hospital.

  • As a private foundation, Michael Reese invests in various areas related to the social determinants of health: community violence, behavioral health, housing, domestic violence, workforce development, oral health, and support for the Jewish community.

    We provide critical early support for an innovative public health approach to treating community violence known as CeaseFire (now Cure Violence). In addition to supporting direct service providers, we begin funding policy analysis, advocacy, organizational capacity building, and collaborative funding and partnerships, both private and public.

  • Michael Reese undertakes a year-long, board-led strategic planning process.

    The comprehensive, self-reflective process leads to a new consensus on strengths, opportunities, and strategic priorities.

  • After 27 years as a private foundation, Michael Reese applies for public charity status with the IRS, initiating a five-year testing period to demonstrate its fundraising capabilities and transition to operating as a public organization.
  • Leveraging our new public status and fundraising abilities, Michael Reese launches our first incubation project, Chicago Funders Together to End Homelessness.

    Shortly after, the Health First Collaborative is established in response to the COVID-19 pandemic.

  • Michael Reese approves a five-year strategic plan and vision for a Chicago where every community has the resources to be a healthy and safe place for people to live, learn, work, and play.

    We narrow our priority areas to domestic violence, homelessness, health workforce development, and Jewish legacy.

  • The IRS officially grants Michael Reese full approval as a public charity, enabling us to engage in advocacy alongside grantmaking and incubation activities.

    Michael Reese welcomes Ameya Pawar as its new President & CEO to lead the organization in its new chapter as a public charity.

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About Michael Reese Hospital

Michael Reese Hospital was created by a community of individuals who believed that the gift of human life comes with a responsibility for the welfare of every human being.

Michael Reese was a Jewish businessman and immigrant who passed away in 1878. His sisters and brothers-in-law used money they inherited from Michael Reese to build a new hospital. Founded in 1881 in Chicago’s Bronzeville neighborhood, Michael Reese Hospital provided compassionate care to all.

The hospital eventually closed its doors, yet its legacy and founding value of Tikkun Olam – to repair the world – continue today through the work of Michael Reese Health Trust.

Michael Reese Hospital's Contributions to Medicine

While the hospital was built to relieve suffering, it also helped revolutionize the practice of medicine in the U.S.

  • One of the first nursing schools in the U.S.

  • The Hess Incubator, which added an oxygen chamber and humidity control to what had been a warming device

  • The first “incubator station” in the U.S., an early neonatal unit staffed by the nation’s first cohort of specially trained neonatal nurses

  • The landmark longitudinal study of premature infant development, proving that “premature” did not equal “deficient”

  • The nation’s first motorized ambulance service

  • Proof that penicillin was effective in preventing recurrences of rheumatic fever