Abbott confirms HealthReach partnership increased healthcare access

Abbott has confirmed that a $1 million (490,000 pound) partnership with the Illinois-based HealthReach clinic has doubled its capacity to provide healthcare to those with inadequate medical insurance.

Based in Lake County, Illinois, the HealthReach Mundelein Clinic was renovated as a result of the funds which extended the clinic’s resources and allowed it to serve more patients.

New patient exam rooms, dental exam rooms, a clinical laboratory and greater office support rooms were all designed and built by Abbot volunteers.

Three-quarters of the fund was earmarked to the clinic’s renovation while $250,000 was contributed to volunteer support and medical products which included a year’s supply of critical medications.

Mike Warmurth, vice-president of Global Engineering Services at Abbott, confirmed the importance of the HealthReach clinic, illustrating that it provides vital services to large parts of the community.

“Abbott and its employee volunteers are proud to help HealthReach. Through partnership, we can all work together to expand access to health care,” he said.

Jim Zimmerman, executive director of HealthReach, welcomed the funding and volunteer support from Abbott, indicating that it allowed the clinic to expand its services for Lake County residents in need.

Earlier this month, Abbott pledged to reduce its total US greenhouse gas emissions by two per cent from 2006 to 2011.