Malcolm X College to hold its first ever Health Equity Summit on March 18 & 19

CHICAGO— (March 10, 2026) – Malcolm X College’s inaugural Health Equity Summit is a two-day convening bringing together healthcare leaders, educators, students, advocates, and community members to address health inequities across Chicago, with a focus on collaboration, community engagement, and actionable solutions. The event is free and open to the public with registration or visit ccc.edu/mxhealthsummit.

This summit is designed to become an annual gathering, creating space for shared learning, dialogue, and momentum toward a stronger and healthier Chicago and it will take place from 9am to 2pm each day on March 18 through March 19, 2026, in the conference center of Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson Boulevard in Chicago. In addition, CEU credit option available for eligible attendees.

“Malcolm X College is proud to convene leaders, students, educators, and community members for our inaugural Health Equity Summit as we work together to confront the health disparities affecting communities across Chicago. By centering collaboration and the voices of those most impacted we are creating space for meaningful dialogue and actionable solutions that can transform health outcomes,” said Dr. David Sanders, president of Malcolm X College. “We envision this summit becoming an annual catalyst for partnership, learning, and sustained progress toward a stronger and healthier Chicago for all.”

The event is programmed and hosted by Malcolm X College, its Student Activities Department, Student Government Association (SGA) and Malcolm X College Nursing Department.

The Why

Health equity is foundational to quality of life. Chicago continues to experience significant disparities in health outcomes, access to care, and wellness resources—particularly on the South and West Sides.

The Health Equity Summit was created to:

• Center community voices in conversations about health
• Bring cross-sector stakeholders to the table
• Address disparities such as pharmacy deserts, medical deserts, and social drivers of health
• Encourage collaboration that leads to long-term solutions and sustained impact

The social drivers of health, also known as social determinants of health, are the non-medical conditions and environments where people are born, live, learn, work, play, and age. These factors significantly influence a wide range of health outcomes, functioning, and quality-of-life risks. Research suggests that the social drivers of health can account for up to 80% of health outcomes, often carrying more weight than clinical care or genetic factors (source: CDC).  The terminology uses the word “drivers” to emphasize that these conditions are changeable.

Program Highlights

Wednesday, March 18 (Health Equity & Nursing Leadership – CEU Day) 

• Focus on nursing leadership, innovation, and education
• Keynote by Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige, Commissioner, Chicago Department of Public Health
• Sessions on innovation, global health leadership, climate & health, AI in nursing education, and Narcan training

Thursday, March 19 (Health Equity in Chicago’s Communities)

• Focus on pharmacy deserts, medical deserts, and community-based solutions on Chicago’s South and West Sides
• Keynote by Dr. Adebayo Adelanke Bademosi, President, Advocate Trinity Physician Health Organization
• Mini keynote by Dr. Bonnie Mosley
• Panels featuring healthcare executives, clinicians, pharmacists, community leaders, and wellness practitioners
• Breakout sessions on social drivers of health, community health workers, asthma disparities, and an evening film discussion

Speakers include:

• Dr. Olusimbo “Simbo” Ige – Chicago Department of Public Health
• Dr. Adebayo Adelanke Bademosi – Advocate Trinity Physician Health Organization
• Dr. Bonnie Mosley
• Dr. Manuel “Manny” Hernandez
• Dr. Paris Thomas – Equal Hope
• Dr. Krystal Preston
• Gloria West
• Drea Slaughter
• Sheanah Rivers
• Additional academic, healthcare, and community leaders

About Malcolm X College

Malcolm X College enrolls both credit and non-credit students. Located near the Illinois Medical District, Malcolm X is City Colleges of Chicago center of excellence in health sciences education and boasts a state-of-the-art campus that includes the School of Health Sciences and School of Nursing, featuring a virtual hospital. Malcolm X also includes its satellite location, Malcolm X College West Campus. Malcolm X College oversees the largest ensemble of Health Science programs in the State of Illinois and boasts one of the best Nursing programs in Illinois as recognized by Registered Nurse.com.