Newsroom | 2026 News Releases

The culturally sensitive OB-GYN care comes through a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Special Beginnings^® grant

CHICAGO — Chicago Family Health Center has launched a new program for women that supports physical and mental health throughout the motherhood journey. InovCares is a culturally innovative program supported by a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois Special Beginnings^® grant that revolutionizes virtual-OB-GYN care for women.

The grant InovCares has received over the last two years helps providers like Chicago Family Health Center offer virtual support to women at no cost. The telehealth service guides women through fertility, childbirth, breastfeeding, mental health and postpartum care in a culturally sensitive manner. The program connects patients with providers who offer respectful and inclusive medical services to improve trust, safety and health. Patients can also request rides to medical appointments, access healthy food options, fill prescriptions and receive baby essentials.

“We are incredibly excited to introduce the InovCares program to our patients,” said Sherry Pace, Chicago Family Health Center's CEO. “Access to comprehensive pregnancy support is vital in our communities. By providing families with essential wellness programs, tools and resources, we’re helping them begin their pregnancy journey with confidence, support and a strong foundation for healthy outcomes.”

Special Beginnings is a BCBSIL grant program that aims to lower maternal and infant death rates by directly contributing to organizations committed to improving health outcomes for mothers and babies statewide. The program focuses on expanding access to quality care, reducing health disparities and addressing social factors that influence a mother and baby’s well-being.

“By supporting programs like InovCares, we are able to address the cultural factors that might influence the physical and mental well-being of Illinois mothers,” said BCBSIL Chief Medical Officer Dr. Alvia Siddiqi. “We are committed to driving positive change for maternal and infant health and championing its advancement every step of the way.”

InovCares is one of 12 organizations that received a Special Beginnings grant for 2026-27. With a $2 million investment to these organizations, BCBSIL aims to lower pregnancy-related deaths in Illinois with preventable and reasonable intervention.

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About Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois is the largest health insurer in Illinois, serving nine million members and operating in all 102 Illinois counties. BCBSIL is a division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company and an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. 

About Chicago Family Health Center
Chicago Family Health Center is a 501(c)3 Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides access to comprehensive, coordinated healthcare on the south side of Chicago. Operating six health center sites, CFHC offers primary, dental, and behavioral health care as well as support programs for adults and children.

Media Contacts

BCBSIL
Tricia Ament
media@bcbsil.com

CFHC
Patty Johnson
pjohnson@chicagofamilyhealth.org