Located in Crystal Lake, FHPC is a nonprofit clinic serving uninsured adults in McHenry County. The clinic, which does not accept insurance, operates on a sliding fee scale and will not turn anyone away due to inability to pay. 

“FHPC is an indispensable part of the safety net in McHenry County,” said Catie Schmit, president of Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital. “In a year when more residents are losing coverage or facing impossible insurance costs, their work has never been more crucial and Northwestern Medicine is proud to stand beside them.”

With local families reporting dramatic increases in monthly premiums, shrinking provider networks, and rising copays, the clinic expects a sharp uptick in the number of patients needing care in 2026. To meet growing demand, FHPC hired additional staff, expanded clinic operations, adopted telehealth efficiencies, and strengthened transition of care workflows to handle the anticipated surge.

Despite the mounting pressures, FHPC’s executive director Suzanne Hoban says support from community partners like Northwestern Medicine is one factor that has prepared the organization to meet this growing demand for patient care. 

“Northwestern Medicine has been a fabulous partner and truly a gold standard in what community collaboration looks like,” said Hoban. “This collaboration is built on what truly matters: ensuring that no one in our community goes without care simply because they can’t afford insurance.”

Support Built on “Time, Talent, and Treasure”

According to Hoban, Northwestern Medicine’s support is built on three essential needs: time, talent and treasure. This includes volunteer physicians, access to specialty care and funding to support the clinic’s operations. An annual grant funds nursing staff, supply purchasing, and essential programs such as the in‑house pharmacy and food pantry. 

In 2025, the number of Northwestern Medicine physicians volunteering to see patients at FHPC more than doubled, making it possible to serve significantly more patients without increasing wait times for appointments.

“Our physicians volunteer because they believe deeply in the clinic’s mission,” said Irfan Hafiz, MD, chief medical officer at Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock hospitals. “They see firsthand how removing barriers like transportation, cost, and medication access can dramatically change a patient’s health trajectory. This is the kind of work that reminds us why we went into medicine.”

When a patient requires care beyond the capabilities of the clinic, they have streamlined access to advanced specialty care through Northwestern Medicine, as well as access to financial assistance and counseling.

“Northwestern Medicine works with us to fast‑track financial assistance applications for FHPC patients needing specialty services, surgeries, and follow‑up care,” said Hoban. “This is vital for our patients with needs outside the bounds of primary care. A lack of insurance doesn’t prohibit them from receiving lifesaving care.”

High-Quality Care for Those with Nowhere Else to Turn

Unlike federally qualified health centers (FQHCs), FHPC receives no federal funding and does not accept Medicaid or private insurance. The clinic exclusively provides care to uninsured residents of McHenry County. All operations are funded by community donors, charitable foundations, and partners like Northwestern Medicine.

The clinic provides comprehensive primary care along with behavioral health and specialty clinics for endocrinology and orthopedics, as well as in-house optometry, physical therapy, dental care, pharmacy, and a food pantry to address social determinants of health.

Many FHPC patients present with high‑acuity, chronic illnesses more typically seen in hospital settings, including uncontrolled diabetes, hypertension, mental health conditions, cardiac issues, and neurologic disorders. 

“Our patients are sick. They’re not coming in for annual physicals but arriving with complex medical needs that would be rare in a typical primary care office,” Hoban said. “Social determinants, such as poverty, food insecurity, or impossible work schedules, contribute to this acuity and lead many patients to delay needed care for much too long. Our model removes every barrier we can.”

The clinic’s integrated approach with labs, clinical care, medication dispensing, and social support all under one roof, allows patients working multiple jobs or without access to reliable transportation to access care efficiently and consistently. Despite misconceptions about charitable clinics, FHPC delivers outcomes that often outperform privately insured patient populations.

“One of the strengths of FHPC is their comprehensive care model that gives patients access to labs, medications, behavioral health services and specialty clinics all under one roof,” said John Guido, MD, radiologist and immediate past medical staff president for Northwestern Medicine McHenry, Huntley and Woodstock Hospitals, who helped drive the increase in Northwestern Medicine physicians volunteering at FHPC. “In this integrated environment, patients receive continuous care rather than episodic, crisis‑driven care, which we know leads to better long‑term outcomes. For physicians who volunteer their time and expertise, this model allows them to practice high‑quality, efficient medicine for the patients they serve.”

Preparing for a Hard Year Ahead

As health insurance premiums spike—jumping from $300 to more than $1,000 a month for some McHenry County residents —a growing number of people have dropped coverage all together. This trend could bring an unprecedented wave of newly uninsured adults in the county. Even with this anticipated surge of newly uninsured, FHPC is ready to meet the demand and Northwestern Medicine is ready to support them. 

“This collaboration is a model for what community healthcare can look like,” said Schmit, who is on the board of FHPC. “In a challenging healthcare environment, together FHPC and Northwestern Medicine demonstrate that mission‑driven partnerships can still thrive and make a meaningful impact.”

FHPC aims to not only provide high quality care, but to also deliver it with compassion and respect.

“This is a systemic failure, not an individual one,” said Hoban. “Losing insurance shouldn’t be a source of shame. We want people to know we are here for them – before their health crisis becomes an emergency.”

For more information about FHPC and to find community resources, visit https://hpclinic.org/.  

“About 15 to 20 minutes later, I heard a sudden grunt and out of the corner of my eye, I saw Derrick’s arm come up, pressed tightly against his chest,” said Zebedee, also a Waukegan resident. “I asked again, ‘Are you okay?’ but when I turned to look at him fully, he said nothing. The look in his eyes is something that still haunts me to this day.”

Recognizing the symptoms as a potential heart attack, Zebedee rushed to the nearest emergency department at Northwestern Medicine Catherine Gratz Griffin Lake Forest Hospital.

“I drove right up to the ER doors, telling the man behind the counter, ‘My son’s having a heart attack.’ Derrick walked in on his own, still holding his arm against his chest,” recalled Zebedee. “They took him into a room right away while I waited in what felt like an eternity of silence in the waiting room. From then on everything was overwhelming and unfamiliar.”

Hall was experiencing a non–ST elevation myocardial infarction (NSTEMI), a type of heart attack caused by a partial blockage in a coronary artery, the blood vessels that carry oxygenated blood to the heart. Clinicians also discovered that he had advanced coronary artery disease, far more extensive than typically seen in someone his age.

“When blood flow is reduced, the heart struggles to function; it’s unable to beat properly and becomes deprived of oxygen, which damages the heart muscle and can quickly become life threatening,” explained Ricardo Boix Garibo, MD, cardiac surgeon at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. “Time is critical during a heart attack. His mother’s quick recognition of symptoms and decision to get him to the hospital quickly likely saved Derrick’s life and prevented more extensive damage to his heart.”

After initial stabilization, Derrick was transferred to Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital for planned surgery later in the week. Within hours of arrival, his condition became urgent.

“Despite an intra‑aortic balloon pump and nitroglycerine drip, Derrick continued to have significant chest pain,” said Dr. Boix. “His risk was increasing quickly. We made the decision to take him for emergency surgery.”

Dr. Boix performed a coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedure with support from an extensive multidisciplinary team.

“Heart surgery requires a highly coordinated team effort — from the surgeon, cardiologists, anesthesia staff, physician assistants and perfusion teams to our nurses and ICU staff. Every individual plays a vital role,” Dr. Boix said. “At McHenry Hospital, we are privileged and fortunate enough to have an exceptional team prepared to respond rapidly in emergency situations. Their skill, dedication, and teamwork are reflected in outstanding patient outcomes such as this one.”

Hall’s postoperative recovery went smoothly and he continues to do well during follow‑up visits. While he is feeling good, he says he is still working to build back his strength and endurance.

“I know it will take time, but I’m feeling good and continuing to improve,” said Hall. “I am increasing my walking distance and I just had a stress test, which went well. I am looking forward to getting back to how I was before the heart attack.”

Family Praises Skill, Communication, and Compassion

For Zebedee, the experience was overwhelming from the moment her son was taken back for treatment. She credits the Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital team with bringing structure, calm, and clarity during the most frightening hours of her life.

“A room was ready the second he arrived. There were monitors, wires—people moving quickly but with complete control,” Zebedee said. “They allowed us to stay with him, talked us through everything, and never made us feel like we were in the way. Their compassion stayed with us.”

Meeting Dr. Boix gave both the patient and family a sense of immediate trust.

“He was calm, gentle, and honest,” said Zebedee. “He explained the plan without rushing, always giving us time to ask questions. After the surgery, he checked on Derrick regularly and walked us through every detail of what he had done. His patience and kindness meant everything.”

“Dr. Boix was incredible through the whole thing,” recalled Hall. “He always took the time to explain what was going on, what was going to happen and what I could expect. He listened to me and my family when we had questions.” 

The family was so moved by the care they received that they wrote letters to Dr. Boix and the ICU staff, delivering them in person. Hall’s nephew personally thanked Dr. Boix for saving his best friend. 

“We needed them to know what they did for us,” Lisa said. “They didn’t just care for Derrick, they cared for our family. Dr. Boix is our hero, and the entire team will always hold a place in our hearts.”

A Silent Risk That Often Goes Undetected in Younger Adults

Hall’s diagnosis also sheds light on a growing but often overlooked reality: coronary artery disease can develop at any age, and many people don’t know they have it until a cardiac event occurs. While undergoing testing for his heart attack, physicians discovered that Derrick had advanced coronary artery disease, far more severe than what doctors typically see in someone in their mid‑30s.

“I had no idea heart disease could happen to me, especially at 35,” said Hall. “There’s no heart history in my family, so we were all surprised.”

Coronary artery disease can progress silently for years. When arteries begin to narrow and reduce blood flow, the heart becomes deprived of the oxygen it needs to function properly, which can quickly become life‑threatening if not treated.

Heart disease remains the leading cause of death in the United States. Nearly half of all Americans have some form of cardiovascular disease, often without knowing it. Understanding personal risk factors and staying proactive about screenings, blood pressure checks, and cholesterol management can help identify problems before a life-threatening event.

“Prevention and early detection are critical,” Dr. Boix said. “Derrick’s story is a powerful reminder that heart disease does not always look the way we expect. Knowing your personal risk factors, including family history, and focusing on a lifestyle that emphasizes exercise, healthy nutrition, and sleep are the first steps in keeping your heart healthy.”

The Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute offers risk reduction programs based on both lifestyle and genetic factors. To better understand your own heart disease risk, take the online Heart Risk Assessment. For more information about Northwestern Medicine’s top‑ranked cardiovascular care, visit nm.org/heart or call 312.NM.HEART (312.664.3278).

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

MCHENRY, IL — October 3, 2025 — Today, staff and volunteers at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital planted 200 native plants representing 23 species, marking a major expansion of the Native Garden Initiative led by Northwestern Medicine’s local Sustainability Council. With support from 15 volunteers, the hospital built on previous efforts to create spaces that meet patients’ medical needs while also enhancing their overall well-being—offering care that goes beyond traditional healthcare.

“Healing happens in more ways than one—through medicine, through connection, and through nature,” said Rebecca Standish, Sustainability Council co-lead and accreditation, clinical compliance, and policy manger at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. “These gardens are more than just plants in the ground. It’s a living, breathing space where people can take a deep breath and feel a little more whole.”

The newly added native plant species were carefully selected to support local pollinators and promote biodiversity. They complement a small garden already installed at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, offering a glimpse of the restorative spaces that will continue to grow in the seasons ahead.

The project also builds on the success of a similar garden at Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital, completed on April 30, 2025. That garden began with over 900 native plants and now thrives with more than 1,400 Illinois-native flowers and grasses. It transformed previously underused landscape into a vibrant ecosystem that supports both wellness and sustainability.

Beyond their health benefits and aesthetic appeal, these gardens represent a meaningful step toward environmental responsibility—reducing carbon emissions from mowing and addressing the broader impact of healthcare on the environment. According to the American Medical Association, the U.S. healthcare system contributes approximately 8.5% of the nation’s carbon emissions.

The Native Garden Initiatives at McHenry and Woodstock hospitals reflect Northwestern Medicine’s commitment to sustainability, wellness, and community engagement. Plans are already underway to continue expanding gardens in future seasons.

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit https://news.nm.org/.

“Every day our physicians, nurses and staff demonstrate their commitment to better medicine, better outcomes and better patient care” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “We are proud to be recognized by U.S. News & World Report Best Hospital rankings as one of the top hospitals in the U.S.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2025-26 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital is ranked No. 1 (tie) in Illinois and metropolitan Chicago.  Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked top 10 in 8 specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 7); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10); Geriatrics (No. 9); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 6); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 6); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 7); and Urology (No. 10).
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is ranked at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 10 in both Illinois and Chicago metropolitan area.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is ranked No. 17 (tie) in Illinois and No. 16 (tie) in the Chicago metropolitan area.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings

“Our continuous recognition would not be achieved if not for the dedication and commitment made each and every day by our physicians, nurses and staff to providing world-class compassionate care to our patients,” said Howard Chrisman, MD, president and chief executive officer, Northwestern Memorial HealthCare. “Driven by our Patients First mission, we strive to be better by any measure that has a positive impact on our delivery of care and patient outcomes.”

Below are highlights for Northwestern Medicine hospitals in the 2024-25 U.S. News Best Hospitals rankings:

• In addition to retaining its position on the Honor Roll of Best Hospitals, Northwestern Memorial Hospital will be designated No. 1 (tie) in metropolitan Chicago and Illinois. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is also nationally ranked in 11 specialties: Cancer (No. 20); Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery (No. 7); Diabetes & Endocrinology (No. 8); Ear, Nose & Throat (No. 16); Gastroenterology & GI Surgery (No. 10 tie); Geriatrics (No. 11); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 11); Obstetrics & Gynecology (No. 9); Orthopaedics (No. 11); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 12); and Urology (No. 12 tie). The hospital is the only Illinois hospital and one of nine hospitals in the U.S. to be recognized as “High Performing” in all 20 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Lake Forest Hospital is tied at No. 8 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. The hospital is nationally ranked in three specialties and designated as “High Performing” in four specialties: Geriatrics (No. 47); Neurology & Neurosurgery (No. 34 tie); Pulmonology & Lung Surgery (No. 50); Diabetes & Endocrinology; Gastroenterology & GI Surgery; Orthopaedics; and Urology. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 5 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Central DuPage Hospital is ranked No. 7 in both Illinois and the Chicago metropolitan area. Central DuPage is designated as “High Performing” in five specialties: Cardiology, Heart & Vascular Surgery; Geriatrics; Neurology & Neurosurgery; Orthopaedics; and Pulmonology & Lung Surgery. The hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 13 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital, Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital and Northwestern Medicine Woodstock Hospital combined are ranked No. 13 (tie) in Illinois and ranked No. 12 in Chicago metropolitan area. The hospitals are designated as “High Performing” in two specialties: Pulmonology & Lung Surgery; and Urology. The hospitals are recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Palos Hospital is tied at No. 15 in Illinois and tied at No. 13 in the Chicago metropolitan area. Palos Hospital is also recognized as “High Performing” in 9 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Marianjoy Rehabilitation Hospital is recognized by U.S. News and World Report with a national ranking of No. 45 (tie) for Rehabilitation.
• Northwestern Medicine Delnor Hospital was as “High Performing” in 4 procedures and conditions.
• Northwestern Medicine Kishwaukee Hospital is recognized as “High Performing” in 1 procedure and condition.

To view the full U.S. News & World Report rankings, visit: Best Hospitals | U.S. News Hospital Rankings and Ratings (usnews.com)

When Dale Stanish developed an intense headache, blurred vision and vertigo, it nearly stopped him in his tracks. When testing revealed the Ingleside resident had a pituitary tumor, he was relieved to not have to travel far for surgical treatment. He became the first patient at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital to undergo resection of a pituitary tumor through the nose.

The minimally invasive surgery is done using a tiny endoscope camera and light to remove tumors with long instruments inserted through the nostrils. McHenry Hospital has recently significantly invested in developing neurosurgery, ear nose and throat (ENT) surgery and neurological critical care. Many patients, Stanish included, who previously required a transfer to other institutions can now receive world class care in McHenry County.

“It is a very delicate surgery due to the location of the pituitary at the base of the skull close to the optic nerves, carotid arteries and sinuses,” said Michael Caron, MD, neurosurgeon at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital. “We were fortunate to assemble a team of highly experienced physicians to now offer this surgery locally.”

The surgery requires a team approach. ENT surgeon Mobeen Shirazi, MD, a specialist in sinus surgery, drilled small holes in bones behind the nose and sinus to create a pathway to the pituitary. Once the final thin bony structure under the pituitary was opened up, Dr. Caron removed the tumor in small pieces. During the procedure, surgeons use computer-assisted neuro-navigation, similar to a fighter jet navigation system.

“Once the tumor is removed, we patch the hole in the bone. The nasal mucosa grows back over the patch,” said Dr. Caron. “Patients heal very well, and the cure rate, depending on the type of pituitary tumor is as high as 90%.”

Just three weeks after the surgery, Stanish returned to his job as head of inventory for a paper company. He says his coworkers were astonished to see he didn’t have his head shaved or a scar.

“I’m so happy to have avoided a hole in my head, and I was grateful to have surgery close to home,” said Stanish. “My sister traveled from several hours away and stayed at my house. She and my father-in-law could easily visit me during my week in the hospital.”

Northwestern Medicine established neurosurgery services at McHenry Hospital and Huntley Hospital in February 2021 under the direction of Michael Walsh, MD, chief of neurosurgery, Northwestern Medicine Health Network.

“We are incredibly fortunate to have high caliber surgeons with valuable experience. This successful pituitary surgery marks a particularly special milestone in the growth of the program at McHenry Hospital,” said Dr. Walsh. “It is a real honor and joy to be able to improve the delivery of care to local residents.”

George E. DePhillips, MD, joined the neurosurgery program in August 2021 with a focus on spinal surgery. Dr. Caron, and Kevin Jackson, MD, members of the Northwestern Medicine Department of Neurological Surgery, joined the local team in August 2022. Dr. Caron, a neurosurgeon with more than 30 years' experience, began to develop a brain and pituitary tumor program.

To support the brain tumor program, Northwestern Medicine invested in a new neuro navigation system, operative microscope, and tumor ultrasonic aspiration instrument at McHenry Hospital. ENT instruments and endoscopes were purchased to facilitate the first trans nasal endoscopic resection. The next step is the development of a formal brain tumor clinic.

The program requires coordination among a large staff. Stanish’s treatment team included Alok Patel, MD, critical care neurologist; Adam Tiagonce, MD, anesthesiology; and Ayla Bakar, MD, endocrinology. The large support team consisted of a physician assistant, operating room (OR) nurses, OR and intensive care unit leaders, an equipment vendor coordinator, vendor representatives and additional staff.  

“Now we can perform surgery close to home for 80 to 90 percent of patients with brain tumors in the McHenry and Huntley areas,” said Dr. Caron. “Additionally, we are a destination for patients in Rockford and southern Wisconsin who want to access the Northwestern Medicine system.”

Anchored by Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Northwestern Medicine is among the nation’s leading centers in comprehensive care for brain, spine, and nervous system disorders. Northwestern Memorial Hospital is consistently ranked among the top 10 neurology and neurosurgery programs in the country by U.S. News & World Report. 

The summer and early fall blooms of Harry Piehls’ dahlias are an annual reminder that he’s received a second chance at life.

A self-admitted “big baby” when it comes to surgery, the Algonquin resident was apprehensive about treatment for a heart valve that had become too stiff to open or close properly. But when the 80-year-old became too weak to enjoy his favorite hobby of gardening, he knew something had to be done.

Piehl was experiencing aortic stenosis, in which the valve is narrowed and restricting blood flow to the heart.  Affecting 1 in 8 people over the age of 75, it is the most common type of heart valve disease. The valve needed to be replaced, but Piehl didn’t want open heart surgery. Instead, his physician suggested a minimally invasive treatment option called Transcatheter Aortic Valve Replacement (TAVR).

“Once the aortic stenosis starts limiting independent day-to-day living, there is a problem,” said Elizabeth M. Retzer, MD, interventional cardiologist at Northwestern Medicine Bluhm Cardiovascular Institute at McHenry Hospital. “Harry was so weak he could barely walk out to the garden let alone tend to it.”

However, an angiogram, the test required to see if Piehl was a candidate, made him nervous. On the day of the test, which happened to be National Flower Day, Dr. Retzer greeted Piehl with two bags of flower bulbs. Dr. Retzer, who comes from a family of farmers, gardens to relieve her own stress and has hundreds of dahlias. She knew the bulbs were the perfect way to connect with Piehl.

“She told me plant these and when they bloom you will think of me,” said Piehl. “Talking flowers with Dr. Retzer put me at ease and I was in and out before I knew it.”

Piehl was relieved to learn he was a good candidate for the TAVR procedure and within a few weeks he was back at Northwestern Medicine McHenry Hospital, this time with much less apprehension.

During the procedure, Dr. Retzer inserted a catheter (tube) up to the heart through an artery in the leg. The TAVR valve is compressed and advanced along the catheter until it reaches the diseased aortic valve. A balloon on the catheter is expanded to secure the TAVR valve and push the diseased valve out of the way.  The TAVR valve then takes over the job of regulating blood flow from the heart.

“Aortic stenosis is progressive so patients slowly slow down and don’t realize how bad their symptoms have become,” said Dr. Retzer. “Once you remove the problem, they feel like a million bucks and within weeks are back to doing what they love.”

Transcatheter techniques like those used in TAVR allow the procedure to be performed while the patient's heart is still beating, eliminating the need for the heart-lung machine and an open-heart operation.

“The TAVR valve is made from a cow, so the first thing I did when I opened my eyes was say ‘Moo!’ to my family," laughed Piehl. “The procedure was so easy for me. Getting my teeth cleaned was more uncomfortable.”

The TAVR team at Northwestern Medicine McHenry hospital recently reached a milestone, completing its 200^th TAVR procedure. The team is composed of an interventional cardiologist, cardiac surgeon, a cardiac imaging specialist, valve clinic coordinator, structural heart nurse and a structural heart nurse practitioner.

Piehl is now undergoing cardiac rehabilitation at Northwestern Medicine Huntley Hospital to fully regain his strength back.  But he is already feeling well enough to harvest his garden for a bounty of tomatoes, cucumbers and potatoes.

“I was too weak to plant my garden in the spring. My neighbors and friends had to help,” said Piehl. “Now when I look at the dahlia’s blooming, I’m reminded of how Dr. Retzer helped me get back to my life.”

To learn more about Northwestern Medicine, visit nm.org.