Pillars Community Health

03/08/2026

Today we celebrate International Women’s Day.

More than 100 years ago, women in our community came together with a shared belief: everyone deserves access to care and support. Their leadership helped lay the foundation for what is now Pillars Community Health.

Today, we honor the women who continue that legacy across our organization and throughout our community. 💜

03/04/2026

Spring sports are just around the corner.

If your child needs a school or sports physical, spring break is a great time to schedule a visit.

At Pillars Community Health, we help young athletes stay healthy, safe, and ready to play so they can focus on enjoying the season ahead.

Call 708-PILLARS to schedule.

03/03/2026

🦷 Give Kids a Smile – First Dental Visits for Little Ones
📅 This Saturday, March 7
📍 Pillars Community Health Integrated Health Center- La Grange Park

Is your child between 0–3 years old and hasn’t had their first dental visit yet?

We’re hosting a special Give Kids a Smile event designed just for little ones who are ready to begin their dental journey. Many families don’t realize children should see a dentist by age one. Starting early helps prevent cavities before they begin and builds comfort with care from the very start.

This welcoming first visit includes:
• A dental screening
• A gentle cleaning, if appropriate
• Oral health education for parents and caregivers
• A take-home goodie bag with dental essentials

Healthy habits start early. We’re here to help.

Call 708-PILLARS today to reserve your child’s spot.

03/02/2026

Registration is now open for the Spring 2026 Buddy’s Place 8 Week Session at Pillars Community Health.

When a child experiences the death of someone significant, grief can show up in many different ways. It may come and go. It may look like sadness, anger, quietness, or questions. There is no timeline and no single way to grieve.

Buddy’s Place provides peer support and grief education for children and teens, along with guidance for caregivers who want to better understand and support the young people in their lives.

The Spring session meets on Tuesday evenings in Western Springs from March 31 through May 19.

If your family could benefit from connection and support, we invite you to learn more and register on our website. Space is limited.

Registration is open for Buddy’s Place Spring 2026. Free 8 week grief support for children, teens, and caregivers in Western Springs.

02/27/2026

“They’ve called me 15 times asking where I am.”
“He gets mad when I hang out with my friends.”
“She pushed me against my locker.”

Is this normal?

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month.
1 in 3 teens experiences some form of dating violence — and it’s not always physical.

Jealousy. Constant texting. Isolation. Pressure. Control disguised as “love.”

Know the signs. Start the conversation.

Read more on our blog: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/dont-confuse-love-and-abuse-a-discussion-about-teen-dating-violence/

If you need support, our 24-hour hotline is 708-485-5254.

February is Teen Dating Violence Awareness Month, a national campaign to spread awareness about intimate partner violence among teenagers in their relationships.

02/26/2026

You don’t have to have it all figured out to reach out.

You don’t need the right words.
You don’t need a perfect plan.
You don’t need to wait until things feel “bad enough.”

If something doesn’t feel right — physically, emotionally, or in your relationships — that’s reason enough.

At Pillars Community Health, whole-person care means we start with you.
Your story. Your pace. Your goals.

📞 708-PILLARS 🌐PillarsCommunityHealth.org

02/24/2026

We are genuinely excited to share that Lanita Higgs-Jackson has been appointed Interim President and Chief Executive Officer by the Pillars Community Health Board of Directors.

Lanita embodies the steady, compassionate leadership that defines PCH. With more than seven years of service — and continuing as Chief Financial Officer — she brings experience, integrity, and an unwavering commitment to whole-person care.

We are confident, energized, and grateful for her leadership at this important moment for our organization and the communities we serve.

Please join us in congratulating Lanita.

02/23/2026

Join Buddy’s Place and Pillars Community Health as we host the 2026 National Webcast from NACG National Alliance for Children's Grief.

Trauma-Responsive Grief Support for Youth & Families Impacted by Homicide Deaths will be presented by Samantha Anthony, Sam Middleton, and Katherine Streit of Uplift Center for Grieving Children.

This professional training will explore trauma-responsive, culturally grounded approaches to supporting youth and families impacted by violence and loss. Participants will engage with the live national webcast while learning alongside local, grief-focused professionals.

Tuesday, March 3, 2026
12 – 3:30 p.m.
Pillars Community Health
5220 East Avenue, Countryside

Register here: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/event/trauma-responsive-grief-support-for-youth-families-impacted-by-homicide-deaths/

02/16/2026

Young people in our communities are facing real mental health challenges—and community conversations like this matter.

PCH will be on-site at The Riverside Township Mental Health Board’s presentation, “The Kids Are Not Alright,” on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1 p.m. at Riverside Town Hall.

Members of our team will be available to share resources and participate in the panel discussion, helping connect families, caregivers, educators, and community members to support, education, and care.

This free presentation will explore the factors affecting youth mental health and highlight local agencies working to meet this moment.

We are grateful to be part of a community committed to supporting young people and ensuring care is accessible when it’s needed most.

Learn more and join the conversation.

The Riverside Township Mental Health Board will be hosting a FREE presentation for the community at the Town Hall on Saturday, February 21st at 1pm. More info on the flyer below:

02/15/2026

Teen dating violence often goes unseen—but it affects young people in every community. About 1 in 12 teens experience physical dating violence, and 1 in 10 experience sexual dating violence.

Talk to teens about dating, set clear expectations, and offer support to help them form safe, healthy relationships.

Our latest blog explores:
• Warning signs and risk factors
• How dating violence affects mental health
• How adults can support and protect teens

No teen should have to navigate this alone. Reach out to Pillars Community Health for resources, support, and guidance today.

Take the first step to protect teens—read more: https://pillarscommunityhealth.org/understanding-teen-dating-violence/

If you or someone you know needs support, call 708-PILLARS now. Our help is available 24/7—don’t wait to get support.

Teen dating violence affects young people ages 12–18 and can take many forms. Learn the signs, risk factors, and how to support teens.

02/12/2026

02/12/2026

Some days feel heavier than others.

If you are going through a tough moment, you are not alone. Pause. Breathe. Focus on one small, manageable next step. Reach out to someone you trust.

Support is available.

Call 708-PILLARS to connect with Pillars Community Health Mental Health Crisis Line and Behavioral Health Services.
Call or text 988 for the Su***de and Crisis Lifeline.

PillarsCommunityHealth.org