Northeast Illinois AHEC is the newest center in our network, serving a region that is rich in career opportunities. This region includes some of Illinois’ richest communities, many cities and towns facing economic hardship, and a significant amount of farmland.

Host organization: Northern Illinois University is a public research university in DeKalb. The College of Health and Human Sciences’ accredited programs include majors in medical laboratory science, nutrition, public health, health sciences, rehabilitation and disability services and nursing. Numerous external practicum sites that provide excellent opportunities for students to learn, participate in research and work in the community.

Area opportunities: The Northeast Illinois AHEC service area is home to many educational institutions, from small liberal arts colleges and community colleges to major universities. The Loyola University Medical Campus and Midwestern University are located in the western section of the collar counties; Rosalind Franklin Medical School is in the northern portion. As a health professional, you will be able to choose from a variety of settings. The region is home to several major medical systems, including AMITA Health, Aurora Advocate, AdventistHealth, NorthShore University HealthSystem and Loyola Medicine. The Edward Hines Jr. Veterans Administration Hospital is located in the western portion of the service area and, in the northern reaches, the VA has the North Chicago Medical Center. Numerous federally qualified health centers provide safety net services, and Cook County Health and Hospital Systems, a major provider of safety net care, has a strong presence throughout the suburban portions of Cook County.

Demographics: With a population of 3.5 million, this region is a study in contrasts. Although it contains some of the wealthiest communities in the country, eight suburban townships have high poverty, poor health outcomes performance, and great social disparities that impact health. While the population is predominately White, several counties have significant Asian and Latinx populations; the suburban portion is racially, ethnically, and economically diverse.

Local health challenges: While the region fares well in common health measures, most counties score poorly in environmental factors. Residents reported a large number of mentally unhealthy days, and seven counties have impaired food availability. Two counties have high rates of opioid-related deaths. While access to health care services is generally good, three areas report that there is little access to mental health services and dental care.

Community partners: As a new center, we are eager to work with you to help improve the skills, quality, and readiness of the health workforce available to you and to our local communities. You can help ensure that our health professionals have the skills, knowledge, and readiness that you need, and that our communities can depend on. Apply here

Programs: Our programs and activities bring participants in touch in a practical way with health care in our underserved communities. Take a look.

Our region: Locally known as “the collar counties,” this area is known for stunning scenery along the Fox River, numerous nearby lakes and its expansive shopping malls. The wide range of local attractions includes destinations as diverse as the Chicago Botanic Garden in Glencoe, the LEGOLAND Discovery Center in Schaumburg, Frank Lloyd Wright homes in Oak Park and the Ravinia Festival, held from June to September in Highland Park, to name just a few.

The Northeast Illinois AHEC region consist of nine counties and the Cook County townships of Barrington, Berwyn, Cicero, Elk Grove, Evanston, Hanover, Leyden, Lyons, Maine, New Trier, Niles, Northfield, Norwood Park, Oak Park, Palatine, Proviso, River Forest, Riverside, Schaumburg, Stickney, and Wheeling.