Written by kate@dcmsdocs.org on . Posted in Uncategorised
The DuPage Medical Society Foundation’s Board of Trustees met in December 2025 to discuss the future of the organization after the Medical Society ceases operations at the end of this year.
While the Medical Society and the DuPage Medical Society Foundation are separate entities, the Society always provided staffing and covered most operating expenses for the organization, allowing 100 percent of the donations to the Foundation to be used for scholarship grants.
Following weeks of extensive investigation and deliberation, Foundation Trustees ultimately voted in favor of dissolution during the meeting. The Board will now reconvene early in January to determine the distribution of assets. Foundation bylaws require that the monies go to non-profit entities sharing a mission similar to that of the Foundation.
The Board’s dissolution decision was not an easy one, but the choice was seen as the best way to ensure that the Foundation’s assets can continue to support health in the DuPage community. While the funds are expected to endow healthcare student scholarships at area educational institutions, Trustees intend to ensure that recognizing excellence, financial need, and residency rooted in DuPage County remain the criteria for determining grants.
Having contributed more than half a million dollars to support and promote community health in DuPage County over the last 60 years, the DuPage Medical Society Foundation has a rich history of which all supporters can be proud. The plans Foundation Trustees are now implementing will assure that this impressive legacy will live on.
Written by kate@dcmsdocs.org on . Posted in Uncategorised
The Board of Directors debated the future of the medical society at the Annual Meeting on Wednesday, October 8th. After much discussion, the Board unanimously agreed to dissolve the DuPage County Medical Society by December 31, 2025, and to explore options for DuPage County physicians to continue the DCMS legacy of representation, advocacy, and collaboration on a voluntary basis.
Despite many years of significant effort, the Society could not reverse the downward membership trend. The Board determined that the best use of time and resources was to focus on other organizations such as the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical Association and specialty societies. At this critical time, organized medicine is needed now more than ever.
Founded in 1918, the DuPage County Medical Society provided support, knowledge, education, and public health advocacy for local physicians and their patients. Those needs are met now through other means.
Members can be justifiably proud of our Society's many accomplishments. Your involvement has made a meaningful impact in DuPage County, Illinois, and nationally.
Thank you for your membership! We encourage you to stay involved with organized medicine by engaging with the Illinois State Medical Society, the American Medical Association, or your specialty societies to continue advocating for our profession and community.
Written by kate@dcmsdocs.org on . Posted in Uncategorised
The DuPage County Health Department hosted the ribbon-cutting ceremony for the new Crisis Recovery Center (CRC). DuPage County officials, state representatives, mayors in DuPage County, and first responders were in attendance.
Deb Conroy, DuPage County Board Chair, remarked that this was “a great day in DuPage County.” She emphasized that the new CRC creates the gold standard for mental health “in our own backyard.”
The CRC is meant to provide an alternative to jails and emergency rooms for people in crisis, either for mental health or substance use. The mental health unit provides crisis care for youth aged 5-17 and adults aged 18 and older. Although clients can stay up to 24 hours, CRC staff expect that most won’t stay that long. At the time of intake, staff will work with clients to determine the next steps in their care.
In addition to mental health services, the CRC also boasts a substance use unit. Instead of taking individuals under the influence to the emergency room, they will instead be treated at the Crisis Recovery Center for up to seven days. As Stephen Holtsford, the Health Department's Substance Use Medical Director, said, “This is a win for the community and a win for emergency rooms.”
"The opening of the DuPage County's Crisis Recovery Center (CRC) later this month will be a historic event! Members of the planning team researched the few similar places which exist around the country - determined to build a facility which would be second to none. We have achieved that goal! It is beautiful, spacious, welcoming, and safe. Our CRC will be open 24 hours a day and 7 days a week to care for children and adults with mental health and/or substance use crises. DuPage County's CRC will be the model for any other counties or hospital systems who have the heart to give hope to patients with such desperate needs," said Lanny Wilson, MD, Vice-President of the Board of Health and DCMS member.