Rush University System for Health has pioneered a significant community-focused initiative by partnering with Fillmore Linen Service, a new laundry vendor on Chicago’s West Side. This strategic alliance marks the first hospital system contract for Fillmore and embodies Rush’s long-standing commitment to its mission of community investment and health equity.
Matt Walsh, Rush’s executive vice president and chief operating officer, expressed his enthusiasm: “We’re so proud to see this come to life. Fillmore is a wonderful partner for Rush to fulfill our linen needs across all facilities, enhance our environmental responsibility, and most importantly — generate jobs within our local community. This partnership exemplifies Rush’s innovative approach and dedication to reducing health disparities.”
The contract, finalized in May, designates Fillmore Linen Service as the laundry provider for all three Rush hospitals: Rush University Medical Center, Rush Copley Medical Center, and Rush Oak Park Hospital. The newly established 45,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art laundry facility is projected to create up to 175 jobs in the West Side area, acting as a catalyst for revitalization in the North Lawndale community.
A Strategic Move for Operational Efficiency and Community Growth
Rush, a major employer on Chicago’s West Side, allocates substantial funds annually to procure goods and services. The collaboration with Fillmore Linen Service is a prime example of Rush’s anchor mission strategy. This approach leverages Rush’s economic influence to drive systemic change through strategic purchasing, investments, hiring practices, and community volunteering.
Quincy Stanley, Rush’s vice president of support services, highlights the multifaceted benefits: “This relationship is a win-win situation, enhancing our operational and financial performance while simultaneously fulfilling our mission. It’s beneficial for Rush, and we are instrumental in creating pathways to meaningful employment.”
Annually, Rush hospitals process over 6 million pounds of linen. Previously, Laundry Services necessitated transporting linens out of state. This new partnership with Fillmore is anticipated to yield hundreds of thousands of dollars in annual savings for the Rush system, alongside significant environmental advantages. The close proximity of Fillmore’s facility to Rush’s locations drastically reduces greenhouse gas emissions associated with transportation.
Revitalizing a Community Landmark
Fillmore Linen Service is housed in a renovated, 111-year-old, five-story brick building, a project spearheaded by the Steans Family Foundation. This laundry service is the anchor tenant in a developing manufacturing center within the building, located at 4100 W. Fillmore St. Once fully operational with additional businesses, the center is expected to support at least 250 jobs, further boosting the local economy.
The advanced Fillmore facility is designed with a focus on efficiency and sustainability and is set to open this summer. Anticipation is building for more hospitals to contract with Fillmore, which will further solidify the creation of stable, high-quality jobs that contribute to healthier communities.
Rush’s deliberate search for a West Side laundry service partner over several years underscores its commitment to local investment.
Jennifer Steans, president and CEO of Financial Investments Corp., representing the Steans Family Foundation, acknowledged the collaborative effort: “We would not be here without Rush and their partnership with West Side United, bringing together other hospitals in this vital initiative.”
This partnership with Fillmore Linen Service is a testament to Rush’s ongoing dedication to improving health outcomes and expanding economic opportunities on the West Side. This initiative, alongside projects like Concordance Healthcare and Sankofa Wellness Village, forms a comprehensive ecosystem of new capital projects aimed at redressing historical disinvestment in the community.
Jeremy Strong, vice president of supply chain at Rush, emphasizes the strategic alignment: “With all these projects, the common thread is creative thinking and an open-minded approach, always centered on our mission. Some might perceive an anchor mission as a challenge or a risk, but it’s quite the opposite. It’s fundamentally sound business practice.”
This impactful laundry service partnership directly supports Rush’s five-year Health Equity Strategic Plan, reinforcing its dedication to community health and economic empowerment.
