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Our Open Door Health Center Milestones
Throughout the history of the organization, Open Door has become the premier provider of sexual health and wellness in the greater Fox Valley area. The needs of our community continue to change. Open Door continues to respond. Our legacy is very important to us and has been captured in a book called The Legacy Campaign
Open Door Health Center Inception
In 1975 the Visiting Nurses Association of Elgin saw the need for sexually transmitted infection (STI) education, testing and treatment, then referred to as venereal disease or VD. They worked with other concerned citizens to develop Open Door, incorporating it as a nonprofit organization in 1977.
1975: A group of concerned citizens came together to address the high rates of sexually transmitted diseases.
1976: Our first name was, Open Door VD Clinic with offices on Division Street in Elgin.
1977: Open Door was officially incorporated as a not-for-profit organization.
1970's
Founding of Open Door
AIDS epidemic response
In the 80’s the AIDS epidemic was growing. Despite the fact there was little understanding of the disease or how it was contracted, the common factor was similar sexual experiences. Open Door saw the need to educate the community – so they started to do so.
1981: MMR published 5 cases of PCP in young gay men in LA.
1985: A test for HIV is on the market and Open Door started testing.
1987: The FDA approved AZT March of 1987.
1988: Dr. David Luck started care services at Open Door.
The 1980's
Added Location and New Leadership
Expansion and Leadership
1992: AIDS is the #1 cause of death in the U.S. for men ages 25-44.
1992: Open Door provides same day testing results.
1993: Open Door opens a second location in Aurora.
1997: Open Door receives funding from the AIDS Foundation of Chicago to expand services.
1998: Open Door moves the Aurora office to a bigger location.
1999: Long-time director, Hugh Epping retires and David Roesler is named executive director.
The 1990's
The Legacy Campaign
2001:
First All Things Chocolate fundraiser.
Open Door participates in the second Annual Fox Valley AIDS Walk.
2003: Open Door receives funding from Health Resources and Services Administration to expand medical care to five days a week.
2006: Open Door publishes a book, “The Legacy Campaign”.
2009: Jeanne White-Ginder accepts a panel for her son, Ryan White and speaks on behalf of Open Door on World AIDS Day.
The 2000's
Changes and Expansion
Open Door continues to expand efforts to provide education, testing, and treatment for sexually transmitted infections by providing opportunities in underserved communities throughout five counties. Open Door continues to expand specialty medical services to people who are living with HIV/AIDS by increasing medical and case management staff, introducing behavioral health and substance abuse services and developing a state-of-the-art medical facilities. Open Door is developing primary medical services to consumers who need their doctors to provide discrimination and stigma-free care, specifically those in the GLBT community.
As the needs of our community grow, the services of Open Door do too. We are a responsive organization providing vital services to those in need.
2013: Aurora location expands to meet the needs of the community.
2014: Greg Louganis presents at Open Door’s New Beginnings fundraiser.
2015: Open Door moves into its new location on Larkin Ave.
2016:
David passes away and Perry Maier is named interim and later becomes executive director.
Open Door awarded funding for housing services in DuPage County.
Housing satellite office opens in West Chicago.
2018:
Open Door receives funding for housing services in Kane County
2019:
Open Door opens a satellite prevention office in DeKalb.
Open Door starts weekly ambulatory care services in Joliet.
Dr. Zeba Geloo starts as the Medical Director in June.
Open Door expands prevention services to include suburban Cook county.
Perry Maier leaves Open Door to work for the Illinois Public Health Association.
The 2010's
Responding to and Rebuilding after a Pandemic
2020:
In 2020, the United States and countries around the world learned of a new medial threat, CoVid 19, and responded to save lives. The world as we knew it shifted and shut down as “stay at home” orders were put into place at local, state and federal levels. It was a frightening time, a time of crisis. For the first time since our inception, the doors of Open Door were closed for a short while. And then, just like in other times of crisis, Open Door Health Center pivoted and re-engaged with our clients and patients through the miracle of Tele Health.
Due to CoVid 19, staff of the Open Door Health Center was reduced by 67%. Out of necessity, the ODHC Team became a lean mean fighting machine. Despite this reduction in the agency work force, another pivot occurred, and the organization became a CoVid 19 testing site, a natural response of helping and healing.
A bright light for Open Door during this time was that 17 families who had been placed in housing by Open Door remained in their stable housing environments.
2021
The impact of Covid 19 is still being felt around the world.
Josh Lopez continues to provide care based on the complex needs of clients during the lockdown.
Open Door continues to ensure that people are tested for Covid, provided referrals, masks, hand sanitizer, and other mitigation supplies.
Open Door continues to use telehealth to provide medical care to our patients.
HR Services again are provided in-house with the hiring of Karina Maksinova.
2022
Perry Maier returns as the Executive Director of Open Door Health Center.
Open Door Health Center brings back counseling and testing services to Regions 1 and 7.
The AIDS Foundation of Chicago approves funding for the next 3 years, and awards funds for a benefits coordinator and support for medical services.
2023
Additional funds are awarded to provide services in Region 8 and additional funds are awarded for service provision in Regions 1 & 7.
Core Financial Services is retained as a financial partner to provide fiscal and financial oversight .
The Illinois Department of Human Services awards $250,000 to Open Door Health Center for Behavioral Health Services.