CHICAGO — The Center for Better Aging has completed its first major capital investment, unveiling a new state-of-the-art CT and mammography suite at St. Bernard Hospital’s Ambulatory Care Center in Englewood. The facility brings advanced health screening and diagnostic tools, including 3D imaging, to the South Side community, aiming to address long-standing disparities in care for heart disease, cancer, and other chronic conditions.
The 1,800-square-foot renovation introduces next-generation imaging technology to an area where many residents over 50 live with untreated heart disease, cancers, and other serious conditions. “Access to advanced health screening technology will help older adults enjoy long, active, and fulfilling lives in our community,” said Estrelitta Harmon, Executive Director of the Center for Better Aging.
The project is supported by a grant from the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services through the state’s Healthcare Transformation Collaboratives program, which focuses on improving health outcomes in underserved communities. The imaging suite, equipped with cutting-edge 3D technology, enables early detection of heart disease, aggressive cancers, emphysema, and bone conditions such as osteoporosis.
Heart health is a particular focus of the new facility. According to St. Bernard Hospital’s recent Community Health Needs Assessment, Englewood and West Englewood face some of the area’s highest rates of heart disease and stroke. The advanced imaging tools now available will allow for calcium scoring and other diagnostics to help detect hidden cardiac risks. “Preventing coronary artery disease takes data and diagnostics that are not available in most community hospitals,” said St. Bernard COO Roland Abellera. “Our board-certified cardiologists can now order high-quality tests that improve care quality.”
Alongside cardiac care, the expanded mammography suite offers 3D breast imaging designed to catch cancers earlier and reduce health disparities. Black women are 40% more likely to die from breast cancer than white women, according to the American Cancer Society. With the addition of a second mammography room and a soothing relaxation space featuring massage chairs and calming visuals, the new facility aims to reduce wait times and patient anxiety.
“A 3D mammogram allows cancers to be found earlier, which can save lives,” said Dr. Marijan Pejic, Medical Director for Radiology at St. Bernard Hospital. “This investment helps ensure timely and accurate testing, reducing diagnostic delays that could lead to later-stage diagnoses.”
The construction, led by Chicago-based Ujamaa Construction, also provided an economic boost to the local workforce. The project included 56% minority-owned and 19% women-owned small businesses. Antoine Young, a Ujamaa intern and construction management student at Kennedy-King College, gained hands-on experience on the project. “This facility demonstrates how local talent and resources can be mobilized to improve community health,” said Elliot Echols, Director of Construction and Facilities at the Center for Better Aging.
Beyond diagnostics, the Center for Better Aging ensures that older adults with mobility challenges or limited financial resources can access care. Nearly all St. Bernard patients are enrolled in Medicare or Medicaid, and the Center offers care coordination services to arrange medical transportation and connect patients with specialists within their insurance networks.
“Older adults often face frailty, comorbidities, and other complications that can make testing difficult,” said Dr. Monica Mahajan, Medical Director at the Center for Better Aging. “We ensure that caregivers and family members are involved in the process to provide comfort and support, creating a more personalized and effective care experience.”
With its expanded services, the Center for Better Aging and St. Bernard Hospital aim to close healthcare gaps on Chicago’s South Side, providing residents with earlier, more accurate diagnoses and a better chance at managing chronic conditions.
