The Chicago South Side Birth Center officially broke ground on April 7, marking a milestone for maternal health in the city and reflecting a broader movement toward community-led care.
Founded by Jeanine Valrie Logan, a midwife and Chicago Beyond’s second Leader in Residence, the birth center aims to address longstanding gaps in traditional systems of care for families on the South Side. The initiative highlights the importance of leaders with direct experience and insight into local needs.
The groundbreaking event also coincides with Chicago Beyond’s 10-year anniversary. The organization said this milestone represents a decade of supporting leaders who are closest to pressing issues and best positioned to design lasting solutions.
Recent coverage of the event appeared across several news outlets, including FOX 32 Chicago, CBS News Chicago, and WTTW News. Reports indicate that the birth center is expected to open in early 2027 and will be led by Black midwives dedicated to expanding access to maternal healthcare services.
As work begins on the new facility, organizers hope it will serve as an example for similar efforts nationwide focused on community-driven approaches to healthcare.
