Cook County Health • System News • February 2025

February 2025

Letter from the CEO

Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

February is Black History Month, a time to celebrate the contributions of African Americans to the practice of medicine and more that shaped our past and will positively impact our future.

Two remarkable African American leaders in Cook County Health’s history include surgeon Dr. Daniel Hale Williams who established Provident Hospital, the first Black-owned and operated hospital in the country, in 1891, and Dr. Agnes Lattimer, who was appointed medical director of Cook County Hospital in 1986 and was the first African American woman medical director of a major U.S. hospital. They are among the countless African American individuals who have dedicated their lives and careers in service of the residents of Cook County.

During Black History Month, we not only celebrate the richness of Black culture and innovation but also reaffirm our commitment to the continued work of creating a health care system that reflects the needs of all communities.

In that spirit, Cook County Health leaders were joined by Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, Vice Chair of the Cook County Health Board of Directors on February 25 for an insightful conversation about the importance of diversity in medicine. More information can be found below.

Thank you for your continued partnership and your support of our health system and the work we are doing to build a healthier, more inclusive Cook County.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erik Mikaitis

CEO, Cook County Health

Cook County Health Recognizes Heart Month, Celebrates Work to Reduce Health Disparities

In recognition of February, American Heart Month, Cook County Health and elected officials came together to recognize improvements in access to advanced cardiac care and celebrate heart health. Heart disease is the No. 1 killer in the US, and disproportionately impacts African American men and women.

“Expanding access to high-quality cardiac care is essential to closing the life expectancy gap and advancing health equity in Cook County,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “The Cook County Health cardiology team’s work to enhance treatment options and improve patient outcomes is making a real difference in our communities.”

Nearly 60% of Black adults have some type of cardiovascular disease (CVD), including coronary heart disease, heart failure, stroke and hypertension; that’s compared to about 49% of all U.S. adults who have some type of CVD.

“Ensuring patients have access to the care they need is critical in reducing those disparities,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health CEO. “That means patients should have access to high-quality, advanced cardiac care regardless of their zip code, their insurance, or their immigration status.”

Cook County Health has invested approximately $6M over the last several years to provide new technologies to patients that help patients, including the TAVR procedure and MitraClip™, which help patients with structural heart disease, and the Impella® Device, which provides advanced life support.

“Thanks to investments here at Cook County Health, we have been able to elevate the levels of care we provide to complex procedures and services that would not have been previously available to patients here or anywhere else in the city because of their insurance status,” said Dr. Rami Doukky, Director of Cardiovascular Service Line at Cook County Health.

Mr. Rigoberto Gutierrez was treated with the Impella® Device, which is an artificial heart pump that allowed doctors to stabilize him after his cardiac arrest. After he was cared for in the cardiac intensive care unit, the artificial heart pump was able to be removed and he was able to go home.

“I’ve been given a second opportunity to continue to live, to continue to grow, to watch my grandchildren grow,” Mr. Gutierrez said. “And it’s because of the team here.”

Cook County Health Celebrates Black History Month

On February 25, Cook County Health was joined by Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, Vice Chair of the Cook County Health Board of Directors for an insightful conversation on the importance of diversity in medicine, representation and building an equitable health system.

The virtual event featured CCH CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis as a special guest and our Equity and Inclusion Officer, Shannon Andrews, moderated the conversation. The panelists who had an opportunity to share about the amazing work happening across the health system were:

Priscilla Bennett, Clinic Manager at Robbins Health Center
Deborah Crooks-Reed, Clinical Lab Site Supervisor at Provident Hospital
Dr. Mark Grevious, Chair of the Division of Plastic Surgery
Marlee Hendricks, Director of Public Health Administration at the Cook County Department of Public Health

Click here to watch the recording.

Immigration Resources

Cook County Health continues to reaffirm our commitment to providing access to care to all patients, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay, as well our promise to protecting our patients when they are in our health care facilities.

Check out recent news stories here and here.

Cook County Health offers virtual video and telephone health care visits for many services. If a patient wishes to speak with a provider from home, call 312-864-0200 and request a virtual visit. Patients can also access virtual immediate care in multiple languages via phone or computer through CCH Express Care Monday through Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm.

Additional Resources

Cook County Resources:

www.cookcountyil.gov/immigration

State of Illinois Resources:

https://illinoisattorneygeneral.gov/rights-of-the-people/civil-rights/immigration/

Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights:

www.icirr.org

CountyCare Members Spend More Than $14 Million in Rewards Dollars in 2024

CountyCare members collectively spent $14.8 million in rewards dollars in 2024 through the CountyCare Rewards Program. Half of the reward dollars were used to purchase food.

This milestone highlights the growing impact of the program, which encourages members to engage in preventive care and wellness activities to earn rewards. Reward dollars can be used to buy a range of essential goods and services, enhancing members’ overall well-being.

“Going to the doctor and staying on top of your care isn’t always easy but is essential to living your healthiest life. The Rewards Program recognizes the time and effort it takes for members to be engaged in care. By investing in our members' health and wellness, we can help ensure they are supported in both their healthcare journey and their daily lives,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health CEO.

CountyCare members receive a CountyCare Visa Rewards Card that is loaded with cash credit when they take part in certain health activities. For example, a member can earn $50 for going to their annual visit with a primary care doctor, $50 for getting a mammogram, $25 for managing their diabetes, or $10 for pediatric immunizations. The CountyCare Visa Rewards Card can be used anywhere Visa is accepted, including a wide variety of retailers, such as grocery stores, gas stations, restaurants, pharmacies, and more. Click here to read more.

Find Local Public Health Data with the Cook County Health Atlas

The Cook County Health Atlas is a comprehensive online tool that gives people access to current public health data. This atlas offers over 400 indicators sourced from local health surveys and other relevant datasets, which help communities understand and analyze key public health challenges.

The indicators cover a wide range of critical areas such as chronic disease, health behaviors, access to healthcare, and health disparities. The atlas enables users to interact with data through charts, maps, and tables, facilitating more informed decision-making. To assist users in effectively utilizing the tool, the website includes informative videos that guide them on navigating various pages, visualizing indicators, and creating reports using the data.

Upcoming Free Flu and COVID-19 Vaccine Clinics

The Cook County Department of Public Health has extended its free flu and COVID-19 vaccine clinics at suburban Cook County Health locations.

All clinics are held on Saturdays from 8 am to 4 pm. Walk-ins are welcome. Vaccines are free to everyone, regardless of insurance, and available to those ages 6 months and older.

Respiratory illness levels in Illinois and across the country have been high and vaccination rates in Cook County are low. It’s not too late to get vaccinated!

Extended Vaccination Clinics (held on Saturdays from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.)

Cook County Department of Public Health Joins Officials to Promote Sexual Health

On February 14, National Condom Day, Cook County Department of Public Health joined Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Cook County Commissioner Dr. Kisha McCaskill to stress the importance of using condoms as well as discuss rising Sexually Transmitted Infection numbers.

Learn more about CCDPH’s Know Your Status campaign – Don’t Guess. Get a Test.

Community Outreach RFP

Cook County Health recently posted an RFP for Community Outreach Services. This contract will help promote the healthcare system and CountyCare at community events, and support Medicaid members in the redetermination process.

You can view the RFP at our Bonfire portal. The RFP has a closing date of March 27, 2025. If you have any question about our Procurement process or to register as a CCH vendor, please visit Doing Business with Cook County Health | Cook County Health.

Things to Know

IMD Scholarship Opportunity

The IMD Commission is proud to announce our new Scholarship Program to provide financial support to Chicago youth who plan to continue their education and demonstrate academic excellence.

The IMD will award up to ten (10) merit-based $1,000 scholarships to local high school, higher education, and graduate students.

Scholarship Application

Scholarship Policy

For more information, including qualifications and how to apply, click here. Apply by Friday, March 7 at 5 p.m. CT.

Cook County Extends Public Input Period for Draft of Environmental Justice Policy

Cook County’s Department of Environment and Sustainability (DES) is extending the deadline for public input for the County’s draft environmental justice (EJ) policy. This draft has been co-developed by an EJ internal working group made up of County employees and the EJ Community Advisory Committee. Once adopted by the County, the environmental justice policy will help inform and guide programming and policy decision-making across County bureaus and departments.

The County held four in-person and two virtual town halls. Because of the interest the community has shown in this process, DES has extended the input period until Friday, February 28 at 11:59 p.m. CST.

Those who live or work in Cook County are encouraged to review the draft EJ policy and share their thoughts. A public input form is available on the DES website.

To learn more, review the policy and share your input, please visit:

https://www.cookcountyil.gov/service/environmental-justice

Historically, communities of color and low-income communities have experienced disproportionate environmental burdens. Responding to the compounding effects of environmental inequities and preparing for additional challenges resulting from climate change are crucial aspects of the County’s strategic plan.

The creation of an environmental justice policy was requested in the Cook County COVID-19 Response Plan, the Cook County Equity Fund Taskforce recommendations and in Cook County Board Resolution 23-1092.

Cook County Health in the News