Wednesday, October 21, 2026, 6–10 pm*

Bridgeport Art Center (Skyline Loft)
1200 W 35th St, Chicago, IL 60609

*Sponsor Pre-Gala Welcome Party begins at 5pm

Set against the backdrop of a breathtaking venue, Health & Medicine’s 45th Anniversary Gala will celebrate our decades-long commitment to advancing health equity and social justice across Illinois. We’ll bring together the people, ideas, and vision that have shaped Health & Medicine’s first 45 years, while looking ahead to what comes next.

We are thrilled to welcome Ayesha Jaco as our keynote speaker. A Chicago leader, advocate, and changemaker, Ayesha has spent her career working at the intersection of health, community, and opportunity. Her work reflects the kind of bold, community-centered leadership that will help shape the future of health equity in Chicago and beyond.

We will also pay special tribute to Health & Medicine’s founding board members, whose vision and leadership helped establish the organization in 1981. We look forward to welcoming several of these founding leaders back and recognizing their role in laying the foundation for Health & Medicine’s enduring commitment to health equity. We’ll also give special recognition to Lon Berkeley and Michael Gelder, two founding board members whose commitment has endured across the decades and who still serve on Health & Medicine’s Board today.

The evening begins with a cocktail reception and a chance to mingle with fellow advocates, followed by an elegant plated dinner as we reflect on 45 years of impact and look ahead to the future of health equity.

As Health & Medicine’s signature fundraiser, the gala brings together health care and public health advocates, leaders, and supporters who share a vision for a healthier, more equitable future. Proceeds from the evening help sustain bold advocacy, timely research, and community-centered solutions that drive lasting change across our state. Join us to celebrate, foster community, and drive momentum for health equity across Illinois.

Don't miss this special celebration! Purchase your ticket or sponsorship today.

Prefer to send a check? Please make your check out to Health & Medicine Policy Research Group and mail it to Health & Medicine Policy Research Group (PO Box 2577 Northbrook, IL 60065) with “Gala” in the memo line.