Who We Are
Led by the City of Rockford Health and Human Services Department, Rockford Ready is an initiative dedicated to improving the health of all Rockford residents by providing health education, connecting residents to health resources and strengthening relationships between health care providers and residents.
In partnership with the University of Illinois Chicago, College of Medicine, Office of Health Literacy and UIC College of Medicine Rockford, and trusted leaders in Rockford, we are an organization for the community, by the community.
What We Do
Rockford Ready believes that a healthier tomorrow for all residents starts with healthy practices today. Through our initiative, we encourage residents to take an active role in their health by providing information that helps Rockford residents understand how to navigate the health care system and how to access the care they need.
Through partnerships with local health care systems, community organizations, local churches and community health advocates, Rockford Ready will host and support health education and awareness events, communicate with residents online and provide accurate and timely health resources.
In addition to health literacy education, Rockford Ready promotes the safety and effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine. Schedule your vaccine appointment today!
Meet Our Team
Program Lead
Anqunette Parham
Health and Human Services, City of Rockford
The Health & Human Services Department of the City of Rockford is the designated public Community Action Agency for Winnebago and Boone Counties. Community Action Agencies exist to break the cycle of generational poverty and to mitigate the immediate effects of poverty on individuals, families and neighborhoods.
As a Community Action Agency, the Health & Human Services Department provides services to individuals, families and neighborhoods in Rockford as well as in greater Winnebago and Boone Counties. This is accomplished by addressing systemic, community and individual factors. Key strategies include provision of direct services, partnering, collaborations and advocacy.
Task Force Members
Comprised of trusted leaders in the community, the Rockford Ready Task Force oversees the development and implementation of all of Rockford Ready’s initiatives, providing input, insights and support as needed.
Anqunette Parham
Health and Human Services, City of Rockford
Dr. Paula Allen-Meares
EX-OFFICIO, UIC OFFICE OF HEALTH LITERACY
Dr. K. Edward Copeland
NEW ZION BAPTIST
Gabrielle Torina
Wabongo Leadership Council
Rev. W. Arthur Martin
PROVIDENCE MISSIONARY BAPTIST CHURCH
Dr. Rajesh Patel
Downtown Discount Drugstore
Pastor Ronald G. Alexander
HOPE FELLOWSHIP CHURCH
Ricardo Montoya Picazo
Office of State Representative Dave Vella (IL-68th)
Shelton Kay
ROCKFORD REGIONAL HEALTH COUNCIL
Partnering Health Care Systems:
Community Outreach Coordinators:
The Community Outreach Coordinators (COCs) play an important role within the Rockford Ready Initiative by providing hands-on support within the community. COCs support Rockford residents in accessing and understanding health information that residents may apply to make health-related decisions.
Tiana McCall
Shawanda Cole
BECKY COOK-KENDALL
Denise Pearson