News at UI Health

The University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) Department of Intercollegiate Athletics today announced groundbreaking partnership with UI Health and that will place the health system’s mark on team uniforms for all 18 Flames’ athletics programs beginning with the 2026–27 academic year.

The initiative makes UIC the first institution in the Missouri Valley Conference to implement a uniform patch sponsorship agreement. Are You Really Winning?, a statewide public awareness campaign funded by the Illinois Department of Human Services that seeks to prevent problem gambling and connect individuals with resources and support, also will be a patch partner for the Flames.

The partnerships represent a new era for Flames Athletics while reinforcing the department’s commitment to aligning with organizations that share its values of student-athlete success, health, wellness, and community impact.

“As collegiate athletics continues to evolve, we’re committed to identifying innovative partnerships that not only strengthen the long-term future of UIC Athletics but also reflect the values and mission of our university,” said UIC Director of Athletics Andrea Williams. “UI Health and Are You Really Winning? are organizations that share our commitment to improving lives through education, athletic excellence, student-athlete development, and community engagement.”
 
The addition of a uniform patch will provide unprecedented visibility for UI Health, the academic medical center for the UIC. For decades, UI Health has served as a trusted partner of UIC Athletics through sports medicine, healthcare services, and collaborative campus initiatives. This expanded relationship reflects a longstanding commitment to supporting all UIC students while promoting health, wellness, and access to care throughout the university community.

Through this partnership, UI Health continues expanding awareness around preventive care, mental and physical wellness, health equity, and access to healthcare while reaching students where they learn, compete, and thrive. It also reinforces the shared purpose between UIC Athletics and UI Health of helping students reach their full potential while investing in healthier communities for generations to come.
 
“As an official NCAA uniform patch sponsor, we are incredibly proud to see UIC student-athletes represent the UI Health brand,” said Rachel Paus, senior director of Marketing & Strategic Communications at UI Health. “The Flames embody the same values we strive to deliver every day — dedication, resilience, teamwork, and excellence. This partnership is about much more than visibility; it’s about supporting the overall well-being of students and demonstrating our commitment to serving the entire UIC community and the people of Chicago.”