On October 12th, 2024, the Southwest Organizing Project’s (SWOP) Healthy Southwest team hosted the final Walk with a Doc (WWAD) of the year at Marquette Park. This concluding session was led by Dr. Martha Menchaca, MD, from UI Health, with a special focus on cancer prevention. Throughout the year, the WWAD program connected residents with medical professionals in a relaxed, outdoor setting, encouraging conversations about important health topics while promoting physical activity. The initiative brought together diverse communities from the southwest side of Chicago, offering valuable health information while celebrating the beauty of local parks and neighborhoods.

This year’s WWAD sessions covered a wide range of health topics and took place in various locations, allowing more partners and community members to participate. The program successfully created spaces for dialogue, education, and connection while emphasizing the importance of wellness and community health. Though the 2024 walks have come to an end, SWOP’s Healthy Southwest team is already looking forward to continuing the initiative in 2025, with plans to expand the program and engage even more residents in the coming year.