The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation Contributes an Additional $25K to Rosalind Franklin University in Support of Increased Access to Care
Media Contact: Rhonda Frazier, Rhonda.Frazier@MolinaHealthCare.Com, (562) 980-3849
Lake, Ill., Jan. 20, 2026 — The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation, in collaboration with Molina Healthcare of Illinois (“Molina”), awarded a $25,000 grant to Rosalind Franklin University (“RFU”) in support of their Community Care Connection, a free mobile health program that brings health services, health literacy, and health navigation services directly to Lake County residents. Funding will support Community Care Connection’s free health services and health education workshops, helping underwrite program staff salaries and purchase the supplies needed to provide services, clinics, and workshops for community members.
In Lake County, nearly half of residents reported some difficulty accessing health care in recent years due to appointment availability, transportation, language barriers, and costs. Through this partnership, Molina and RFU are working together to make health care more accessible. The Community Care Connection mobile health vehicle travels to 125 sites a year, hosting education workshops and offering health services and medical guidance to promote continuity of care and health literacy programs to educate patients.
“One of the strengths of the Community Care Connection is that it operates directly within communities that need it most, providing health services and education workshops tailored to local needs,” said Jeff Espina, MBA, vice president of clinical services for RFU’s University Health Clinics. “Molina’s support enables us to continue to meet people where they are and deliver care to improve health outcomes in under-resourced communities.”
Each year, Community Care Connection provides approximately 15 educational lectures and 3,000 health services, including point-of-care services and childhood vaccinations.
“Our partnership with Community Care Connection builds on Molina’s commitment to bring health care services directly to the community,” said Dr. Varsha Chandramouli, chief medical officer at Molina Healthcare of Illinois. “Together with our partners, we will continue to bridge barriers to care for Lake County residents, keeping families healthier and communities stronger.”
This investment builds on two previous 2025 Molina grants that support RFU’s Chicago Medical School Mini Medical School Program and Interprofessional Community Clinic, both of which aim to strengthen the health care workforce while reducing barriers to care.
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About The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation
The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation is a 501(c)(3) established in 2020 by Molina Healthcare, Inc. The Molina Healthcare Charitable Foundation was created to improve the health and well-being of disadvantaged populations by funding meaningful, measurable, and innovative programs and solutions that improve health, life, and living in local communities
About Molina Healthcare of Illinois
Molina Healthcare of Illinois, Inc. provides government-funded, quality health care, serving members through Medicaid, Medicare, and Marketplace programs in Illinois. Through its locally operated health plans, Molina Healthcare, Inc., a Fortune 500 company, provides managed health care services under the Medicaid and Medicare programs, and through state insurance marketplaces. For more information about Molina Healthcare of Illinois, visit MolinaHealthcare.com.
About Rosalind Franklin University
Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science is committed to serving humanity through the interprofessional education of health and biomedical professionals and the discovery of knowledge dedicated to improving wellness. The university embodies the spirit of inquiry and excellence modeled by its namesake, Dr. Rosalind Franklin, whose Photo 51 was crucial to solving the structure of DNA. Recognized for its research in areas including neuroscience, brain-related diseases, inherited disorders, diabetes, obesity, and gait and balance, RFU encompasses the Chicago Medical School, College of Health Professions, College of Nursing, College of Pharmacy, School of Graduate and Postdoctoral Studies, and the Dr. William M. Scholl College of Podiatric Medicine. Learn more at rosalindfranklin.edu.