Because the University of Illinois College of Medicine at Rockford is a community-based institution, the department of pediatrics has a strong commitment to educating its doctors about community service as it relates to public health and disease prevention. Many of the department's faculty advise public officials on policy, act as advocates for children and families and are members of several community and national service organizations. Some of these organizations include:

March of Dimes

American Lung Association

Family Advocate

Carrie Lynn Children's Center

YMCA

Children's Home and Aid Society

Mayor's Council for a Drug Free Rockford

The Rockford Area Chamber of Commerce Council of 100

Head Start

Rotary International

Rockford Community Trust

The Boy Scouts of America