Chicago’s School Health Access Collaborative (SHAC), co-convened by PHIMC and Healthy Schools Campaign, gathered more than 75 organizations in January 2025 to hold a much-needed panel discussion on Navigating Change: Protecting Students and Families in an Uncertain Political Landscape. Healthy Schools Campaign shared a brief recap and a long list of resources that SHAC members find valuable in navigating this landscape.

At the January meeting, SHAC members heard from panelists who spoke on topics related to protecting immigrant, migrant and refugee students and families; supporting LGBTQ+ students; preserving comprehensive health services, including reproductive and gender-affirming care; and protecting social safety net programs including Medicaid funding overall as well as Medicaid-funded school health services. The meeting affirmed SHAC’s commitment to supporting all Chicago students, and defending access to care. Panelists highlighted the intersectionality of their work and spoke of the need to collaborate to support students, schools and families.

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Chicago’s School Health Access Collaborative (SHAC) brings together education and health stakeholders to identify ways to enhance student access to comprehensive, coordinated, and sustainable healthcare, improve the health service delivery model for Chicago students, and elevate equity and well-being.

Learn more here about SHAC and how you can get involved.