Greater Family Health Services & Clinics

Established as a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), Greater Family Health Services & Clinics is committed to providing high-quality, affordable healthcare to families in Illinois. Based in northern Illinois, this network of 11 community health centers serves thousands of patients across multiple counties, offering a full range of family practice, dental, pediatric, women’s health (OB/GYN), and behavioral services. Greater Family Health emphasizes comprehensive, patient-centered care, meeting the needs of underserved and vulnerable populations with a sliding-fee discount and care regardless of ability to pay. In this article, we explore Greater Family Health’s services, locations, patient resources, and how it delivers “greater” health outcomes for families in Illinois.

Greater Family Health focuses on wellness for all life stages. From infants needing well-child visits to adults managing chronic conditions or prenatal care, the clinics are a “medical home” for patients. We will cover key services like family planning and dental care, describe how patients access care through the patient portal, highlight career opportunities (“greater family health jobs”), and share patient satisfaction and community engagement stories. Throughout, we include relevant statistics and examples to show why Greater Family Health Services & Clinics stands out in the Illinois community health landscape.

What Is Greater Family Health?

Greater Family Health is the primary care organization formerly known as Greater Elgin Family Care Center. In 2002 it became a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC), which means it receives federal support to deliver comprehensive health services in underserved areas. As defined by the Health Resources and Services Administration (HRSA), FQHCs are community-based, patient-directed centers providing culturally competent, high-quality primary health care. They also integrate services like pharmacy, mental health, substance use, and oral health where barriers exist. In practice, Greater Family Health applies this model by serving vulnerable families – including people experiencing homelessness, low-income families, agricultural and migrant workers, and veterans – with an emphasis on access and inclusivity.

• History & Mission: Greater Family Health originated to serve the Elgin community and has since expanded to cover over 47 municipalities in Illinois. Its mission is to “provide quality and affordable health care services to the underserved and vulnerable populations and reduce barriers to access”. As a non-profit, it focuses on the health of the whole family, coordinating care across medical, dental, and behavioral health domains.
• Scope of Care: The organization employs a multidisciplinary team of 80+ providers – including pediatricians, family medicine doctors, OB/GYNs, dentists, psychiatrists, nurses, and social workers – to cover all aspects of family health. Notably, it offers integrated care: a child can see a pediatrician and dentist in one clinic, and a mom can get prenatal care or family planning at the same site as her child’s checkup.
• Quality Standards: Greater Family Health is nationally recognized for quality. It is accredited by The Joint Commission (Gold Seal of Approval) and certified as a Patient-Centered Medical Home (PCMH). The clinics have earned multiple awards from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services for health outcomes and efficiency. Patient satisfaction is a top priority – surveys show overall satisfaction scores never dip below 93%.

By serving 11 health centers across five counties (Lake, Cook, Kane, McHenry, and DeKalb), Greater Family Health extends its reach to diverse communities. It treats roughly 68,000 patients through about 214,000 medical, dental, and behavioral health visits each year. These centers are strategically located in towns like Elgin, Palatine, Wheeling, McHenry, and Hanover Park, making affordable care accessible close to home for many families.

Core Services Offered

Greater Family Health Services & Clinics offers a wide spectrum of health programs for all ages. Their main services include:

• Women’s Health (OB/GYN & Family Planning): As the name implies, the clinics provide complete women’s services – from routine gynecological exams to obstetrics and family planning. Expect free pregnancy testing, prenatal care (including for high-risk pregnancies), ultrasounds, in-hospital labor and delivery, and comprehensive family planning programs (birth control, contraceptive counseling, and sexual health services). These services are available at multiple sites including Elgin, McHenry, Palatine, Streamwood, and Wheeling. The organization even offers in-hospital labor and delivery at major regional hospitals, ensuring continuity of care from pregnancy to childbirth.
• Pediatric Health: Every clinic offers pediatric care. Preventive services include well-child visits, growth and development monitoring, and immunizations/vaccinations for infants and children. Families can get school or sports physicals, hearing/vision screenings, and newborn care all under one roof. For older children and teens (ages 12+), additional adolescent services are provided – including free pregnancy testing, STI testing and treatment, birth control, and counseling/therapy – recognizing that minors in Illinois can seek family planning independently.
• Adult Health (Family Medicine): Adult patients receive comprehensive care at all centers. Greater Family Health handles everything from annual physicals and preventive screenings (Pap smears, mammogram referrals, cancer screenings) to sick care and chronic disease management (diabetes, hypertension, heart disease). They accept Medicare, Medicaid, and a broad array of insurance plans. Even adults without insurance are welcome, thanks to a sliding fee discount program. Services include vaccinations, lab testing, and wellness visits. For seniors, special services like transportation assistance, dental services, and enrollment help in benefit programs are available.
• Dental Services: Good oral health is part of family health. Greater Family Health’s dental clinics (e.g. at 450 Dundee Ave in Elgin) offer comprehensive dental care. Services include routine cleanings, oral exams, X-rays, fluoride treatments, sealants, fillings, and crowns. Pediatric dental care (like silver diamine fluoride, stainless-steel crowns, and pulpotomies) is provided for children, while adults can get exams, simple extractions, and referrals for specialized needs. Insurance (including Medicaid) is accepted, and uninsured patients can apply a sliding-fee discount. (Note: School-based dental was temporarily paused due to COVID-19, but school-aged children can receive dental exams at the clinic.)
• Behavioral Health: Mental health counseling and substance abuse services are integrated into care. Individual and family therapy, psychiatric care, and substance use disorder treatment are available onsite at each clinic, recognizing that emotional well-being is critical to family health. Dedicated HIV medicine specialists and case managers also assist patients with chronic conditions or complex needs.
• Sexual and LGBTQ+ Health: Services include STI/STD testing and treatment, HIV prevention (PrEP), sexual health education, and referrals. Greater Family Health maintains an inclusive environment for all patients, and even offers LGBTQ+ specific resources and sensitivity-trained staff.

Together, these services make “greater” family health a reality: families have coordinated access to medical, dental, and behavioral care in one organization. All clinics use a unified electronic health record so providers share information seamlessly. This integrated approach – often called medical home or integrated health care – avoids fragmentation. As a result, patients don’t have to visit multiple practices for their dental, mental health, or primary care needs. Key service features include:

• Adult and child healthcare under one roof (family practice clinics).
• Comprehensive women’s health (from family planning to labor/delivery).
• Full dental suites at major sites for preventive and restorative care.
• Behavioral health counselors on staff for every patient need.
• Preventive services (vaccines, screenings) free or low-cost to improve community health.
• Special programs (HIV care, addiction recovery, maternal-child health) tailored to vulnerable groups.

Notably, family planning is a cornerstone of the women’s health program. Greater Family Health provides free pregnancy testing and birth control counseling as part of its women’s services. This aligns with the goal of supporting family health and responsible parenthood, especially for young or uninsured patients. The clinics’ pediatric and adolescent services also respect minors’ rights: Illinois law allows youth 12+ to obtain family planning and counseling services without parental consent, and Greater Family Health honors that.

Locations and Accessibility

Greater Family Health has 11 clinic locations in the Chicago northwest suburbs and surrounding region, making care convenient for many communities. The centers are distributed in five Illinois counties, including Cook, Lake, Kane, McHenry, and DeKalb. Key locations include:

• Elgin: Two sites (373 Summit St and 450 Dundee Ave) serve the Elgin area (Zip 60120). The 373 Summit St clinic offers family practice and internal medicine hours as early as 6am, and the Dundee Ave site houses dental and women’s services.
• Palatine: At 345 W. Northwest Hwy (Upper Level), Palatine, IL 60067 – open with extended hours for patients north of Chicago.
• Hanover Park: 1515 E. Lake St #202, Hanover Park, IL 60133 – another accessible clinic for DuPage County residents.
• Wheeling: 300 McHenry Rd, Wheeling, IL 60090 – convenient for northern Cook County.
• McHenry: 3901 Mercy Dr, McHenry, IL 60050 – serving rural Lake County communities.
• DeKalb: 2550 N. Annie Glidden Road, DeKalb, IL 60115 – the original clinic site (former Elgin center) now supporting northern Illinois families.
• Streamwood: 135 E. Irving Park Rd, Streamwood, IL 60107 – meeting the need in northwest Cook County.
• Sycamore: 165 E. Plank Rd, Sycamore, IL 60178 – a location in DeKalb County extending service reach.
• Franklin Park: 10225 Grand Ave, Franklin Park, IL 60131 – for patients in southwest Cook County (appts by phone or portal).
• Chicago / Des Plaines: (Coming soon) – Greater Family Health announced an August opening in Des Plaines, further expanding access in the Chicago area.

Each location has convenient hours (some open on Saturdays, some as early as 6am) and drop-in (“walk-in”) availability for urgent needs. Despite training closures mid-day twice a month, patients can generally find same-day or next-day appointments. The organization notes that 84% of patients live within a 15-minute drive of their clinic (internal data not shown here). All centers also support multiple languages and culturally sensitive care to serve Illinois’s diverse population.

Greater Family Health participates in all major public insurance programs (Medicaid/AllKids, Medicare) and most private plans. For uninsured patients, a Sliding Fee Discount Program adjusts charges based on income (nearly 98% of patients are at or below 200% of the federal poverty line). This ensures no one is turned away for inability to pay. Additionally, the clinics connect patients to health insurance enrollment and 340B drug discounts for affordable prescriptions. These efforts reflect the ethos of “healthcare for all,” a founding principle of this FQHC organization.

Patient Portal and Resources

Greater Family Health offers a secure patient portal (NextGen PXP) to help patients manage their care online. Through the portal, patients can:

• Message Providers: Send questions or updates directly to your doctor or nurse via secure messaging.
• View Lab Results: Access lab and test results as soon as they are available.
• Request Appointments: Schedule or change appointments online without a phone call.
• Pay Bills: View and pay medical bills electronically with ease.
• Refill Medications: Request prescription refills conveniently from home.
• Health Records: Request copies of health records if needed.

Signing up for the portal is “fast, easy, and secure”. Tutorials are available in English and Spanish on the site. The portal is also mobile-friendly, letting busy families manage care from any device. In addition to the portal, Greater Family Health provides extensive patient education resources: printed forms, multilingual health education materials, and health workshops (for example, diabetes prevention classes and parenting support groups). The Patient Resources section on the website and in offices further guides users to services like nutrition counseling, social services, and community support programs.

Careers at Greater Family Health

Greater Family Health’s success depends on a skilled workforce. The “Careers” section invites job seekers to view open positions on the Paycom portal. They hire for a wide range of roles: physicians (family practice, pediatrics, OB/GYN, psychiatry, etc.), nurse practitioners, dentists, dental hygienists, nurses, social workers, medical assistants, front-desk staff, and more. Positions are full-time, part-time, and PRN (as-needed) to provide flexibility for employees. The organization is an Equal Opportunity Employer and prides itself on a team-oriented atmosphere.

Greater Family Health offers an attractive benefits package to attract quality staff. Benefits include medical, dental, vision insurance, paid time off, disability coverage, retirement plans, and continuing education support. Notably, as an FQHC, the sites carry Health Professional Shortage Area (HPSA) scores, making practitioners eligible for federal Loan Repayment and Scholarship programs (e.g., NHSC) to reduce student debt. This is a big draw for doctors and nurses interested in public health: for example, their Primary Care HPSA Score is 19 (higher scores increase loan repayment eligibility).

Potential applicants are encouraged to click here (see sources) to reach the Paycom portal and apply. The careers page emphasizes the organization’s mission-driven culture: employees help “reduce barriers” and serve vulnerable populations. Employee testimonials (from Glassdoor/Indeed) praise the mission but note that work can be fast-paced. Overall, working at Greater Family Health is often described as rewarding for those passionate about community health.

Patient Satisfaction and Reviews

Greater Family Health measures and shares patient satisfaction data transparently. Since 2005, it has collected quarterly survey results and never scored below 93% overall satisfaction. Patients frequently commend the staff’s helpfulness and attentiveness: testimonials on the site include “Everyone is very helpful and answers all my questions. Very attentive staff.” and “I like the service and kindness from all the personnel.”. These comments underscore the positive experiences many families have at these clinics.

Beyond internal surveys, the organization is joint commission-accredited – a prestigious “Gold Seal of Approval” requiring unannounced surveys every three years. It is repeatedly recognized at the national level for clinical quality and cost-effectiveness. For example, in 2023 Greater Family Health became a Million Hearts® Hypertension Control Champion, reflecting its success in managing patients’ high blood pressure. These accolades can build trust for new patients researching the organization.

On review platforms, comments echo these themes. (For instance, one Yelp reviewer noted being “very impressed with the front desk staff” and another praised the caring providers.) While online ratings vary by location, the consensus highlights comprehensive care and affordability. The Illinois state has also consistently funded community health centers like these due to their demonstrated impact on public health. For families considering Greater Family Health, these quality metrics and patient stories offer reassurance of a patient-centric, effective care environment.

Key patient satisfaction highlights:

• 93–100% patient satisfaction scores each quarter (highest scores in areas like provider interaction and facility cleanliness).
• Accredited and nationally recognized: Joint Commission Gold Seal, PCMH certification, Million Hearts Champion status.
• Patient testimonials praise staff friendliness, quick appointments, and family-friendly atmosphere.

Community Engagement and Events

Greater Family Health actively participates in community events and partnerships. For example, in December 2023 the organization teamed up with Northwest Community Healthcare (now part of Endeavor Health) to host holiday “Winter Wonderland” events at its Wheeling and Palatine centers. At these events children and families enjoyed festive activities (crafts, Bingo, pictures with Santa, etc.), illustrating the staff’s commitment to more than just medical care – they build community connection. Endeavor Health donated gifts for children, reflecting a long-standing collaboration; Greater Family Health and Endeavor have partnered for six years on such events. This type of outreach emphasizes that health centers are also community hubs fostering wellness and joy.

Another example of community impact: in April 2022 State Senator Craig Wilcox visited the McHenry clinic to recognize its work as a Federally Qualified Health Center. The organization also helps patients with social needs – for instance, offering mobile food pantries or transportation assistance during flu shot drives. These efforts show that Greater Family Health is not merely a medical facility, but an invested member of each community it serves.

Children and families enjoying holiday activities at a Greater Family Health Winter Wonderland community event.

FAQs

Q: What services are offered by Greater Family Health Services & Clinics?
A: Greater Family Health is a full-service community health center. It provides primary care for all ages (family medicine for adults and seniors, well-child care and adolescent health), women’s health/OB-GYN services (including family planning, prenatal and gynecologic care), dental care (preventive and restorative for children and adults), behavioral and mental health counseling, and sexual health services. Each clinic offers most of these services on-site, so a family can receive medical, dental, and counseling services all in one visit. The clinics also offer specialty programs (HIV care, substance use treatment, chronic disease management) and supportive services like health insurance enrollment assistance. All services are delivered in a culturally competent way to meet diverse patient needs.

Q: Where are Greater Family Health locations and how can I find one near me?
A: There are 11 Greater Family Health centers in the Chicago suburbs of Illinois. Key locations include Elgin (Summit St and Dundee Ave), Palatine, Hanover Park, Wheeling, McHenry, Franklin Park, DeKalb, Streamwood, and Sycamore. Each location has posted hours (most are open Monday through Friday, with some offering Saturday hours). To find the nearest clinic, patients can visit the Greater Family Health website’s “Locations” page or call the main number (844-599-3700). All sites accept walk-in appointments when available, but scheduling ahead via the portal or phone is recommended.

Q: Does Greater Family Health accept Medicaid or uninsured patients?
A: Yes. Greater Family Health accepts most insurance plans, including Medicaid (AllKids), Medicare, and private plans. It also offers a sliding fee discount for low-income, uninsured patients – nearly all patients qualify for some discount because 98% have incomes below 200% of the federal poverty level. The clinics help patients apply for Medicaid or marketplace insurance. In short, no one is refused care due to inability to pay.

Q: How do I make an appointment or contact Greater Family Health?
A: To schedule an appointment, patients can call 844-599-3700 (toll-free) or use the online patient portal. The portal (pxpportal.nextgen.com) also lets patients request appointments and message providers conveniently. In urgent cases, most clinics accept walk-ins and same-day appointments. For general inquiries, patients can fill out the “Contact Us” form on the website or follow the organization on social media (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram) for updates and health tips.

Q: How can I apply for a job at Greater Family Health?
A: Visit the Careers section on the Greater Family Health website. All current job postings (full-time, part-time, PRN) are listed there via the Paycom portal. Applicants apply online through Paycom. The organization emphasizes its mission and benefits in the job postings – for example, highlighting loan repayment opportunities for healthcare providers (due to HPSA status).

Conclusion

Greater Family Health Services & Clinics is a lifeline for family health in Illinois. With a mission-driven, patient-centered approach, it delivers comprehensive, quality care – from pediatric checkups to prenatal care, dental cleanings to therapy – in welcoming, inclusive clinics. As a Federally Qualified Health Center, it upholds standards of excellence (Joint Commission Gold Seal) and serves as a patient’s medical home, often in multiple ways. The organization’s commitment is summarized in its own words: “Care to live greater, with Greater Family Health!”.

Families in northeastern Illinois can trust Greater Family Health Services & Clinics for accessible, affordable healthcare. Whether you need a family physician, dentist, or help with family planning, these clinics provide solutions. Current and prospective patients are encouraged to explore the website, sign up for the patient portal, or call for an appointment. Those seeking careers in community health will find a supportive employer with strong benefits and a meaningful mission.

By choosing Greater Family Health, patients and employees become part of a community-focused organization that truly puts families first. Schedule your visit today or learn more about our services and career opportunities at Greater Family Health Services & Clinics. (And don’t forget to share this information on social media or leave feedback in the comments – your experience helps grow our community impact!)

Sources: Official Greater Family Health website and publications, news releases, and patient satisfaction reports (all accessed 2024–2025).