Rush University System for Health and BMO Financial Group Announce $10 Million Donation to Create the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity
-
bookmark
-
print
The new Institute will build, evaluate and sustain scalable approaches to eliminate health inequities and help people live longer and healthier lives
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, May 10, 2021 – Rush University System for Health and BMO Financial Group today announced a $10 million donation to create the new Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity. With a mission of eliminating health inequities and helping people live longer and healthier lives, the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity will leverage Rush’s strengths in patient care, research and education; operational and philanthropic investment; and community partnerships to strengthen the health and vitality of neighborhoods Rush serves.
Recognizing the injustice of growing gaps in health outcomes, locally and nationally, Rush University System for Health became one of the first academic health systems to make health equity a strategic priority. Now — thanks to this gift from BMO Financial Group — that work has a home with the establishment of this new Institute.
The mission of the Institute is to reverse a harsh reality: In Chicago, a five-mile difference between neighborhoods could adversely affect a person's life expectancy by up to 12 years. It’s the largest gap in the country, and an unacceptable truth.
“To truly have an inclusive society with health and economic opportunities for all, we need to remove barriers to health, and that’s exactly what the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity will do,” said David Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group. “At BMO, our purpose is to boldly grow the good in business and life, and we know that by partnering with Rush, we’ll be able to help reduce health care disparities in Chicago, with the potential to create a roadmap for health equity nationwide.”
The announcement builds off of BMO’s recent $10 million donation to the United Way Neighborhood Network program as part of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s INVEST South West initiative, as well as the recent announcement of BMO EMpower, BMO’s five-year, $5 billion commitment to help create an inclusive economic recovery.
"Chicago has a long, painful history of health inequities that have plagued our communities of color on our South and West Sides," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This Institute will disrupt that history by improving the quality of life of our residents who have borne the brunt of these inequities and drastically reduce the life expectancy gap between our high- and low-income neighborhoods. I want to thank Rush and BMO's leadership for choosing to invest in the lives of our residents and giving them the resources they need to live longer, healthier lives."
“Rush has a long-held commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve. Now, we’re building upon our foundation of strong community-based programs and partnerships,” said Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO and president, Rush University Medical Center.
“The Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity, our most concentrated investment in health equity yet, will allow us to organize and coordinate all of our strategies for eliminating health inequities under a single umbrella. We thank BMO for their incredible generosity, and we look forward to a long and impactful partnership together.”
The communities Rush serves include Chicago’s diverse West Side, which has more than 600,000 residents in 10 neighborhoods, a population greater than that of Atlanta. To make the greatest impact on their health outcomes, the Institute will focus on the following four key areas:
-
Education and workforce development, ensuring that each of Rush University’s 2,200 students is exposed to coursework that increases their understanding of health disparities, and expanding career pathways for West Side residents.
-
Community-based clinical practice to reduce residents’ rates of risk factors for chronic diseases, including Rush’s successful School-Based Health Center model, which will serve more than 1,600 students at five Chicago Public Schools.
-
Community engagement, with a focus on sustained partnerships to provide support to address community issues such as food security, mental health, addiction, and weight loss.
-
Health equity research, increasing community members’ participation in Rush-led research by embedding studies in trusted neighborhood settings and supporting health equity fellows each year.
BMO Financial Group’s commitment is the largest-ever gift to Rush in support of health equity initiatives. Its support is critical in realizing Rush’s Anchor Mission Strategy to measurably decrease health disparities and improve health outcomes and economic vitality in the communities Rush serves.
This donation is the lead gift to health equity in Rush’s current philanthropic campaign. With a projected goal of $650 million, the Campaign for RUSH focuses on advancing programs where Rush is well-positioned to improve the Chicago region's health. These campaign priorities include neuroscience, bone and joint, cancer, education and workforce development, innovation and discovery, and health equity. The launch of the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity is a critical initiative of the campaign, which aims to raise at least $70 million, including BMO’s gift, in support of the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity.
Previously, BMO donated $5 million to Rush in 2013 to help educate and train students for new health care jobs needed to deliver high-quality, coordinated health care to Chicago’s South and West side communities. The program has increased understanding of health disparities, educated the current and future health care workforce, linked employers to training, and prepared individuals to conduct independent research. The success of that program helped lead to today’s announcement.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider — the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $973 billion as of Jan. 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
About Rush University System for Health
Rush University System for Health brings together the brightest minds in medicine, research and academics. Driven by discovery, innovation and a deep responsibility for the health of our communities, Rush is a national leader in outstanding patient care, education, research, community partnerships and empowering a new generation of health care providers.
Rush comprises Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, as well as an extensive provider network and numerous outpatient care facilities.
Rush University Medical Center is ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The Medical Center was also ranked No. 1 in the nation by Vizient and named a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group.
Media Contacts:
Patrick O’Herlihy, Chicago, Patrick.OHerlihy@bmo.com (312) 461-6970
Tobin Klinger, Chicago, Tobin_Klinger@rush.edu (224) 571-6542
-
Minute Read
-
Listen
Stop
-
Text Bigger | Text Smaller
The new Institute will build, evaluate and sustain scalable approaches to eliminate health inequities and help people live longer and healthier lives
CHICAGO, ILLINOIS, May 10, 2021 – Rush University System for Health and BMO Financial Group today announced a $10 million donation to create the new Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity. With a mission of eliminating health inequities and helping people live longer and healthier lives, the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity will leverage Rush’s strengths in patient care, research and education; operational and philanthropic investment; and community partnerships to strengthen the health and vitality of neighborhoods Rush serves.
Recognizing the injustice of growing gaps in health outcomes, locally and nationally, Rush University System for Health became one of the first academic health systems to make health equity a strategic priority. Now — thanks to this gift from BMO Financial Group — that work has a home with the establishment of this new Institute.
The mission of the Institute is to reverse a harsh reality: In Chicago, a five-mile difference between neighborhoods could adversely affect a person's life expectancy by up to 12 years. It’s the largest gap in the country, and an unacceptable truth.
“To truly have an inclusive society with health and economic opportunities for all, we need to remove barriers to health, and that’s exactly what the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity will do,” said David Casper, U.S. CEO, BMO Financial Group. “At BMO, our purpose is to boldly grow the good in business and life, and we know that by partnering with Rush, we’ll be able to help reduce health care disparities in Chicago, with the potential to create a roadmap for health equity nationwide.”
The announcement builds off of BMO’s recent $10 million donation to the United Way Neighborhood Network program as part of Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot’s INVEST South West initiative, as well as the recent announcement of BMO EMpower, BMO’s five-year, $5 billion commitment to help create an inclusive economic recovery.
"Chicago has a long, painful history of health inequities that have plagued our communities of color on our South and West Sides," said Chicago Mayor Lori E. Lightfoot. "This Institute will disrupt that history by improving the quality of life of our residents who have borne the brunt of these inequities and drastically reduce the life expectancy gap between our high- and low-income neighborhoods. I want to thank Rush and BMO's leadership for choosing to invest in the lives of our residents and giving them the resources they need to live longer, healthier lives."
“Rush has a long-held commitment to improving the health of the communities we serve. Now, we’re building upon our foundation of strong community-based programs and partnerships,” said Dr. Omar Lateef, CEO and president, Rush University Medical Center.
“The Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity, our most concentrated investment in health equity yet, will allow us to organize and coordinate all of our strategies for eliminating health inequities under a single umbrella. We thank BMO for their incredible generosity, and we look forward to a long and impactful partnership together.”
The communities Rush serves include Chicago’s diverse West Side, which has more than 600,000 residents in 10 neighborhoods, a population greater than that of Atlanta. To make the greatest impact on their health outcomes, the Institute will focus on the following four key areas:
-
Education and workforce development, ensuring that each of Rush University’s 2,200 students is exposed to coursework that increases their understanding of health disparities, and expanding career pathways for West Side residents.
-
Community-based clinical practice to reduce residents’ rates of risk factors for chronic diseases, including Rush’s successful School-Based Health Center model, which will serve more than 1,600 students at five Chicago Public Schools.
-
Community engagement, with a focus on sustained partnerships to provide support to address community issues such as food security, mental health, addiction, and weight loss.
-
Health equity research, increasing community members’ participation in Rush-led research by embedding studies in trusted neighborhood settings and supporting health equity fellows each year.
BMO Financial Group’s commitment is the largest-ever gift to Rush in support of health equity initiatives. Its support is critical in realizing Rush’s Anchor Mission Strategy to measurably decrease health disparities and improve health outcomes and economic vitality in the communities Rush serves.
This donation is the lead gift to health equity in Rush’s current philanthropic campaign. With a projected goal of $650 million, the Campaign for RUSH focuses on advancing programs where Rush is well-positioned to improve the Chicago region's health. These campaign priorities include neuroscience, bone and joint, cancer, education and workforce development, innovation and discovery, and health equity. The launch of the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity is a critical initiative of the campaign, which aims to raise at least $70 million, including BMO’s gift, in support of the Rush BMO Institute for Health Equity.
Previously, BMO donated $5 million to Rush in 2013 to help educate and train students for new health care jobs needed to deliver high-quality, coordinated health care to Chicago’s South and West side communities. The program has increased understanding of health disparities, educated the current and future health care workforce, linked employers to training, and prepared individuals to conduct independent research. The success of that program helped lead to today’s announcement.
About BMO Financial Group
Serving customers for 200 years and counting, BMO is a highly diversified financial services provider — the 8th largest bank, by assets, in North America. With total assets of $973 billion as of Jan. 31, 2021, and a team of diverse and highly engaged employees, BMO provides a broad range of personal and commercial banking, wealth management and investment banking products and services to more than 12 million customers and conducts business through three operating groups: Personal and Commercial Banking, BMO Wealth Management and BMO Capital Markets.
About Rush University System for Health
Rush University System for Health brings together the brightest minds in medicine, research and academics. Driven by discovery, innovation and a deep responsibility for the health of our communities, Rush is a national leader in outstanding patient care, education, research, community partnerships and empowering a new generation of health care providers.
Rush comprises Rush University Medical Center, Rush University, Rush Copley Medical Center and Rush Oak Park Hospital, as well as an extensive provider network and numerous outpatient care facilities.
Rush University Medical Center is ranked among the top hospitals in the nation by U.S. News & World Report. The Medical Center was also ranked No. 1 in the nation by Vizient and named a Top Teaching Hospital by The Leapfrog Group.
Media Contacts:
Patrick O’Herlihy, Chicago, Patrick.OHerlihy@bmo.com (312) 461-6970
Tobin Klinger, Chicago, Tobin_Klinger@rush.edu (224) 571-6542
You might also be interested in
BMO's 20th Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.5 Million to Promote Education, Development and Progress for Promising Students Around the World
BMO Named Best Private Bank and Retail Bank in Canada and Best Commercial Bank in US and Canada
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 5 per cent from the prior year
Inaugural BMO Wine Market Report: U.S. Wineries Optimistic about Sustained Sales Growth Over Next 5 Years
The Future of Food: Global Food and Agriculture Trends and Outlook BMO Hosts 19th Farm to Market | Chemicals Conference in New York
A First in Western Canada: Avenue Living Leverages BMO's Retrofit Program to Add 179 New Rental Units in Downtown Edmonton
Expanded Latino Leaders Index500, Powered by BMO Ranks Top U.S. Latino-Owned Businesses
Record Investor Attendance Expected at BMO's 33rd Global Metals, Mining & Critical Minerals Conference, February 25th to February 28th, 2024
BMO Establishes new U.S. Wine Industry Partnership, Enhancing Offering for Wine and Spirits Industry
BMO Arranges Green Financing to Fund New Lawson Centre for Sustainability, Trinity College's Most Significant Build in a Century
BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in North America on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 6 per cent from the prior year
BMO Climate Institute Business Leaders Survey: Nearly Half of Business Leaders in the U.S. and Canada Believe Climate Change Has Already Affected Their Businesses, but Few Have a Strategy
BMO Blue Book: U.S. Economy is Resilient but Predicted to Slow in Early 2024
BMO Announces Retirement of Dan Barclay, Names Alan Tannenbaum CEO, BMO Capital Markets
BMO's 19th Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.65 Million to Promote Education, Development and Progress for Promising Students Around the World
Banco do Brasil and BMO Financial Group to Introduce First-of-its-Kind Program to Provide Sustainability-Linked Trade Loans Supporting Brazilian Exporters
BMO Donates $3 Million to GRID Alternatives to Provide Solar Energy Solutions for Low-Income Families
BMO Provides Innovative New Sustainability-Linked Deposit Product to Zurn Elkay Water Solutions
BMO Marks National Indigenous History Month and National Indigenous Peoples Day with Support for Indigenous-Led Organizations that Empower Communities
BMO and Bell Canada Execute Innovative Sustainability-Linked Derivative Tied to Ambitious GHG Emission Reduction Targets
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 6 per cent from the prior year
BMO Named to UN-Convened Group Providing Guidance to Global Banks on Nature Target Setting
Global Food and Agriculture Trends and Outlook: BMO Hosts 18th Farm to Market | Chemicals Conference in New York
BMO Celebrates Earth Day with 3rd Annual Trees from Trades Day on its Global Trading Floors
BMO Capital Markets CEO Dan Barclay named Male Ally of the Year by Financial Women's Association
BMO Ranked North America's Most Sustainable Bank by Corporate Knights for Fourth Consecutive Year
BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in North America on the Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
Top Rankings for BMO Capital Markets' FICC Macro Strategy Group in Institutional Investor Client Survey
BMO Climate Institute Survey Shows Costs and Competing Priorities Slowing Climate Action for Small and Mid-Sized Businesses
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 4 cents from the prior quarter, up 8 per cent from the prior year
BMO the Top Ranked Financial Institution on New Global Sustainability Benchmark Announced at COP 27
The Government of Canada announces the issuance of a Ukraine Sovereignty Bond
BMO to Invest in Innovative Carbon Offsets from CarbonCure to Permanently Store CO2
The Financial Women's Association Underscores Its Commitment to the Back2Business™ Return-to-Work Program
A Canadian First: BMO and Concordia University Partner for a Sustainable Future with Innovative Sustainability-Linked Loan
BMO's 18th Global Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.65 Million for Education and Development of Students in Need
BMO Capital Markets Trading Floors in Toronto, New York and London Promote Equity Through Education for 18th Year to Provide Financial Aid to Students
BMO to Acquire Calgary-based Radicle Group Inc., a Leader in Environmental Services
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 6 cents from the prior quarter, up 31 per cent from the prior year
BMO Expands Electronic Trading Operations for Institutions and Broker Dealers to EMEA Markets
BMO and EDC Announce Collaboration to Introduce Sustainable Finance Solutions for Canadian Businesses
BMO joins leading US banks in support of Ownership Works, to help create wealth for working families through employee ownership programs
BMO proud to support first Government of Canada Green Bond transaction as joint-lead manager
BMO Supports Women Entrepreneurs in Canada with $5 Billion in Capital to Mark International Women’s Day 2022
BMO Launches Business Within Reach: BMO for Black Entrepreneurs and Commits $100 million in loans to Help Black-led Businesses Start up, Scale up, and Grow
BMO Announces Plan to Partner with Breakthrough Energy Catalyst to Accelerate Climate Innovation
BMO Financial Group Named North America's Most Sustainable Bank for Third Consecutive Year
BMO Financial Group accelerates North American growth with strategic acquisition of Bank of the West
BMO Capital Markets Named Best Canadian Bank for USD/CAD for 11th Consecutive Year
BMO Financial Group Increases Common Share Dividend by 27 cents from the prior quarter, up 25 per cent from the prior quarter and prior year
BMO Financial Group Announces Intention to Repurchase Up to 22.5 Million of its Common Shares
BMO Helps Boralex Go Beyond Renewable Energy, with the Transition of its Credit Facility to a Sustainability-Linked Loan
BMO Capital Markets' Fixed Income Strategy Group Earns Top Rankings in Institutional Investor Survey
BMO First Bank to Pre-Purchase Direct Air Capture Carbon Removals using Carbon Engineering technology
A Global First: BMO Supports Bruce Power with World's First Nuclear Green Financing Framework
BMO ranked one of the most sustainable companies in the world according to Dow Jones Sustainability Indices
BMO Celebrates International Day of the Girl 2021 - Participates in New Sustainability Innovation Hub to Inspire Young Women
North American Metals & Mining first: BMO helps Sandstorm Gold Royalties achieve ESG goals with Sustainability-Linked Loan
BMO marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with $600,000 in donations to Indigenous organizations across Canada
Education, Employment and Economic Empowerment: BMO Releases Wîcihitowin ᐑᒋᐦᐃᑐᐏᐣ- First Annual Indigenous Partnerships and Progress Report
BMO's 17th Annual Equity Through Education Trading Day Raises C$1.6 Million to Promote Diversity, Equity and Inclusion
Media Advisory - BMO Celebrates 17 Years of Promoting Diversity and Inclusion Through BMO Capital Markets' Equity Through Education Trading Day
BMO Harnesses AI Technology for Capital Markets Structured Note Pricing and Scenario Analysis
BMO Announces $12 Billion Financing Commitment towards Affordable Housing in Canada
BMO supports Canada's bid to host the headquarters of the International Sustainability Standards Board
BMO Named to Canada's Best 50 Corporate Citizens Ranking by Corporate Knights
Bringing Indigenous Perspectives to Canadians: First Nations University of Canada, Reconciliation Education and BMO launch new eLearning to mark National Indigenous History Month
The Future of Food & Agriculture: BMO Hosts World-Leading Farm to Market Conference for 16th Consecutive Year
BMO Shares Progress on IFC led Operating Principles for Impact Management in First Disclosure Statement
BMO Announces $250,000 Donation to Organizations Supporting Global Emergency COVID-19 Relief Efforts
A North American First: BMO Helps Gibson Energy Fully Transition Credit Facility to a Sustainability-Linked Loan
Forbes names BMO Harris Bank one of the Best Employers for Diversity 2021 for the third year in a row
BMO Issues C$750 million Women in Business Bond In Support of Women-Owned Businesses
BMO Commits $1.2 Million to SheEO Programs Helping Women-Led Venture Companies Access Financing
BMO Named One of the World's Most Ethical Companies by the Ethisphere Institute for the Fourth Year in a Row
BMO Financial Group among first Canadian banks to sign United Nations Principles for Responsible Banking
BMO Financial Group ranked top bank in North America on Corporate Knights' 2021 Global 100 Most Sustainable Corporations in the World
BMO Financial Group 2020 Sustainability Report and Public Accountability Statement Now Available Online
BMO Capital Markets Named Best Canadian Bank for USD/CAD for 10th Consecutive Year
BMO Ranked Among Most Sustainable Companies on Dow Jones Sustainability Index - North America
BMO Financial Group Reaches Key Milestone in Matching 100 Per Cent of Electricity Usage with Renewables
BMO Financial Group Recognized as One of the World's Most Sustainably Managed Companies in New Wall Street Journal Ranking
BMO Capital Markets to Donate C$1.6 Million Following 16th Annual Equity Through Education Trading Day
Media Advisory - BMO Capital Markets Celebrates 16 Years of the Equity Through Education Trading Day
Forbes ranks BMO Harris Bank as one of America’s Best Employers for Women in 2020
Tracking the Recovery: BMO Economics Introduces Canadian Business Activity Index
BMO Capital Markets to host 2020 Prescriptions for Success Healthcare Virtual Conference
BMO Financial Group to Source 100 Per Cent of Electricity Usage From Renewables
Media Advisory - BMO Expert Podcast on COVID-19 and the Future of the Global Economy
Canada's Six Biggest Banks Take Decisive Action To Help Customers Impacted by COVID-19
Maple Leaf Foods and BMO Capital Markets enter into First Sustainability-Linked Loan in Canada