Pastors, community leaders call for West Suburban hospital in Oak Park, Illinois to reopen under new leadership
Share this @internewscast.com

Sylvia Williams from West Suburban Medical Center announced that the nursing staff is organizing a press conference for Wednesday. The aim is to shed more light on the ongoing situation and to rally additional support from the community.

During a Monday evening gathering, community and religious leaders expressed concerns about the potential closure of the hospital. They warned that if the promised reopening does not occur, residents could face dire, life-threatening situations.

ABC7 Chicago is now streaming 24/7. Click here to watch

“It’s unacceptable to gamble with people’s lives in this manner,” stated Rev. Robin Hood of Redeemed Outreach Ministry.

Dr. H.A. Barlow, Pastor at Morning Star Baptist Church of Chicago and board member of Insight Hospital, added, “Turning this area into a health care desert is not an option. We cannot allow people to be left without necessary care.”

Amid the financial challenges facing West Suburban Medical Center, Chicago’s religious and community leaders are taking action. Their goal is to ensure the hospital’s reopening, but under new management.

Rev. Hood commented, “We see a significant opportunity to shift the current trajectory. Based on the information I have, it’s clear that the hospital won’t reopen under the existing administration.”

Resilience Health’s CEO spoke with ABC7 last week, saying he is working to fix a billing system problem to reopen the hospital in July.

But people at Monday night’s West Side town hall meeting, including West Suburban hospital staff, were not convinced.

“As health care workers, we don’t have faith he’s doing right with the funds that’s been appropriated to him,” said West Suburban Hospital Nursing Director Sylvia Williams. “We don’t have faith that he is the leader that will make us grow or excel.”

Louvenia Hood with Mothers Opposed to Violence Everywhere says her organization rallied to keep Mercy Hospital, now Insight, open.

“It will be devastating. There’ll be more and more and more deaths going on, waiting in the waiting rooms, and not enough doctors and nurses and stuff to take care of those individuals,” she said.

Insight’s CEO was present at Monday night’s meeting, surrounded by calls for them to step in, fearing the worst if West Suburban were to shut its doors for good.

“This is traumatic, and it’s devastating, and it just should not be. It shouldn’t be,” Barlow said.

Monday night’s group of about 30 individuals hope the meeting is the first of many to mobilize this community.

ABC7 reached out to Resilience Health and did not immediately hear back.

Copyright © 2026 WLS-TV. All Rights Reserved.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Trump reveals why he deleted AI post of himself as Jesus-like figure — and takes shot at Riley Gaines

Trump Explains Deletion of AI-Generated Jesus Image, Criticizes Riley Gaines in Latest Commentary

On Monday, President Trump clarified his decision to remove an AI-generated image…
Woman's body found floating in Long Island Sound

Body of Woman Discovered in Long Island Sound

On Monday evening, a tragic discovery was made in the Long Island…
Man caught on camera tossing puppy over gate in Mission Viejo 'coyote country' sparks outrage

Man Filmed Throwing Puppy Over Gate in Mission Viejo’s “Coyote Country” Incites Public Outrage

A distressing incident captured on video has appalled viewers and left animal…
Three-year-old girl killed, pregnant mother injured after alleged drag racers split car in half in Arizona

Tragic Accident in Arizona: Alleged Drag Racers Crash Leaves Toddler Dead and Pregnant Mother Injured

A tragic incident in Tucson, Arizona last week resulted in the death…
14-year-old charged with murder of 12-year-old in Atlanta home shooting, police say

14-Year-Old Accused in Fatal Shooting of 12-Year-Old at Atlanta Residence, Authorities Report

A young boy, just 12 years old, was tragically shot while in…
Camp Mystic official says he didn't see flood warnings issued the day before storm hit

Camp Mystic’s Unforeseen Flood: Why Crucial Warnings Went Unnoticed

The tragic events at a Texas summer camp in 2025, where 27…
Exclusive Excerpt—Rep. Elise Stefanik: ‘Poisoned Ivies: The Inside Account of the Academic and Moral Rot at America's Elite Universities’

Rep. Elise Stefanik Exposes Elite University Scandals in New Book ‘Poisoned Ivies

In an exclusive excerpt from Rep. Elise Stefanik’s latest book, “Poisoned Ivies:…
Australia appoints Susan Coyle to lead its army — the first woman in the country's history

Australia Names Susan Coyle as Its First Female Army Chief in Historic Appointment

SYDNEY — In a landmark announcement, Australia revealed on Monday that, for…
At least 16 injured in mass shooting at high school in Turkey after ex-student opens fire: report

Tragedy Strikes: Former Student’s Shooting Rampage at Turkish High School Leaves 16 Injured

In a tragic event on Tuesday, an ex-student unleashed gunfire at a…
Jon Stewart reacts to uncanny resemblance Trump's Jesus meme: 'Am I okay?'

Jon Stewart’s Hilarious Take on Viral Trump-Jesus Meme: “Is This Real Life?

WASHINGTON — On Monday evening, comedian Jon Stewart was taken aback after…
US sanctions 2 Mexican casinos over alleged ties to country's Northeast Cartel

US Imposes Sanctions on Two Mexican Casinos Linked to Northeast Cartel Activities

On Tuesday, the U.S. Treasury Department announced sanctions targeting three individuals and…
Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney secures majority government with special election wins

Mark Carney Leads Canadian Government to Majority Victory in Pivotal Election

Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney achieved a significant political milestone on Monday…