Cook County Health • System News • July 2025

July 2025

Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

It is a privilege to share with you news about several recognitions Cook County Health recently earned.

We are honored to have received The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification, a national distinction that recognizes our deep, systemic work to close health disparities and deliver equitable care to all. This certification reflects not only the quality of our clinical care but the integrity of our mission: ensuring every person who walks through our doors is treated with dignity and compassion regardless of background or circumstance. Fewer than 50 health systems nationally have achieved this certification.

In addition, Cook County Health has been recognized with 19 National Achievement Awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo), a remarkable acknowledgment of our innovative programs spanning public health, workforce development, health technology, and community-based care. Each award reflects a piece of the broader tapestry of service we weave together across Cook County.

These awards affirm Cook County Health’s unwavering commitment to health equity, innovation and excellence in public service, at this time when there is a great deal of uncertainty and concern about the future of access to care.

I am grateful for the incredible collective effort of our staff and strong ongoing partnerships with organizations like yours. Together, we are showing the nation what is possible when equity is not just a value, but a foundational principle.

Thank you for standing with us in this work. Your collaboration is critical to our mission, and we remain steadfast in our shared dedication to building healthier, stronger communities across Cook County.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erik Mikaitis

CEO, Cook County Health

Cook County Celebrates Awarding of More Than $1.5 Million in Scholarships to Students Pursuing Careers in Medicine

On June 26, Cook County Health and the Cook County Health Foundation announced the fourth cohort of Provident Scholarship Fund awardees, celebrating scholarships for 106 students who are pursuing careers in the medical field and are from or committed to caring for underserved communities. Over $1.5M in scholarships are being awarded, representing the largest number of awardees and scholarships given since the program’s inception in 2022. More than half of the awardees are returning students who received scholarships last year and are continuing in their degree program.

“Cook County Health and the Cook County Health Foundation are to be commended for their work in growing the scholarship program,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Nationally, there is a healthcare workforce shortage, which will have far-reaching consequences on individuals and communities. Helping support students financially allows them to focus on their studies so they can be the health care leaders of the future.”

The Provident Scholarship Fund provides $20,000 scholarships to health professional students, including those in doctorate-level medical and dental programs, as well as physician assistant, behavioral health, and nurse practitioner programs. The fund also provides $10,000 scholarships to allied health students, including nursing, surgical and radiology technology, respiratory therapy, paramedic, and behavioral health programs.

“There is a myriad of challenges that are facing health care organizations, and workforce is among the top,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, Cook County Health. “But the growth of the Scholarship program and the continued interest from prospective students pursuing careers in medicine is a testament to this generation’s strong desire to make a difference in their community and gives us a lot of hope.”

Applicants for the scholarship were evaluated on their academic achievements, recommendations, and personal statements. Consideration was also given to the candidates’ Cook County zip code and where it falls on the Social Vulnerability Index.

The goal of the program is to remove barriers for students coming from communities that historically have faced greater challenges, including access to education, economic opportunities, transportation, food or medical care.

Cook County Health Receives Joint Commission Certification for Work in Closing Health Care Disparities

Cook County Health is proud to announce that the health system has earned The Joint Commission’s Health Care Equity Certification, a national recognition of Cook County Health's work to identify and close health care disparities.

“For more than 185 years, Cook County Health has provided high-quality, equitable care with a focus on reducing pervasive and longstanding health disparities that result in too many being left behind,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health CEO. “Health equity is woven into the very fabric of our care model. I could not be more proud of our dedicated team, who meet every patient with dignity, compassion, and clinical excellence.”

The Joint Commission's Health Care Equity Certification, also known as Excellent Health Outcomes for All aims to decrease health care disparities, promote healthcare equity, and address leadership, collaboration, data collection, provision of care, and performance improvement. The voluntary certification program was launched in 2023, and recognizes hospitals across the country for excellence in providing equitable care for all patient groups.

To earn this certification, Stroger Hospital underwent a comprehensive onsite evaluation as The Joint Commission assessed more than 40 program-specific standards and reviewed a variety of data points, including:

Quality and safety measures for priority clinical conditions, analyzed by sociodemographic characteristics.
Comparison of the race, ethnicity, and languages spoken by staff and leaders to those of the community.
Results from employee opinion surveys and culture of safety surveys, stratified by race, ethnicity, and language.
Operationalization of a standardized approach to screening patients for social needs and using data to drive efforts to improve the health status and outcomes of their patient population.

National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey

The National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey (NHANES)—a critical public health resource—has helped make the lives of everyone in the United States safer and healthier, for more than 60 years. NHANES is run by the National Center for Health Statistics, part of the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. NHANES is the only nationally representative survey that collects information based on interviews and physical exams from people of all ages. This data is used to monitor critical health concerns, such as diabetes and heart disease, inform public health programs and policies, and update national health standards (e.g., blood pressure, cholesterol averages, and pediatric growth charts). To learn more about NHANES, Please visit NHANES website and our About NHANES video.

Healthy Vision Month: Healthy Lives, Healthy Eyes

July is Healthy Vision Month and Cook County Health has a great Ophthalmology program that can help your vision remain stable and help address any of your eye medical needs.

With a locations at CCH’s Professional Building, Provident Hospital and the Blue Island Health Center, our Ophthalmology Division can help you with common conditions such as cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, dry eye and corneal injuries. At our sites, we do eye examinations, retina imaging, and visual field testing. And if you need to correct your vision, you can even get LASIK surgery at Provident Hospital. LASIK is also a special benefit for CountyCare Medicaid Plan members! You can choose your eyeglasses from our Optometry Store at the Professional Building and choose a frame that fits you best.

For Healthy Vision Month 2025, we hope that you follow these recommendations from the National Eye Institute for simple things that you can do to protect your eyes. Think you know about eye health? Check out the National Eye Institute's Test Your Eye Health Knowledge test.

Help keep your eyes healthy and make an appointment to get your annual eye exam by calling our Patient Support Center at 312-864-0200.

Englewood Health Center: Community‑Focused Primary & Preventive Care

Located at 1135 W. 69^th Street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood, the Englewood Health Center welcomes patients of all ages and covers primary care needs, including annual physicals, immunizations, acute illness treatment, and management of chronic diseases. Our physicians offer care coordination with mental health providers and community services, ensuring comprehensive support for your wellness journey.

Our center also offers pediatric care, including same‑day sick visits, sports and school physicals, and a wide array of women’s health services, including pregnancy testing, OB/GYN exams, family planning, STI testing (including HIV), breast and cervical cancer screenings, and referrals for mammograms. The clinic also operates a robust HIV/AIDS program that offers free testing, prevention education, PrEP and PEP access, outpatient medical treatment, and Ryan White case management support.

Our Englewood Health Center staff is also active in our community, partnering with our Englewood Advisory Council partners to support their local activities. Recently, we participated in Teamwork Englewood’s Behavioral Health Summit and you can always see our staff at many community events hosted at Kennedy King College.

Last year we upgraded the clinic’s waiting room with a colorful mural inspired by feedback from patients and partners.

Finally, please sign up for our new monthly Healthy Walks program as part our Walk with a Doctor initiative which will take place nearby at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center. Get Healthy and Learn with our Englewood Team.

For patient appointments, please visit our website or call the Patient Support Center at 312-864-0200.

Beverly Jefferson, Enrollment and Retention Manager, CountyCare

Beverly Jefferson is a dedicated healthcare advocate with over a decade of experience in Medicaid services and community outreach. For the past two years she has served as the Enrollment and Retention Manager for CountyCare. In this role, Beverly is passionate about serving economically disadvantaged communities by educating residents on Medicaid redetermination, health screenings, and the comprehensive benefits CountyCare offers.

Prior to her current position, Beverly spent nine years as a supervisor at the CCH Medicaid Application Call Center, where she led efforts to streamline access to healthcare for thousands of residents. Her professional career also includes roles at the University of Chicago Hospital and the East Chicago, Indiana Public Schools further enriching her background in public service and education.

Beverly holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Purdue University, where she double majored in Sociology and Child and Family Welfare. Her commitment to community health is reflected in her leadership in organizing over 300 Medicaid redetermination events and speaking at numerous faith-based organizations, community groups, and local government meetings.

Driven by a deep sense of purpose, Beverly finds the greatest reward in the gratitude expressed by those she helps. She is a strong believer in treating every individual with dignity and respect and takes pride in advocating for those who often go unheard.

Walk with a Doc

In 2024, Cook County Health began a partnership with Walk with a Doc (WWAD), a nationwide initiative that encourages individuals to engage in physical activity while receiving valuable health information from medical professionals. These community-based walking events take place in local parks or neighborhoods, where doctors lead participants on a walk while discussing a variety of health topics, ranging from heart health and diabetes to mental wellness and nutrition.

One of the primary benefits of the program is its ability to make healthcare more accessible and approachable. By creating a relaxed, informal environment, doctors can connect with participants outside of the clinical setting, helping to build trust and open dialogue. Participants not only gain knowledge about managing or preventing chronic conditions but also experience the mental and physical health advantages of regular walking.

In our first partnership year, CCH conducted 7 walks across Cook County. This year, with the support of our Englewood Health Center, we are excited to announce that we will be holding monthly walks at The Salvation Army Red Shield Center located at 945 W. 69^th Street in Chicago’s Englewood neighborhood on the fourth Thursday of every month at 12:00pm. Our first walk will be Thursday, August 28, 2025. We hope to see you there!

To sign up or learn more about our program, please visit our WWAD page . The program is free, inclusive, and open to all ages and fitness levels, making it an easy entry point for those who may be intimidated by traditional exercise or hesitant to seek medical advice.

By blending education, movement, and community engagement, "Walk with a Doc" empowers people to take control of their health one step at a time!

1890's | Educating Young Cook County Doctors

A group of young Cook County doctors fill the teaching amphitheater to hear giants of medicine such as Dr. Christian Fenger as he discusses the latest antiseptic techniques and Dr. Nicholas Senn, the author of 23 books on surgery, shares his insight into new procedures.

Community Events

August 1 – Cook County School District 59 and Commissioner Kevin Morrison’s Back to School Health Fair – John Jay Elementary School, 1835 Pheasant Trail, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
August 1-3 – Black Women's Expo 2025 – McCormick Place, 2301 S King Dr, Chicago, IL McCormick Place, Chicago, IL 60616
August 2 – Senator Celina Villanueva's 2025 Back to School Resource Fairs – Maria Saucedo School, 2850 W. 24th Street, Chicago, IL 60623
August 2 – Cook County School District 59 and Commissioner Kevin Morrison’s Back to School Health Fair – Oasis Mobile Home Park, 7500 Elmhurst Road, Des Plaines, IL 60018
August 2 – Hands Around The Hundreds & Women Of West Pullman’s 5th Annual Block Party – West Pullman Street, 120th Union Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628
August 2 – Apostolic Church of God’s 2025 Health Fair – Apostolic Church of God, 6320 South Dorchester Avenue, Chicago, IL 60637
August 2 – Phalanx Family Services Back to School Event – Visions Odeum & Events, 11901 S. Loomis Street, Chicago, IL, 60643
August 3 – Senator Kimberly A. Lightford’s 15th Annual Family Fall Fun Day – Brookfield Zoo - Discovery Zone, 8400 31st St, Brookfield, IL 60513
August 3 – Emanual COGIC’s Back-2-School Community Giveaway – Emanual COGIC Church, 3058 West Van Buren Street, Chicago, IL 60612
August 5 – Senator Celina Villanueva's 2025 Back to School Resource Fairs – Bridgeport Back to School, Between Bosley Park and Holden Elementary, 3044 S Bonfield Street, Chicago, IL 60608
August 5 – Maywood Police Department Annual National Night Out – Veterans Park, 125 S. 5th Avenue, Maywood, IL 60153
August 6 – Pathways to Cook County Summit – UIC Dorin Forum, 725 W. Roosevelt, Road, Chicago, IL 60607
August 7 – March of Dimes' Fall/Back to School & Immunization Awareness Month – Imani Village, 901 E. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
August 8 – Senator Celina Villanueva's 2025 Back to School Resource Fairs – BPNC and New Life Church - Kelly Park, 2725 W. 41st Street, Chicago, IL 60632
August 8 – South Chicago Neighborhood Network and Claretian Associates – Claretian Associates, 9108 S Brandon Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617
August 8 – Housing Authority of Cook County’s Annual Back-to-School Giveaway – Vera Yates Apartments, 1055 Berkeley, Ford Heights, IL 60411
·August 9 – Cornerstone Community Development Corporation NFP's 11th Health & Wellness Fair 2025 – Cornerstone CDC, 943 E Lincoln Highway, Ford Heights, IL 60411
August 9 – 8th Annual Health Equity Fiesta Tour - BUILD, Inc Community Center, 5100 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60644
August 9 – Robbins Park District Back to School - Robbins Park District, 13650 Clare Boulevard, Robbins, IL 60472
August 9 – State Representative Will Guzzardi & State Senator Graciela Guzman Back to School Fair – Kelvyn Park, 4438 W. Wrightwood Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639
August 9 – Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church Resource Event – Christ Temple Apostolic Faith Church, 14 South Ashland, Chicago, IL 60607
August 9 – Westside Pastor's Coalition for Aids and Inner City Health Back to School Health and Resource Fair – West Suburban Medical Center, 3 Erie Street, Oak Park, IL 60302
August 9 – Bud Billiken Parade & Festival – Washington Park, 5531 S. King Drive, Chicago, IL 60637
August 9 – Living Beyond Our Dreams ("LBOD") Foundation, Inc.'s Beating the Odds Back to School Event – Street at S. Luella Avenue and E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60649
August 10 – West 40's BackPack GiveBack Resource Fair – Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center, 1529 Harlem Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402
August 12 – Community Consolidated School District 59’S Meet the Teacher/Supply-drop off Event – John Jay Elementary School, 1835 W Pheasant Trail, Mount Prospect, IL 60056
August 12 – Housing Authority of Cook County’s Annual Back-to-School Giveaway – Sunrise Properties, 1314 Wentworth Ave., Chicago Heights, IL 60411
August 13 – Senator Celina Villanueva's 2025 Back to School Resource Fairs – Beyond the Ball at Gary Elementary, 3740 W. 31st Street, Chicago, IL 60623
August 14 – Office of State Representative Kam Buckner Back to School Resource Fair – Ellis Park, 3520 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60653
August 14 – Chicago Public School’s Back to School Resource Fair – Seward Academy, 4600 S. Seward, Chicago, IL 60609
August 15 – Housing Authority of Cook County’s Annual Back-to-School Giveaway – Richard Flowers Homes, 13906 Grace Street, Robbins, IL 60402
August 15 – Senator Celina Villanueva's 2025 Back to School Resource Fairs – Rauner Family YMCA, 2700 S. Western Avenue, Chicago, IL 60608
August 16 – 8th Annual Health Equity Fiesta Tour - Hegewisch Community Center, 13323 S. Green Bay Avenue, Chicago IL 60633
August 16 – Mission of Our Lady of the Angels and Kelly Hall Back to School Block Party and Resource Fair – Mission OLA, 3800 W. Iowa Street, Chicago, IL 60651
August 16 – St. Luke's Church of God in Christ 2025 Community and Back to School Outing – St. Luke Church of God In Christ, 1310 North Sedgwick Parking Lot, Chicago, IL 60610
August 17 – Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church's Back to School Wellness Fair – Fuller Park, 331 W. 45th Street, Chicago, IL 60609
August 23 – First Missionary Church of Chicago Resource Fair – First Missionary Church of Chicago, 1515 N. Homan Avenue, Chicago, Il 60651
August 23 – Family Solutions Wellness Fest – Dvorak Park, 1119 W. Cullerton Street, Chicago, IL 60608
August 23 – Unity in the Community Back to School Fun and Wellness Community Fair – Colin Powell Middle School & Matteson Community Center, 20600 Matteson Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443
August 23 – Sisters Working It Out (SWIO) 2025 Gala – Hilton Oak Lawn, 9333 S. Cicero Avenue, Oak Lawn, IL 60453
August 24 – Chicago Hispanic Health Coalitions 19th Annual ¡Vive tu Vida! Get Up! Get Moving – UIC Outdoor Field Complex, 900 W. 14th Place, Chicago, IL 60608
August 28 – Senator Celina Villanueva's 2025 Back to School Resource Fairs – Liberty School, 4946 W. 13th Street, Cicero, IL 60804
August 29 – West Side Heroin/Opioid Task Force's International Overdose Awareness Day 2025 – Alt Space, 5645 W. Corcoran Place, Chicago, IL 60644
August 30 – Congressman Jonathan L. Jackson – Chicago State University, 9501 S King Dr, Chicago, IL 60628
August 31 – Wellness Fair at Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church – Fuller Park, 331 W. 45th Street, Chicago, IL 60609

Medicaid Redetermination Events

August 4 – North Riverside Health Center – 800 S. Harlem Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546
August 5 – Cottage Grove Health Center – 1645 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Ford Heights, IL 60411
August 5 – CPS Back to School Event – 3100 S. Keeler Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
August 5 – National Night Out 11th District – 3400-3600 W. Roosevelt Road. Chicago, IL 60624
August 6 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
August 7 – CPS Back to School Event Gately Park – 103rd & Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628
August 7 – Fall/Back to School Immunization Awareness Month- Imani Village – 901 E. 95th Street, Chicago, IL 60619
August 8 – St. Bernard Hospital – 6307 S Stewart Street, Chicago, IL 60621
August 9 – 8th Annual Equity Fiesta Tour – Build Chicago – 5100 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60644
August 10 – Annual Backpack Give Away – Joseph C. Vallez Activity Center, 1529 S. Harlem Avenue, Berwyn, IL 60402
August 12 – Robbins Health Center – 13450 S. Kedzie Avenue, Robbins, IL 60472
August 13 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51^st Street, Chicago, IL 60615
August 14 – Alivio Health – 2021 S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60608
August 16 – 8th Annual Equity Fiesta Tour - Hegewisch Community Center –13323 S. Green Bay Avenue, Chicago, IL 60633
August 18 – Blue Island Health Center – 12757 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406
August 19 – Esperanza Health Center – 4700 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
August 20 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
August 21 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629
August 22 – Englewood Health Center – 1135 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621
August 23 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51^st Street, Chicago, IL 60615
August 25 – Chicago Family Health Center – 9119 S. Exchange Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617
August 26 – Lawndale Christian Health Center – 3750 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
August 27 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51^st Street, Chicago, IL 60615
August 28 – Stroger Hospital – 1969 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612
August 29 – Arlington Heights Health Center – 3520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004