Hospital Sisters Health System, with locations in Illinois and Wisconsin, has created a digital database called HSHS Community Connect to help people reach and learn about available free or reduced-cost community-based services.
"As a health care system, we see members of our community every day who are experiencing food insecurity, homelessness, or in need of financial aid. With HSHS Community Connect, we can find local resources to connect our patients with the support they need," Kim Luz-Mobley, system executive director of community health, said in a statement.
HSHS Community Connect will help the system address social determinants of health, including access to medical care.
The database includes hundreds of local resources, including for food pantries, housing and temporary shelter, medical care, financial aid, personal safety, baby items and transportation.
Patients can access HSHS Community Connect at hshs.org/connect or through their patient portal.