Author: Haymarket Staff

CHICAGO, IL — Haymarket Center, Chicago’s leading provider of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, today announced that it has become a full Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. This significant milestone will expand access to integrated health care for individuals and families throughout Chicagoland.

Achieving the FQHC designation through the highly competitive, multi-year process allows Haymarket Center to transition from a FQHC Look-Alike to a fully funded FQHC.

With more than 50 years of service to individuals affected by substance use disorders, the FQHC designation represents an important and essential evolution in Haymarket Center’s mission of expanding access to care through the integration of addiction treatment, behavioral health, primary medical care, preventive services and care coordination under one continuum of care.

“Becoming a full Federally Qualified Health Center is transformational for Haymarket Center and, more importantly, for the people we serve,” said Dr. Dan Lustig, President and CEO of Haymarket Center. “For decades, Haymarket has understood that substance use disorders cannot be treated in isolation. Our patients often face medical, behavioral health, housing, employment and other challenges at the same time. Becoming an FQHC allows us to build an even stronger system of care that treats the whole person—not simply the addiction.”

“Haymarket Center has been at the forefront of comprehensive health care, mapping out treatment plans that integrate primary care, addiction treatment, and behavioral health services for those who need it,” U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. “With this new designation as a FQHC, Haymarket Center can continue strengthening access to care and better serve every patient who walks through the door.”

Bringing Health Care and Addiction Treatment Together

Substance use disorders frequently occur alongside chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. Individuals entering substance use disorder treatment may also need care for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, infectious disease, chronic pain, mental health conditions and other health concerns.

Haymarket Center’s FQHC status strengthens its ability to address those needs in an integrated setting. Rather than requiring individuals to navigate multiple health care systems and providers, Haymarket can increasingly connect patients with the medical, behavioral health and substance use disorder services they need in one coordinated environment.

“This is about removing barriers and providing health equity,” said Dr. Lustig. “Someone should not have to choose between getting treatment for an addiction and getting treatment for their diabetes, depression, hypertension or other medical needs. With the FQHC model, we can bring those services together and make the health care system work better for the underserved patient.”

Greater Access for Chicago’s Underserved Communities

Haymarket Center has long served individuals who experience significant barriers to health care, including people with limited financial resources, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, people involved with the criminal justice system and individuals living with complex medical and behavioral health needs.

As an FQHC, Haymarket Center is positioned to strengthen access to care regardless of a person’s ability to pay, consistent with the FQHC mission and requirements. The organization will continue to focus on providing care that is accessible, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and centered on the needs of the individual. The FQHC model also strengthens Haymarket’s ability to connect patients with preventive and primary care services before health conditions become emergencies.

A New Model for Addiction Care

Haymarket Center views its FQHC designation as an opportunity to help redefine how substance use disorders are treated – truly as a medical condition.

“For too long, substance use disorder treatment and health care have operated in separate silos,” said Dr. Lustig. “Haymarket Center has an opportunity to demonstrate what happens when addiction medicine, primary care and behavioral health are truly integrated.”

The organization will continue expanding its medical capabilities and partnerships while building a model in which patients can move seamlessly among levels of care—from medically supported withdrawal and residential treatment to outpatient services, primary care, behavioral health and long-term recovery support.

The result is a coordinated continuum that can improve health outcomes, reduce unnecessary emergency department use and hospitalizations, strengthen continuity of care and support long-term recovery.

Investing in the Future of Chicago’s Health

Haymarket Center’s transition to a full FQHC comes at a critical time for Chicago and communities across Illinois. While opioid-related deaths have declined from their historic highs, substance use disorders remain a major public health challenge, and many individuals continue to experience significant barriers to comprehensive health care.

Haymarket believes the FQHC model provides an important platform for addressing those challenges.

“This designation is not simply about a new designation or a new funding structure,” Dr. Lustig said. “It is about what becomes possible for our patients. It allows Haymarket Center to strengthen the connection between recovery and overall health and to help ensure that people who have historically been left out of the health care system have a place to go.”

About Haymarket Center:

Haymarket Center is one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive providers of substance use disorder treatment combined with mental health and primary health care. Founded in 1975, Haymarket Center is a fully accredited non-profit organization that annually serves over 12,000 individuals from across Illinois and is recognized on Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers.” Haymarket Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides individualized care from outreach through recovery, adapted to suit each patient and their unique needs. Haymarket Center is committed to expanding life-saving interventions and expert long-term recovery support to new populations within the greater Chicagoland region. Visit http://www.haymarketcenter.org to learn more about Haymarket Center.

CHICAGO, IL — Haymarket Center, Chicago’s leading provider of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, today announced that it has become a full Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. This significant milestone will expand access to integrated health care for individuals and families throughout Chicagoland.

Achieving the FQHC designation through the highly competitive, multi-year process allows Haymarket Center to transition from a FQHC Look-Alike to a fully funded FQHC.

With more than 50 years of service to individuals affected by substance use disorders, the FQHC designation represents an important and essential evolution in Haymarket Center’s mission of expanding access to care through the integration of addiction treatment, behavioral health, primary medical care, preventive services and care coordination under one continuum of care.

“Becoming a full Federally Qualified Health Center is transformational for Haymarket Center and, more importantly, for the people we serve,” said Dr. Dan Lustig, President and CEO of Haymarket Center. “For decades, Haymarket has understood that substance use disorders cannot be treated in isolation. Our patients often face medical, behavioral health, housing, employment and other challenges at the same time. Becoming an FQHC allows us to build an even stronger system of care that treats the whole person—not simply the addiction.”

“Haymarket Center has been at the forefront of comprehensive health care, mapping out treatment plans that integrate primary care, addiction treatment, and behavioral health services for those who need it,” U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. “With this new designation as a FQHC, Haymarket Center can continue strengthening access to care and better serve every patient who walks through the door.”

Bringing Health Care and Addiction Treatment Together

Substance use disorders frequently occur alongside chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. Individuals entering substance use disorder treatment may also need care for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, infectious disease, chronic pain, mental health conditions and other health concerns.

Haymarket Center’s FQHC status strengthens its ability to address those needs in an integrated setting. Rather than requiring individuals to navigate multiple health care systems and providers, Haymarket can increasingly connect patients with the medical, behavioral health and substance use disorder services they need in one coordinated environment.

“This is about removing barriers and providing health equity,” said Dr. Lustig. “Someone should not have to choose between getting treatment for an addiction and getting treatment for their diabetes, depression, hypertension or other medical needs. With the FQHC model, we can bring those services together and make the health care system work better for the underserved patient.”

Greater Access for Chicago’s Underserved Communities

Haymarket Center has long served individuals who experience significant barriers to health care, including people with limited financial resources, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, people involved with the criminal justice system and individuals living with complex medical and behavioral health needs.

As an FQHC, Haymarket Center is positioned to strengthen access to care regardless of a person’s ability to pay, consistent with the FQHC mission and requirements. The organization will continue to focus on providing care that is accessible, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and centered on the needs of the individual. The FQHC model also strengthens Haymarket’s ability to connect patients with preventive and primary care services before health conditions become emergencies.

A New Model for Addiction Care

Haymarket Center views its FQHC designation as an opportunity to help redefine how substance use disorders are treated – truly as a medical condition.

“For too long, substance use disorder treatment and health care have operated in separate silos,” said Dr. Lustig. “Haymarket Center has an opportunity to demonstrate what happens when addiction medicine, primary care and behavioral health are truly integrated.”

The organization will continue expanding its medical capabilities and partnerships while building a model in which patients can move seamlessly among levels of care—from medically supported withdrawal and residential treatment to outpatient services, primary care, behavioral health and long-term recovery support.

The result is a coordinated continuum that can improve health outcomes, reduce unnecessary emergency department use and hospitalizations, strengthen continuity of care and support long-term recovery.

Investing in the Future of Chicago’s Health

Haymarket Center’s transition to a full FQHC comes at a critical time for Chicago and communities across Illinois. While opioid-related deaths have declined from their historic highs, substance use disorders remain a major public health challenge, and many individuals continue to experience significant barriers to comprehensive health care.

Haymarket believes the FQHC model provides an important platform for addressing those challenges.

“This designation is not simply about a new designation or a new funding structure,” Dr. Lustig said. “It is about what becomes possible for our patients. It allows Haymarket Center to strengthen the connection between recovery and overall health and to help ensure that people who have historically been left out of the health care system have a place to go.”

About Haymarket Center:

Haymarket Center is one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive providers of substance use disorder treatment combined with mental health and primary health care. Founded in 1975, Haymarket Center is a fully accredited non-profit organization that annually serves over 12,000 individuals from across Illinois and is recognized on Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers.” Haymarket Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides individualized care from outreach through recovery, adapted to suit each patient and their unique needs. Haymarket Center is committed to expanding life-saving interventions and expert long-term recovery support to new populations within the greater Chicagoland region. Visit http://www.haymarketcenter.org to learn more about Haymarket Center.

CHICAGO, IL — Haymarket Center, Chicago’s leading provider of comprehensive substance use disorder treatment and recovery services, today announced that it has become a full Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) by the U.S. Health Resources and Services Administration. This significant milestone will expand access to integrated health care for individuals and families throughout Chicagoland.

Achieving the FQHC designation through the highly competitive, multi-year process allows Haymarket Center to transition from a FQHC Look-Alike to a fully funded FQHC.

With more than 50 years of service to individuals affected by substance use disorders, the FQHC designation represents an important and essential evolution in Haymarket Center’s mission of expanding access to care through the integration of addiction treatment, behavioral health, primary medical care, preventive services and care coordination under one continuum of care.

“Becoming a full Federally Qualified Health Center is transformational for Haymarket Center and, more importantly, for the people we serve,” said Dr. Dan Lustig, President and CEO of Haymarket Center. “For decades, Haymarket has understood that substance use disorders cannot be treated in isolation. Our patients often face medical, behavioral health, housing, employment and other challenges at the same time. Becoming an FQHC allows us to build an even stronger system of care that treats the whole person—not simply the addiction.”

“Haymarket Center has been at the forefront of comprehensive health care, mapping out treatment plans that integrate primary care, addiction treatment, and behavioral health services for those who need it,” U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin (D-IL) said. “With this new designation as a FQHC, Haymarket Center can continue strengthening access to care and better serve every patient who walks through the door.”

Bringing Health Care and Addiction Treatment Together

Substance use disorders frequently occur alongside chronic medical and behavioral health conditions. Individuals entering substance use disorder treatment may also need care for conditions such as diabetes, hypertension, infectious disease, chronic pain, mental health conditions and other health concerns.

Haymarket Center’s FQHC status strengthens its ability to address those needs in an integrated setting. Rather than requiring individuals to navigate multiple health care systems and providers, Haymarket can increasingly connect patients with the medical, behavioral health and substance use disorder services they need in one coordinated environment.

“This is about removing barriers and providing health equity,” said Dr. Lustig. “Someone should not have to choose between getting treatment for an addiction and getting treatment for their diabetes, depression, hypertension or other medical needs. With the FQHC model, we can bring those services together and make the health care system work better for the underserved patient.”

Greater Access for Chicago’s Underserved Communities

Haymarket Center has long served individuals who experience significant barriers to health care, including people with limited financial resources, individuals experiencing homelessness or housing instability, people involved with the criminal justice system and individuals living with complex medical and behavioral health needs.

As an FQHC, Haymarket Center is positioned to strengthen access to care regardless of a person’s ability to pay, consistent with the FQHC mission and requirements. The organization will continue to focus on providing care that is accessible, culturally responsive, trauma-informed and centered on the needs of the individual. The FQHC model also strengthens Haymarket’s ability to connect patients with preventive and primary care services before health conditions become emergencies.

A New Model for Addiction Care

Haymarket Center views its FQHC designation as an opportunity to help redefine how substance use disorders are treated – truly as a medical condition.

“For too long, substance use disorder treatment and health care have operated in separate silos,” said Dr. Lustig. “Haymarket Center has an opportunity to demonstrate what happens when addiction medicine, primary care and behavioral health are truly integrated.”

The organization will continue expanding its medical capabilities and partnerships while building a model in which patients can move seamlessly among levels of care—from medically supported withdrawal and residential treatment to outpatient services, primary care, behavioral health and long-term recovery support.

The result is a coordinated continuum that can improve health outcomes, reduce unnecessary emergency department use and hospitalizations, strengthen continuity of care and support long-term recovery.

Investing in the Future of Chicago’s Health

Haymarket Center’s transition to a full FQHC comes at a critical time for Chicago and communities across Illinois. While opioid-related deaths have declined from their historic highs, substance use disorders remain a major public health challenge, and many individuals continue to experience significant barriers to comprehensive health care.

Haymarket believes the FQHC model provides an important platform for addressing those challenges.

“This designation is not simply about a new designation or a new funding structure,” Dr. Lustig said. “It is about what becomes possible for our patients. It allows Haymarket Center to strengthen the connection between recovery and overall health and to help ensure that people who have historically been left out of the health care system have a place to go.”

About Haymarket Center:

Haymarket Center is one of the region’s largest and most comprehensive providers of substance use disorder treatment combined with mental health and primary health care. Founded in 1975, Haymarket Center is a fully accredited non-profit organization that annually serves over 12,000 individuals from across Illinois and is recognized on Newsweek’s list of “America’s Best Addiction Treatment Centers.” Haymarket Center is a Federally Qualified Health Center (FQHC) that provides individualized care from outreach through recovery, adapted to suit each patient and their unique needs. Haymarket Center is committed to expanding life-saving interventions and expert long-term recovery support to new populations within the greater Chicagoland region. Visit http://www.haymarketcenter.org to learn more about Haymarket Center.

The Chicago Transit Authority has extended funding to support unsheltered riders through 2028, providing Haymarket Center’s Outreach Team with resources to continue critical outreach and intervention for high-need individuals on the CTA Blue Line.

On August 12, the Chicago Transit Board approved changes to the funding structures for homeless outreach on CTA trains as part of an overall expansion of supports for people on public transit who are in crisis. For the past three years, Haymarket outreach workers have made nearly 40,000 contacts with people experiencing homelessness. During these contacts, teams provide food, clothing, and hygiene supplies, while also connecting individuals to case management, mental health services, and substance use treatment. They also provide lifesaving resources, including Narcan and fentanyl test strips. Through these outreach efforts, 200 individuals have been successfully placed into stable or permanent housing.

Mac’s Deli was recently featured on Good Day Chicago, highlighting the organization’s workforce training program and its impact on participants. During the segment, Dr. Lustig discussed the program’s mission of helping individuals develop valuable job skills and prepare for employment. He was joined by Greg, a recent Mac’s Deli graduate, who shared his personal experience and reflected on how the program has positively influenced his life.

Our President & CEO, Dr. Dan Lustig, was recently featured on CBS News to discuss the encouraging decline in opioid overdoses in Cook County.

Dr. Lustig emphasized that sustained progress requires continued investment in comprehensive, evidence-based behavioral health and public health programs. Government grant funding plays a vital role in supporting these initiatives by strengthening organizational capacity, expanding access to care, and fostering cross-sector collaboration. As funding landscapes evolve, maintaining predictable and sustainable support is critical to preserving these advances and meeting the ongoing needs of our communities.

View full story here:

The committee and our Development Chair, Tanya Davis, brought a visionary artist, Portia Williams join us this year to lead the project. This year clients were asked to envision themselves, using a silhouette and other forms of media to share how they feel, what inspires them and how experiencing treatment has given them vision of who they can become. Every canvas was different, filled with color, words, textures and images that give you a window into their vision of themselves now and into recovery. The canvas on your table is the expression of those things, along with their personal written interpretation.

“I was at my lowest point. When my son chose to stay with his grandma, I realized you can fool everyone else, but the only ones you can’t fool are your kids. I knew something had to change.” – Melissa, former client

Founded in 1975 by the late Monsignor Ignatius McDermott and Dr. James West, Haymarket Center is the largest not-for-profit in Chicago providing treatment for substance use disorders, mental health, and primary care.  Our mission is clear: to aid people with substance use disorders in their recovery by providing comprehensive behavioral health solutions.

“The staff here genuinely care. They treat you like a person, not just an addict. They help you succeed, and they won’t let you give up on yourself,” Melissa reflects on her time at Haymarket Center.

Haymarket’s comprehensive, holistic approach to recovery, focusing on healing the whole person, not just addiction, gave Melissa the tools she needed to rebuild her life. From therapy and emotional support to practical help like navigating insurance and obtaining her birth certificate, Haymarket gave Melissa the foundation she needed to move forward with confidence.

Melissa shares, “Haymarket saved my life and gave me the tools I needed: recovery support, mental health care, and job training. They helped me find employment. That kind of support transforms your whole life. If you want to succeed, they’ll make sure you reach your goals.”

As Haymarket marks its 50th anniversary of integrated support, we honor both our journey and the road ahead. While we celebrate this milestone, we know that Melissa is just one of many countless individuals who still need the support we provide. Today, the need for our services has never been greater. With your help, we can continue to transform lives and write new stories of hope and healing.

Haymarket focuses on the whole person, offering comprehensive support for recovery. Our comprehensive treatment programs are accessible to everyone 24/7/365, including the most underserved communities of the Chicago area. Please help us to continue the care for all individuals, regardless of ability to pay for treatment.

Together, we can continue to be a source of transformation, providing hope and second chances for all those who need us. Now more than ever, your contribution is vital to the ongoing success of Haymarket Center and the work we do to address the pressing health challenges facing our city.

Melissa’s experience reflects that of countless others seeking help at Haymarket Center.  “I’ve been sober for over a year and I’m looking forward to my future. I’ve rebuilt my life. I have so much support and so much love in my life. Coming to Haymarket was the best decision of my life.”

Thank you for being a part of our 50-year journey, and for supporting the vital work of Haymarket Center.

For the second consecutive year, Haymarket Center has been awarded a grant from the Hanover Township Mental Health Board to support substance use disorder treatment for Township residents. This funding helps bridge the gap between Medicaid reimbursements and the cost of providing care.

This grant strengthens Haymarket’s withdrawal programs, which treat approximately 2,000 patients annually and prepare them for residential treatment. It also supports residential units that serve approximately 2,800 patients each year, including those with co-occurring mental health disorders, mothers with young children, and those in medication-assisted recovery.

By stabilizing patients and equipping them with skills for lasting recovery, funding from the Hanover Township Mental Health Board ensures these critical services remain accessible. Community support allows Haymarket Center to bridge funding gaps and provide comprehensive care for those who need it most. For more information and how you can support Haymarket Center, click the link below.

To learn more about Hanover Township, follow Hanover Township Mental Health Board on Facebook @Hanover Township or visit their website at hanover-township.org.

As Haymarket Center celebrates 50 years, Faces of Haymarket highlights the people who shape the organization and continue to inspire its future. This edition features David Walker, a building engineer with nearly three decades of employment at Haymarket Center. David continues to uphold a family legacy of service and dedication.

Celebrating 50 years of impact and hope, we had the pleasure of interviewing Kelly McKay, President of our Associate Board since 2022. Under Kelly’s leadership, the Associate Board has made a meaningful impact at Haymarket Center—organizing events and initiatives such as the West Loop Bavarian Block Party, a community book drive, Mother’s Day baskets, and much more.

In our conversation, Kelly reflects on her personal connection to Haymarket Center and highlights the services that continue to make a lasting difference in the community.

Haymarket CEO, Dr. Dan Lustig was recently named to Crain’s Notable Leaders in Philanthropy 2025 list. 

Dr. Lustig is recognized as a leader providing behavioral health and substance use treatment to underserved populations. He is a 20-year member of the Illinois Advisory Council on substance use disorders and was appointed by Gov. JB Pritzker to the Illinois Department of Healthcare & Family Services’ Medicaid Advisory Council. Congratulations, Dr. Lustig on this very well-deserved recognition.  Learn more here.