Durbin Announces $450,000 For Chicago State University Health Sciences Simulation Lab

CHICAGO – U.S. Senator Dick Durbin (D-IL) today visited Chicago State University (CSU) to discuss the $450,000 in federal funding he secured through Congressionally Directed Spending—more commonly known as an earmark—in the Fiscal Year 2022 (FY22) Omnibus appropriations bill to purchase science laboratory equipment for their Health Sciences Simulation Lab. This funding will be used to help students learn best practices in pediatric and home health care, as well as support a workforce pipeline of nurses, occupational therapists, and pharmacists.

“As the only four-year Predominately Black Institution in Illinois, CSU is committed to closing the diversity gaps in health care professions,” said Durbin. “That’s why I secured $450,000 to support their efforts to provide a high-quality education for students in the College of Health Sciences. This funding will ensure that the next generation of nurses, occupational therapists, and pharmacists get the very best training. I will continue to advocate for federal funds to diversify our health care profession.”

“Senator Durbin’s effort to secure this $450,000 federal investment to purchase necessary science laboratory equipment for our University's state-of-the-art Health Science Simulation Lab will assist CSU in providing top-level training to our students and supply the diverse leadership needed in the health profession,” said Zaldwaynaka (“Z”) Scott, Esq., President of Chicago State University. “Located in the heart of Chicago’s South Side, CSU is uniquely positioned to be the center of training for Health Sciences professionals that represent the patients they serve.” 

There is a shortage of diverse professionals in health care. Despite comprising 14 percent of the population, only five percent of physicians are Black, and there are fewer Black men entering medical school today than in the 1970s. When health care professionals reflect the diversity of the populations they serve, there is increased patient trust, improved communication, and reduced health disparities.  As the only four-year Predominately Black Institution (PBI) in Illinois, CSU is well positioned to train a diverse pipeline of medical professionals to pursue nursing, medical school, or other medical professions. CSU has a high proportion of students who come from medically underserved communities and return to their communities after graduation.