WBEZ highlights Chicago’s death gap, interviews C3EN’s David Ansell and Ayesha Jaco
On November 20, 2025, WBEZ reported on the 20-year death gap among residents in Chicago. C3EN Community Engagement Core co-director David Ansell and CSAC member Ayesha Jaco, executive director of West Side United, both weigh in.
CSAC Member Highlight: Dee Atkins
I want to contribute to research and studies that lead to effective, culturally responsive interventions that make certain access to quality healthcare is not determined by where someone lives or their background.
CSAC Member Highlight: Kathryn Welch
Food education is fundamental to addressing a number of chronic conditions like diabetes, hypertension, and heart disease. If we can help people make healthier food choices, we can prevent a lot of these diseases. It’s also linked to mental health—if we feel good physically, it can affect our mood and reduce the likelihood of things like violence or anger. Food plays a role in our overall health, and if we address it, we can make an impact on a range of issues in the community.
CSAC Member Highlight: Elizabeth Tumiel
One of the biggest issues to resolve is making sure that everyone is included in decisions that impact them. Throughout my career, I’ve tried to create opportunities for not only community involvement but community leadership.
CSAC Member Highlight: Veronica Fitzpatrick
My research is primarily in the maternal child health space, with a concentration on how we deliver care to vulnerable populations. I hope to figure out a way to lessen (or eliminate!) adverse outcomes related to perinatal care by focusing on the care delivery structure as opposed to the individual pregnant person