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Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,
In the park in front of the old Cook County Hospital building there is a quote inscribed on the statute of Louis Pasteur that says; “One does not ask of one who suffers: What is your country and what is your religion? One merely says: You suffer, that is enough for me. You belong to me, and I shall help you.”
During this time of upheaval and uncertainty, I want to reiterate the spirit of Cook County Health’s longstanding mission to serve all in need.
Cook County Health cares for all residents, regardless of immigration status. This legacy began with Cook County Hospital’s first patient, a young girl who had recently immigrated from Germany, and continues proudly to this day.
We believe that health care is a human right, and that all people should be able to access health care safely, without fear of legal repercussions. All are welcome here.
As we prepare for ongoing immigration enforcement activities locally and across the country, we are training Cook County Health staff members on how to protect patients’ rights in our facilities, and offering telehealth services for patients who would feel more comfortable accessing health care services from home.
Our country is made richer by the contributions of immigrants, who help create stronger and more vibrant communities. We will continue to support and care for all Cook County residents, as we have for nearly 200 years.
We are sharing resources for patients and community members on our website, including:
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Know Your Rights from the Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights (Eng, Spa)
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Know Your Rights from the Illinois Attorney General (Eng, Spa)
- Cook County Resources
We thank you for your service on behalf of all in our communities, especially those who are most in need.
Sincerely,
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Dr. Erik Mikaitis
CEO, Cook County Health
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Cook County Department of Public Health Vaccine Clinics | |
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The Cook County Department of Public Health is holding 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.
Upcoming clinics:
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February 1: Blue Island Health Center, 12757 S. Western Ave., Blue Island
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February 8: Cottage Grove Health Center, 1645 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Ford Heights
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February 15: Robbins Health Center, 13450 S. Kedzie Ave., Robbins
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February 22: Arlington Heights Health Center, 3250 N. Arlington Heights Rd., #300, Arlington Heights
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March 1: Blue Island Health Center, 12757 S. Western Ave., Blue Island
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March 8: Cottage Grove Health Center, 1645 S. Cottage Grove Ave., Ford Heights
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March15: Robbins Health Center, 13450 S. Kedzie Ave., Robbins
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March 22: Arlington Heights Health Center, 3250 N. Arlington Heights Rd., #300, Arlington Heights
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Cook County Health Launches Birthday Screenings Program | |
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Cook County Health is encouraging Cook County residents to give themselves the gift of health during their birthday and schedule a free prostate cancer screening or mammogram.
CCH launched the birthday health screening program this month thanks to the support of Cook County Commissioner and CCH Board Vice Chair Bill Lowry.
About 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed with prostate cancer during their lifetime, with a higher risk in African American men. About 1 in 8 women will be diagnosed with breast cancer. Early detection is key to improved survival rates.
Call 312-864-4289 to schedule today!
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Seeking Members for Community Advisory Councils | |
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Cook County Health is launching Community Advisory Councils for our Austin and Belmont Cragin health centers and we are seeking volunteers to join!
Community Advisory Councils, which are made up of patients and community and religious organizations, play an essential role in helping CCH understand the health needs of the communities we serve and share information about CCH’s health services and how individuals can access care, regardless of their ability to pay.
Currently, CCH has eight existing councils – Arlington Heights, Blue Island, Cottage Grove, Dr. Jorge Prieto, Englewood, North Riverside, Provident Hospital/Sengstacke, and the Robbins Health Centers. The councils meet virtually every quarter.
To submit an application to join a Community Advisory Council, visit our website here. Contact Marcelino Garcia, Director of Community Affairs, with any questions at mgarcia6@cookcountyhhs.org.
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Updates from the Cook County Department of Public Health | |
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January is Radon Awareness Month
January is National Radon Awareness Month. Radon is a naturally occurring radioactive gas that can cause lung cancer. You can’t see or smell radon and testing is the only way to know your level of exposure. Radon can have a big impact on your health and indoor air quality. All homes should be tested for radon. Cook County Department of Public Health is pleased to offer free radon test kits through the mail to residents of suburban Cook County.
To request a test kit, visit this web page: https://cookcountypublichealth.org/environmental-health/radon-test-kit-request/.
Every Mother Every Child: Resources from CCDPH
Did you know that nearly 90 women die each year in Illinois while pregnant or within one year of pregnancy, according to state public health data? Ninety percent of these deaths are preventable. Black women in Illinois and Cook County are two to three times more likely than white women to die from pregnancy-related conditions, such as blood pressure disorders, heart disease and infections.
Every child deserves a healthy start. That is why nurses at Cook County Department of Public Health recently launched EveryMotherEveryChild.org, a new microsite to help expectant mothers achieve optimal health for themselves and their babies before, during and after pregnancy. Access resources, fact sheets and more at: www.everymothereverychild.org
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Cook County Health in the Community | |
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Cook County Health’s community relations team will be out and about in February! Come visit us at one of the events below:
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February 7 – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day, hosted by the Sisters Working It Out, Blue Door Neighborhood Center in Morgan Park,11840 S Marshfield Avenue in Chicago, IL 60643.
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February 7 – National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day Health and Resource Fair, hosted by the Chicago Department of Family and Support Services and the Cook County Health Ruth M. Rothstein CORE Center, Dr. Martin Luther King Community Service Center, 4314 S Cottage Grove Avenue in Chicago, IL 60653.
- February 21 – Bremen High School’s Health and Prosperity Fair,15203 S. Pulaski in Midlothian, IL 60445.
- February 26 –Provident Hospital Blood Drive, hosted by Vitalant, CountyCare and CCH, 500 E 51st Street in Chicago, IL 60615.
Interested in having our team join your event to talk about Cook County Health services? Visit our website for more information.
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Cook County Health in the News | |
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If you would like to invite a representative from CCH to attend a community event, please send an email to events@cookcountyhhs.org.
To provide feedback on CCH Community News, please email Marcelino Garcia, Director of Community Affairs, at mgarcia6@cookcountyhhs.org.
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