Crusader Community Health

Crusader Community Health is a prominent non-profit organization established in 1972, operating as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the Rock River Valley area of Northern Illinois. Its core mission is to provide high-quality, comprehensive, and affordable primary health care to all people in need, with a particular focus on serving medically underserved individuals. The organization offers a wide array of services including adult and family primary care, pediatrics, women's health (including prenatal and pregnancy care), dental services, optical services, pharmacy services, and behavioral health (mental health and substance use) care. They also run specialized programs such as Healthcare for the Homeless (now known as Community Connections), which provides comprehensive medical care and linkage to social services for homeless individuals, and a Living with HIV/AIDS program. Crusader Community Health emphasizes health education and disease prevention, offering case management for chronic diseases like diabetes and asthma. Crusader Community Health operates multiple clinic sites, including school-based health centers, and works collaboratively with other community agencies to ensure widespread access to healthcare across Winnebago and Boone Counties. The organization accepts various insurance plans, including Medicaid and Medicare, and offers a sliding scale fee system for uninsured or underinsured patients to ensure affordability. The history of Crusader Community Health dates back to 1966 with the establishment of a well-baby clinic by Sister Catherine Francis. The need for preventative pediatric care grew, leading to the chartering of Crusader Community Health as a nonprofit in 1970, and the opening of its first official clinic in 1972. The organization has consistently expanded its services and locations, including the Broadway clinic (address provided) which opened in 1997 as its second site. The Crusader Community Health Foundation, formed in 1985, provides crucial financial support for the clinic's growth and programs. Crusader Community Health is deeply embedded in the community, working to eliminate disparities in healthcare and champion the needs of the underserved. They have been recognized for their contributions, including the annual "Spirit of Caring" awards which acknowledge outstanding volunteer achievement and leadership within the community. Their commitment extends to improving the surrounding neighborhoods, as demonstrated by initiatives to address blight near their clinics. Annually, Crusader Community Health serves over 42,000 individuals, accounting for more than 150,000 patient visits, with a significant portion of their patients having incomes at or below 200% of the federal poverty level.