Cook County Health • System News • June 2025

June 2025

Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

This June, as we recognize Juneteenth and Pride Month, we are reminded that the fight for freedom, dignity, and equality is ongoing — and that our nation is at its best when every person is seen, heard, and valued.

On June 19, 1865, more than two years after the Emancipation Proclamation, the last enslaved African Americans in Texas were finally informed of their freedom. Juneteenth marks this delayed but powerful moment of liberation — a time to celebrate Black resilience and achievement, and to reflect on the injustices that still exist today.

Pride Month honors the LGBTQ+ community’s ongoing struggle for equal rights and recognition. It is a celebration of identity and courage — and a call to action to create inclusive spaces where everyone can thrive.

At Cook County Health, we are proud to serve all people with compassion and respect. Our nearly 200-year mission is grounded in the belief that everyone deserves high-quality care delivered with dignity, no matter their race, income, identity, or background. This commitment is at the core of our efforts to confront health disparities and build healthier, more equitable communities.

At a time when parts of our shared history and lived experiences risk being ignored or erased, observing Juneteenth and Pride Month becomes even more meaningful. When we honor our past, we strengthen our ability to move forward — together.

We invite you to take part in community events, discussions or other activities this month that celebrate the history of these important occasions. Collectively our engagement, big or small, helps to deepen our understanding and shared humanity.

Thank you for being part of a community that uplifts, honors, and includes all.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erik Mikaitis

CEO, Cook County Health

Cook County Officials Urge Protection Against West Nile Virus This Summer

West Nile virus season is here. Cook County Department of Public Health is launching a new public awareness campaign that encourages residents to take precautions against West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease, which, in rare cases, can be deadly. The virus occurs in humans when they are bitten by mosquitoes that contracted the virus by feeding on infected birds.

“As more people begin to enjoy the outdoors during the summer season, we want them to be aware of West Nile virus and know how to protect themselves from this potentially deadly disease,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH).

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is collaborating with CCDPH on spreading awareness. “We want people to know that you can enjoy the outdoors, especially our 70,000 acres of natural land, and protect yourself from mosquito bites just by doing simple things: Wear insect repellent and light-colored long-sleeved shirts and long pants,” said Eileen Figel, interim general superintendent of the Forest Preserves.

Most people infected by the virus have no symptoms and never get ill, but some may develop mild symptoms, such as fever, headache, rash and body aches three to 15 days after infection.

More severe symptoms include a high fever, stiff neck, confusion, muscle weakness and inflammation of the brain, which could lead to permanent neurological damage or death.

In suburban Cook County, 19 West Nile virus cases and five deaths from the disease were reported in 2024, according to Cook County Department of Public Health surveillance data. That was the highest number of West Nile virus deaths reported since eight deaths in 2018. In all of Illinois, 69 confirmed human cases of West Nile virus and 13 human deaths were reported last year, the highest number since 17 deaths were recorded in 2018.

Here are four key tips for preventing a West Nile virus infection:

Apply EPA-registered insect repellent to keep mosquitoes away. A repellent containing 20% to 50% Deet is good for adults, and a child-friendly repellent with 20% to 30% Deet is sufficient for children.
Drain standing water around your home. That includes flowerpots, old tires, buckets and plastic wading pools.
Repair torn window screens. Screens should be tight-fitting without gaps.
Beware during dusk and dawn, when mosquito activity is heaviest Limit time outdoors during this period.

Insect repellent should be applied properly. EPA-registered insect repellents should only be applied to exposed skin or on top of clothing. Repellent should not be sprayed directly on the face and should not be applied to children younger than two months old.

Get more tips and learn more at FightTheBiteCookCounty.com.

Prioritizing Men's Health in June

This month we celebrated Father’s Day which is not just a time to recognize the incredible men in our lives, but also an opportunity to encourage them to prioritize their health.

Men often neglect routine check-ups and preventive care, leading to more advanced health concerns that could have been more easily managed if detected early. This year, consider giving the gift of health by encouraging fathers, grandfathers, and brothers to schedule a wellness visit. Regular screenings for heart disease, diabetes, and prostate health can make a significant difference in long-term well-being.

Cook County Health offers a wide range of specialized services tailored to men’s health needs. From cardiology to urology, our expert teams provide comprehensive care to address common concerns such as high blood pressure, cholesterol management, and prostate health.

With support from Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry, who also serves as Vice Chair of the Cook County Health Board of Directors, the health system offers a Birthday Health Screening Program. The program encourages Cook County residents who meet the clinical guidelines for breast or prostate cancer screening to schedule an appointment at CCH during their birthday month. The screenings are free of cost for the majority of patients. Give yourself the gift of health and schedule a screening today by calling 312-864-4289.

Whether it’s preventive screenings or managing chronic conditions, Cook County Health is committed to keeping men healthy and thriving. If you have not seen a doctor recently, we encourage you to set up an appointment with one of our primary care physicians by calling our Patient Support Center at 312-864-0200. Or if you just want a quick visit for a minor ailment, set up a virtual Immediate Care visit through our ExpressCare program.

Men’s Health Month presents a perfect opportunity to support the men in our lives by emphasizing self-care and wellness. Be on the lookout for the next edition of our Walk With A Doctor series, which will take place out of our Englewood Health Center.

Cook County Health stands ready to support men with expert care and resources to ensure they live long, fulfilling lives.

From Old to the New - Belmont Cragin Health Center

Cook County Health’s Belmont Cragin Health Center is located at 5501 W. Fullerton Avenue in Chicago. It is a full-service health center that offers family medicine, internal medicine, obstetrics, pediatric medicine, and other specialty services. The facility was constructed during the Covid pandemic as a replacement for the former Logan Square Health Center. It officially opened with a ribbon cutting ceremony on November 17, 2021.

The Belmont Cragin Health Center is a new model clinic constructed to be flexible to adapt to changes in the health care environment. In addition to having 30 exam rooms, educational and conference rooms, we have WIC, behavioral health services, and Reach Out and Read.

Dental services are expected to begin soon as well.

Until earlier this year, the 2^nd floor of Belmont Cragin served as the primary space where new arrivals got screened and checked for health issues. More than 35,000 new arrivals were seen at this and other facilities.Recently, in collaboration with the Greater Chicago Food Depository, CCH opened its first food pantry at this facility. The facility provides healthy food for our patients who meet certain health criteria.

In April 2025, CCH held the first meeting of the Belmont Cragin Advisory Council which is comprised of representatives from community organizations such as Addus Homecare, Belmont Cragin United, Elevate, Gift of Hope, Metropolitan Family Services, the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois, and Onward House among others. The Advisory Councils are made up of patients, community and religious organizations who provide local insight to our hospitals and community health centers, the needs of the community, and help promote our services in the neighborhoods where our facilities are located. To learn more or to participate in any of our 9 councils, please visit Community Relations | Cook County Health.

If you would like an appointment at the Belmont Cragin Health Center or at any of our facilities, please call our Patient Support Center at 312-864-0200 or visit Request Appointment | Cook County Health

Oscar Medina is the Regional Community Testing Coordinator for the Cook County HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP) which is part of the Ruth Rothstein CORE Center. Oscar brings more than two decades of experience in HIV and STD prevention. His work in the field began in 2001 in Miami Beach, where he led the QUEST program, a pioneering initiative for young MSM (men who have sex with men). The program blended arts, culture, and entertainment with education and prevention to effectively engage youth.

Oscar later joined the Miami-Dade County Health Department, where he spent nearly 10 years developing innovative, community-driven prevention initiatives. Among his notable programs were "Ride the Bus," which brought HIV prevention directly to bus stops and public transit in partnership with the local transportation authority, and "Test Miami," which leveraged community events to provide HIV/STI testing, education, and counseling in accessible, welcoming settings.

Known for his creativity and community focus, Oscar has designed unique prevention tools such as custom condom dispensers and even “condom dresses.” He’s participated in major public events including Miami International Fashion Week, film festivals, concerts, and media programs like Cristina and Dra. Polo to spread awareness and promote healthy living.

Now at Cook County Health, Oscar continues to bring his creative energy to community events. His passion for outreach and commitment to making health services visible, accessible, and engaging have made a lasting impact in the communities he serves.

PRIDEChicago

PRIDEChicago is a vibrant and dynamic volunteer-powered nonprofit serving the LGBTQ+ communities of Chicago and Illinois. The group has produced the Chicago Pride Parade for over 50 years.

Inspired by the Stonewall uprising of June 28, 1969, the first Gay Liberation March took place in Chicago on Saturday, June 27, 1970, making it the first city to host such a march. In its earliest days, the event bore little resemblance to today’s celebration. While that inaugural march saw just 150 participants, the parade now hosts over one million spectators who line the streets of Chicago’s landmark LGBTQ+ neighborhood to celebrate annually.

The Chicago Pride Parade has grown into a beloved tradition for Chicagoans, showcasing the city’s commitment to inclusion and LGBTQ+ advocacy, and it is a testament to resilience, community, and the power of pride. The parade is committed to creating a world where all people can live authentically and unapologetically.

In addition to participating in the parade this year, Cook County Health is proud to have further representation in the parade. CCH Board member, Dr. Maya Green is one of the Community Grand Marshalls. Dr. Green currently serves as the Chief Medical & Health Equity Officer at Onyx Medical Wellness where she developed the Nexus program, which streamlines HIV treatment and prevention services. In addition, TaskForce Prevention & Community Services, an LGBTQ+ youth-focused health and wellness organization located on the west side of Chicago, has been selected as the inaugural “Out Front” Leader of the 2025 Chicago Pride Parade. TaskForce is being honored for its decades of unwavering service, providing critical resources, advocacy, and support to LGBTQ+ youth, particularly those in underserved communities. Task Force is led by Dr. Chris Balthazar who also works on behavioral health programs at CCH.

Chicago really knows how to celebrate Pride! Each June, the city - and the suburbs - are brimming with LGBTQ+ celebrations and events, including Chicago Pride Fest on Saturday, June 21st and Sunday, June 22nd, concerts, parties, and, of course, the iconic Chicago Pride Parade on Sunday, June 29th at 11 a.m.

Please join Cook County Health, CountyCare and our staff by showing your support to the community at the 2025 Chicago Pride Parade.

1916 | Cook County Hospital Opens

In 1916, the second hospital building was completed at its present location on Harrison

Street. The Hospital was then a complex of 2,700 beds. The main hospital was eight-stories high and the building covered an entire block, bounded by Harrison, Polk, Wood and Wolcott Streets.

Currently, the building serves as shared-space with a partnership between several Cook County Health offices including the Physical and Occupational Therapy outpatient clinic. There is also a day care provider, food hall and the Hyatt Place Hotel.

Community Events

July 2 – Village of Lynwood and Bloom Township Blood Drive and Health Fair – Bloom Township Center, 425 S. Halsted, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
July 10 – West Side United’s Summit of Hope Women's Event – Malcolm X College,1900 W. Jackson Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60612.
July 10 – American Red Cross & Gift of Hope’s 1st Annual A Path for a Healthier Chatham, Donation and Registration Drive – Jackie D. Lynch Building, 7936 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60619.
July 12 – Greater Roseland Chamber of Commerce’s Shop Roseland 2025 – 115th Street and Michigan Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628.
July 12 – 8th Annual Health Equity Fiesta Tour – Cicero Community Center, 2240 S. 49th Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804.
July 12 – Misión Luterana Unida Church’s Feria de Recursos y Ventas | Summer Resource & Vendor Fair – 6720 31^st Street, Berwyn, IL 60402.
July 18 – Hanover Park COPS Day Picnic Resource Fair – 1919 Walnut Street, Hanover Park, IL 60133.
July 19 – Solutions for Care’s Healthy Living Resource Fair – 7222 W. Cermak Road, North Riverside, IL 60546.
July 19 – Family Christian Health Center KIDFEST – 31 W. 155th Street, Harvey, IL 60426.
July 19 – Maine Township’s BloWater & Wellness Health Fair – Maine Township Town Hall, 1700 Ballard Road, Park Ridge, IL 60068.
July 19 – Englewood Quality of Life Initiative’s Behavioral Health Summit which will take at a location in Englewood yet to be determined.
July 20 – Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church of Chicago Resource Fair – 2233 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620.
July 24 – Town of Cicero’s Back to School Event – Cicero Community Center, 2240 S. 49th Avenue, Cicero, IL 60804.
July 25 – University of Illinois Extension Serving Cook County’s Community Forum and Resource Fair – Blue Door Neighborhood Center, 11840 S. Marshfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643.
July 26 – Onward Neighborhood House’s Health Fair – 5319 W. Diversey Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639.
July 26 – 4th Annual Words of Wonder Literary – Dr. Conrad Worrill Track and Field Center, 10201 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60628.
July 26 – Speaker Chris Welch’s Annual Back 2 School Fair 2025 – Proviso West High School, 4701 Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60162.
July 26 – Our Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness Family Health Fair – 500 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
July 31 – South Suburban Pads’ Family Health Fair – New Faith Baptist Church, 19 Central Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443.
July 31 – Fiesta del Sol Street Festival – Streets of Pilsen around 1400 W. Cermak Road, Chicago, IL 60608.

Medicaid Redetermination Events

July 1 – Cottage Grove Health Center – 1645 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Ford Heights, IL 60411
July 2 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51^st Street, Chicago, IL 60615
July 7 – North Riverside Health Center – 800 S. Harlem Avenue, North Riverside, IL 60546
July 8 – Robbins Health Center – 13450 S. Kedzie Ave Robbins, IL 60472
July 9 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
July 10 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629
July 11 – St. Bernard Hospital – 6307 S Stewart Street, Chicago, IL 60621
July 12 – 8th Annual Equity Fiesta Tour – Albany Park – 3436 W. Wilson Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625
July 15 – Esperanza Health Center – 4700 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
July 16 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51^st Street, Chicago, IL 60615
July 16 – St Leonard's Ministries – 2100 W. Warren Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60612
July 17 – Alivio Health – 2021 S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60608
July 18 – Arlington Heights Health Center – 3520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004
July 19 – Family Christian Health Center – 31 W. 155th Street, Harvey, IL 60426
July 21 – Blue Island Health Center – 12757 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406
July 23 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634
July 24 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629
July 25 – Englewood Health Center – 1135 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621
July 28 – Chicago Family Health Center – 9119 S. Exchange Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617
July 29 – Lawndale Christian Health Center – 3750 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623
July 29 – CPS Back to School Event at Columbus Park – 500 S. Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60624
July 30 – Stroger Hospital – 1969 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612
July 29 – CPS Back to School Event at Winnemac Park – 5100 N. Leavitt Street, Chicago, IL 60625
July 31 – Care for Friends – 5749 N. Kenmore Avenue, Chicago, IL 60660