For nearly a decade, Jerry Isikoff has been an instrumental part of IWS Family Health. In 2015, he joined as Chief Operating Officer (COO) and transitioned to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) in 2017.
Over his tenure, Jerry worked with four different board presidents, contributing significantly to the organization’s growth and success. His dedication and leadership have left a lasting impact on IWS Family Health, ensuring it remains a vital resource for the community. Jerry’s commitment to staff welfare, technological advancement, and facility growth has set a solid foundation for future success.
We are grateful for his unwavering service and the legacy he leaves behind upon his retirement.
Among the many milestones and accomplishments of Jerry and his team over the years, here are some of the most notable:
- In 2015, IWS launched the Child-Centered Health and Advanced Therapies (CHAT) program to provide assessments for developmental delays in children from low-income families, as well as early access to both speech and occupational therapy. Jerry led the path to its construction of the space and implementation of workflows.
- In 2017, IWS began serving men in the adult health program and incorporated a more robust Care Coordination model to connect patients with necessary treatments and social services.
- In 2018, IWS launched a Centering Pregnancy™ program, a group prenatal program.
- In 2019, IWS completed an application to become a FQHC LAL and was awarded this status in 2020. Becoming a Look-Alike (LAL) stabilized the organization’s finances by increasing our reimbursement rate.
- In 2021, IWS launched its 340B prescription program to provide lower-cost medications to adults and participated in student loan repayment for staff due to becoming a FQHC LAL.
- From 2020 to 2022, IWS kept its doors open during the height of COVID-19 to address the critical needs of patients and vaccinations, launching a same day clinic for urgent appointments. Jerry, along with his staff, opened the clinic up for COVID-19 shots to an entire charter school staff so that teachers could work.
- In 2022, the Auxiliary, working with Jerry and staff, launched the Angel Baby Program, which gave diaper bags and critical supplies to moms to address the healthcare needs of their newborns.
- In 2022, in addition to the integration of behavioral health services on the medical floor, IWS introduced integrated behavioral health services in the dental department.
- In 2023, IWS was awarded the HRSA Gold Quality Award. Of the 1,400 community health centers, only 10% of the facilities received this distinguished award confirming IWS’ commitment to quality care for its patients.
- In 2023, IWS launched an onsite pharmacy. This was an additional service that increased our legacy as a one-stop-shop for patients to access care when coming to IWS.
- In 2024, Jerry launched the first closed food pantry, Janie’s Kitchen, with the Greater Chicago Food Depository for patients with food insecurities. It has been a tremendous success thanks to the generosity of the Cooper Family in honor of their mom, Janie Cooper.
- In 2024, Jerry was able to secure a charitable gift of a physician pediatric practice that will take effect in January 2025. This could grow our overall number of patients by 1,500!
Building a Strong Team
- Advocating for higher wages
- Creating an internal team-building group, the Dynamic Angels
- Retaining and growing a vibrant C-suite
- Establishing a robust HR department
- Implementing an Employee Assistance Program
Raising the Profile of the Organization
- Working with the Look-Alike Coalition to advocate for Look-Alikes across the country to Congress
- Collaborating on government grants to bring in much-needed funds during and after the COVID-19 pandemic
- 2020—Community Partner Award presented to IWS by Norwegian American Hospital.
- 2021—Co-chair of the Look-Alike Task Force for the National Association of Community Health Centers. His position has brought light of the sustainability of LAL in the delivery of health care to the underserved.
- 2022—Betsey Cook Grassroots Advocacy Award National Association of Community Health Centers
- 2022—Humboldt Park Health Community Partner for Advocating health equity
- 2022—Awarded by Molina Health Plans as the highest paid in the state for the incentive dollar award program for measures in 2021, totaling $98,000
- 2024—Lifetime Achievement Award: The National Association of Community Health Centers (NACHC) recognized Jerry for outstanding achievements and contributions to the health center mission and to community-based healthcare overall.
Improving the Infrastructure
- Updating the organizational IT capacity
- Overseeing EHR upgrades to streamline patient care and provide robust data
- Renovating and building out physical spaces
- Creating “you-pick-it” herb gardens in the parking lot
