Aunt Martha’s 2025 Chicago Innovation Award Finalist | Top 100
Chicago, IL — Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness has been named a Top 100 Finalist in the 24th Annual Chicago Innovation Awards. This recognition confirms Aunt Martha’s Chicago Innovation Award Finalist status for its evidence-based care coordination model serving youth in the custody of the Illinois Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS).
Recognition reflects measurable gains in access, continuity, and outcomes for DCFS-involved youth, supported by integrated primary care and behavioral health.
How Aunt Martha’s Chicago Innovation Award Finalist Model Works
The Concierge Navigation Model pairs each DCFS-involved youth with a dedicated care navigator who coordinates medical, behavioral health, and community services to:
- Eliminate barriers to care
- Coordinate appointments and follow-ups
- Ensure continuity of care when placements or living situations change
This approach builds trust, reduces fragmentation, and strengthens outcomes. It aligns with Aunt Martha’s commitment to operational clarity and clinical responsiveness across integrated services.
Learn more about our Concierge Navigation Model
Outcomes That Demonstrate Value
In 2024, Aunt Martha’s served 762 youth through this model, delivering nearly 2,900 coordinated care encounters. Results exceeded state and national benchmarks across multiple measures:
- 35.12% depression remission rate, more than double the Illinois average.
- 92.8% compliance with depression screening and follow-up.
- 91.3% rate for weight and physical activity counseling.
The program also contributed to Aunt Martha’s achieving the top Medicaid performance score (4.13) across Meridian’s plans, including YouthCare.
Innovation with a Proven Track Record
Aunt Martha’s became the first Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) in the nation to fully integrate primary care and behavioral health.
In 2024, Aunt Martha’s ranked #3 in overall value among Illinois FQHCs. Our average cost per patient was $926.73, 40% below the national average and 22% below the Illinois average for FQHCs.
Vote for Aunt Martha’s in the People’s Choice Award
As a Top 100 Finalist, Aunt Martha’s is eligible for the People’s Choice Award, selected by public vote.
- Vote for Aunt Martha’s — Chicago Innovation Awards (opens in new tab)
- Voting closes: October 9, 2025
- Winners announced: November 13 at the UIC Forum
Your vote helps highlight value-driven care for youth in state custody.
About Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness
Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness is a nonprofit Federally Qualified Health Center serving communities across Chicagoland and Central Illinois. We integrate primary care, behavioral health, reproductive health, and youth services to deliver measurable outcomes at a lower cost. Ranked among Illinois’ top FQHCs for value, Aunt Martha’s is more than a mission: designed to work, proven in value.
