Our Tools
Advocacy
We drive systemic, lasting change by shaping policies and transforming systems to improve health.
To truly affect health, the underlying causes of health inequities must be addressed.
Michael Reese’s advocacy tool allows us to drive systemic, lasting change by transforming policies and systems to improve health.
Our Approach
As a public charity, Michael Reese has the ability to focus more of our resources and energies on advocacy for sustainable change. This allows us to not just fund our partners’ advocacy, but also use our influence to fuel their efforts and make a greater impact together.
Our public charity status means we can:
Use our voice to amplify the issues that matter most to our partners and communities.
Inform the development of policy recommendations that address the root causes of health inequities.
Work closely with government officials to lobby for policy changes that advance our vision for a healthy Chicagoland.
Partnering with community organizations, we strive to catalyze meaningful change that expands access to care, dismantles barriers, and ensures every Chicagoan has the opportunity to thrive.
We hope our work can help to guide other funders who are interested in taking a public stance on issues aligned to their priorities.
Featured Advocacy Projects
Staying Strong
Staying Strong is a rapid-response advocacy and learning collaborative that connects funders, advocates, and policy leaders in moments that matter. In times of political or social threat, we activate our network to share critical information, coordinate responses, and protect access to health and opportunity. Together, we stay informed. We stay connected. We stay strong.
From Advocacy to Action: Supporting Karina’s Law
In February 2025, Illinois enacted Karina’s Law, a significant measure aimed at enhancing protections for survivors of domestic violence. The law mandates the removal of firearms from individuals subject to certain orders of protection, addressing a critical gap in enforcement that previously left many survivors vulnerable.
The Network: Advocating Against Domestic played a pivotal role in the advocacy and education efforts that led to the passage of Karina’s Law. Their work was supported by a grant from Michael Reese Health Trust, which helped fund advocacy efforts and support implementation, including education, training, and resources for law enforcement, legal advocates, and court personnel to ensure effective enforcement and increased safety for survivors.
Contact Us
If you would like more information about our advocacy tool, please contact
hello@wearemichaelreese.org
