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Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,
At Cook County Health, our historic mission is to care for all who need us, regardless of ability to pay, where they come from, their insurance status – or who they love. Pride Month is an opportunity to celebrate the strength and diversity of the LGBTQ+ community while reaffirming our commitment to providing high-quality, compassionate care to every resident of Cook County.
For many LGBTQ+ individuals, barriers to care and experiences of discrimination contribute to health disparities, making our work toward health equity more important than ever. Our commitment is reflected not just in the care we provide every day, but also in how we engage with the communities we serve.
Throughout Pride Month, Cook County Health has worked to raise awareness, share trusted health information and celebrate inclusion. This month, among the activities we participated in, we are proud to have:
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Hosted a Facebook Live conversation through Cook County Department of Public Health, titled “Living Authentically: A Pride Month Discussion for Trans Youth and Allies.”
- The health system, including our hospitals, public health, and CountyCare, also participated in the City of Chicago’s Pride Parade on Sunday, June 28, celebrating the diversity that makes us stronger and demonstrating that everyone deserves to feel welcome in our health system.
- Highlighted information about HIV services, including prevention, testing and treatment, at the CORE Center in a segment with Univision Chicago. You can view that segment after it airs on our social media channels.
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We are also proud to uplift our many partners and the work that they do. It takes all of us working together to ensure residents have access to the vital resources and care they need to live their best lives.
Together, we are building a healthier, more equitable Cook County where every resident has the opportunity to thrive, not just during Pride Month but every day of the year.
Thank you,
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Dr. Erik Mikaitis
Chief Executive Officer
Cook County Health
| | Cook County Health Announces More than $1.3M in Scholarships to Students Pursuing Careers in Medicine | |
Cook County Health and the Health Foundation of Cook County today announced the fifth cohort of Provident Scholarship Fund awardees, awarding $1.3M in scholarships to 93 students pursuing healthcare careers.
This year’s scholarship distributions bring the program’s cumulative total to more than $5 million awarded to over 300 students since the fund’s inception in 2022, with a significant portion of this year’s funding supporting returning scholars who are advancing through their multi-year degree programs.
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“Hospitals across the nation are grappling with severe, chronic staffing shortages,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO of Cook County Health. “We all see the statistics, and the projected gaps of tens of thousands of nurses, medical assistants, behavioral health specialists, and physicians. But as healthcare leaders and concerned citizens, we cannot simply look at data projections and wait for the problem to resolve itself. We have to build our own pipeline. We have to reverse engineer the solution.”
Read more here or watch event coverage here.
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Cook County Health Recognizes Cancer Survivors Month, Highlights Programs
This month, Cook County Health was joined by Cook County leaders to discuss the importance of early access to cancer screenings and highlight programs that help Cook County Health patients after a cancer diagnosis.
More cancer patients are making it to the five-year survival mark, with nearly 7 in 10 patients reaching that milestone. Routine cancer screenings and improved treatments are some of the reasons.
Cook County Health is proud to offer free prostate cancer and breast cancer screenings to eligible Cook County residents. Learn more here.
At a press conference held this month, Dr. Urjeet Patel, cancer program director, highlighted the Cancer Survivorship Program, which helps patients transition after completing treatment. To schedule a Survivorship Clinic appointment, call 312‑864‑2300 or speak with your CCH provider.
CountyCare Awarded New State Medicaid Contract
Earlier this month, the Illinois Department of Healthcare and Family Services (HFS) awarded contracts to CountyCare Health Plan and five other Medicaid managed care organizations (MCOs) to provide covered services to HealthChoice Illinois enrollees. The contract includes an initial term of four-and-a-half years with an optional renewal term of five-and-a-half years.
“This award reaffirms our decade-long commitment to improving the health and well-being of the members we serve. As we look to the future, we remain focused on improving health outcomes, ensuring stability and supporting the health of those who need it most, especially as we navigate looming federal changes to Medicaid coverage. At CountyCare, our members come first, and we are dedicated to their continued care,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Chief Executive Officer for Cook County Health.
Learn more: https://countycare.com/press-release/countycare-awarded-contract-to-continue-providing-medicaid-services-in-cook-county
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Free Career Training for Cook County Residents — Apply Now
Applications are now open for Cook County's Project Rainbow no-cost scholarship program with Grow with Google, bringing free career training to residents across Cook County. Through a partnership with Google, eligible adult learners can earn Google Career Certificates and complete courses in high-growth fields like AI, IT support, data analytics, cybersecurity, digital marketing, and project management.
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These are at no cost, with no degree or prior experience required, all online and flexible enough to fit around work and family. This program reflects the same commitment to the community that helped establish the Provident Scholarship Fund, which has now awarded more than $5 million to over 300 students pursuing healthcare careers since 2022.
To apply, you must be a Cook County resident, 18 or older, with access to a computer and reliable internet. Scholarships are limited. Apply today: https://bit.ly/rainbow-cchealth
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Worldwide Pride Month
In June, Cook County Health joins people around the world in celebrating Pride Month. As part of the recognition, we want to ensure that Cook County residents have the tools necessary to be knowledgeable about the advancements in the prevention and treatment of HIV.
Our CORE Center’s Cook County Health HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP) continues to advance HIV prevention, testing, and treatment awareness through innovative and culturally responsive outreach campaigns designed to connect communities that are disproportionately impacted by HIV to essential services.
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In 2025, CCH launched the "Getting Some?" campaign which focused on LGBTQIA+ communities, including men who have sex with men and transgender individuals. The campaigned utilized targeted English and Spanish digital outreach across Meta, TikTok, Google Ads, and dating applications to increase awareness and engagement with HIV prevention services.
This year, building upon that successful campaign, we launched the “Love Yourself Loudly” campaign to engage Black and LatinX women to reach communities disproportionately affected by HIV. To amplify our outreach, we are partnering with various community organizations to spread our message and conduct testing where our residents may be located. Look for our team at the 2026 Black Women’s Expo at McCormick place from July 21 to August 2, or find us at a local church through programs hosted by the First Ladies initiative. You can find us testing at a local World Cup soccer game at 5 Star Sports in Melrose Park or at Latina Expo in Chicago in October.
Across both campaign phases, CCHIP's HIV Prevention Campaign has generated over 18 million impressions, reached more than 1.4 million individuals, resulted in over 157,000 clicks, generated nearly 2,500 calls, and driven more than 57,000 visits to Cook County Health HIV resources.
Through strategic digital outreach, culturally relevant messaging, and community-centered engagement, CCHIP continues to reduce barriers to HIV services and ensure Cook County residents have increased access to HIV prevention tools such as PrEP and PEP, HIV testing, and life-saving treatment.
To schedule an appointment, please call 312-572-4500 or visit Patient Support Center appointments site.
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From December 2025 through May 2026, the CORE Center delivered more than 14,400 ambulatory visits, including over 6,500 primary care visits and 6,100 specialty care visits. CCHIP's multidisciplinary model offers patients access to a broad range of specialty services, including behavioral health, dental, hepatitis care, infectious disease, cardiology, nephrology, neurology, and OB/GYN services — all under one roof.
Behavioral health and oral health services remain critical components of CCHIP's integrated care model, with more than 1,300 psychiatric visits and 1,700 dental visits provided this current fiscal year.
CCHIP remains a leader in HIV prevention by expanding access to pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP). In January 2025, CCHIP began offering Yeztugo, an innovative long-acting PrEP option, further strengthening patient choice and expanding access to cutting-edge HIV prevention strategies.
Through innovative clinical care, a multidisciplinary team approach, and a commitment to health equity, CCHIP continues to improve access to high-quality HIV prevention, treatment, and specialty services for communities across Cook County.
To schedule an appointment, please call 312-572-4500 or visit Patient Support Center appointments site.
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Alfredo Delgado, Program Manager, Cook County HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP)
Alfredo Delgado has dedicated more than 25 years of his career to working in HIV prevention, HIV care, education, community outreach, and public health. Throughout his career, he has been passionate about helping people access healthcare services, reducing barriers to care, and building meaningful relationships within the communities he serves.
As the Program Manager for the Cook County HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP) at Austin Health Center, Alfredo leads a team that provides HIV care, prevention services, behavioral health, social services, outreach, and PrEP navigation. He enjoys working alongside his team to ensure that individuals receive the support, resources, and care they need to live healthier lives.
Alfredo believes that healthcare works best when it is accessible, welcoming, and connected to the community. One of his favorite parts of the job is bringing services directly to people through health fairs, community events, outreach activities, and partnerships that help individuals learn about and access available resources.
He takes pride in mentoring staff, building strong community partnerships, and supporting programs that make a real difference in people's lives. Whether working with patients, supporting his team, or collaborating with community organizations, Alfredo is committed to creating opportunities for people to access care and feel supported every step of the way.
For Alfredo, public health is more than a career—it's a lifelong commitment to serving others and helping build healthier, stronger communities. He enjoys traveling, hiking, and trying different ethnic foods with his family.
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CCHIP is proud to partner with Lyte Lounge, a trusted community space that plays a vital role in expanding access to HIV prevention, education, and testing.
The LYTE Collective serves young adults impacted by poverty and homelessness and their mission is to:
- Support every young adult who contacts them
- End harmful systems that cause young people to need help in the first place
- Build a more just and equitable world together with all who aspire to do better by young people
They do their work through their mobile support program and by also providing apartments for people without homes.
Every Monday, CCHIP Prevention and Education staff are on-site at Lyte Lounge providing HIV education, risk-reduction counseling, and free HIV testing in a welcoming and affirming environment. This partnership allows CCHIP to meet individuals where they are, reduce barriers to care, and increase awareness of HIV prevention services, including PrEP, PEP, and linkage to comprehensive HIV care when needed.
By working alongside community partners like Lyte Lounge, CCHIP continues its commitment to health equity, reduces HIV stigma, and ensures that individuals throughout Cook County have access to culturally responsive prevention services and the resources needed to support their health and wellness.
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Community Events
In July, teams from Cook County Health, the Cook County Department of Public Health, CountyCare and the Cook County HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP) may be present and participate in health fairs, resource fairs, presentations, tabling events or general community events listed below.
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July 1 – Baptist Pastor's Conference – First Unity Missionary Baptist Church - 5129 S. Indiana Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615.
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July 1 – AAABNA (Austin African American Business Networking Association) Resource Fair – Sankofa Cultural Arts & Business Center, 5820 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651.
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July 1 – Friend Health Men’s Health Fair – Friend Health Pulaski, 6250 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637
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July 1 – True Light Baptist Church Resource Event – 7300 S. Maryland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619.
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July 1 – Leadership and Legacy Summit – Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60612.
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July 2 – Illinois Department of Corrections Women's Connections Summit of Hope– Olive-Harvey College,10001 S. Woodlawn Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628.
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July 10 – Cook County Commissioner Bridget Degnen – 12th District's Community Resource Fair – Irish American Heritage Center, 4626 N. Knox Avenue. Chicago, IL 60630.
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July 11 – Sisters Working It Out’s 2026 He Said, She Said Event – Blue Cross Blue Shield Neighborhood Center, 11840 S. Marshfield Avenue, Chicago, IL 60643.
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July 16 – The Kindness Campaign 75th St Fresh Foods Market + Health Fair – The Kindness Campaign, 701 E. 75th Street, Chicago, IL 60619.
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July 17 – Auburn Gresham Community Service Center Back to School resource Fair – T Auburn Gresham Community Service Center, 1140 W. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620.
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July 17 – Hanover Park COPS Day Picnic – Hanover Park Park District, 1919 Walnut Avenue, Hanover Park, IL 60133.
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July 17 – SGA Youth Back to School Rally – Kelly High School, 4136 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632.
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July 18 – KidFest 2026 – Family Christian Health Center, 31 W. 155th Street, Harvey IL 60426.
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July 18 – Liberty Temple Full Gospel Church of Chicago Annual Community Wellness & Health Fair – 2233 W 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60620.
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July 18 – Aunt Martha’s Health & Wellness Family Health Fair – Aunt Martha’s,500 Dixie Highway, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
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July 23 – Walk with a Doctor – Englewood Red Shield Salvation Army, 945 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
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July 24 – The Flowstate Fair – Blue Island Public Library, 2433 York Street, Blue Island, IL 60406.
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July 25 – 4th Ward Annual Back-to-School Event– It Takes a Village Academy – Bronzeville, 4930 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60615.
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July 25– Speaker Emanuel Chris Welch Back to School Health Fair – Proviso West High School, 4701 Harrison Street, Hillside, IL 60162.
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July 25 – Envision Unlimited Healing Happens Here 2026 – Abundant Life Christian Center, 14540 Linolcn Avenue, Dolton, IL 60419.
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July 25 – Day of Hope – Marquette Park, 67th and Kedzie, Chicago, IL 60629.
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July 26 – 2026 Wellness Fair – Fellowship Missionary Baptist Church, 4543 S. Princeton Avenue Chicago, IL 60609.
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July 29 – Pullman Wheelworks Resource Fair– Pullman Wheelworks, 901 East 104th Street, Chicago, IL 60628.
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July 30 – Back to School Community Family Resource Fair - New Faith Baptist Church International, 25 N. Central Avenue, Matteson, IL 60443.
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July 31 – Black Women's Expo - McCormick Place, 2301 S. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr Drive, Chicago, IL 60616.
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July 31 – 2026 Franklin Park Back to School hosted by Congressman “Chuy” Garcia (IL04), State Representative Hernandez (D77), Franklin Park Mayor Barrett F. Pedersen and West40 – Street at 25th Ave & Franklin Avenue, Franklin Park, IL 60131.
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Redetermination Events
Cook County Health and CountyCare are currently hosting a series of Redetermination events in the System’s facilities, other FQHCs and community partners. For more information, please visit CountyCare’s Medicaid Redetermination information page.
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July 1– Primecare Health Center - 5635 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634.
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July 2 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629.
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July 6 – North Riverside Health Center – 1800 S. Harlem Avenue Suite A, North Riverside, IL 60546.
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July 7 – Cottage Grove Health Center – 1645 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Ford Heights, IL 60411.
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July 7 – Humboldt Park Health – 1044 N. Mozart, Chicago, IL 60622.
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July 8 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60615.
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July 9 – Alivio Health Center – 2021 S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60608.
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July 10 – St. Bernard Hospital – 6307 S. Stewart Chicago, IL 60621.
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July 13 – Jorge Prieto Health Center – 2424 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60623.
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July 14 – Robbins Health Center – 13450 S. Kedzie Avenue, Robbins, IL 60472.
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July 15 – Primecare Health Center - 5635 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634.
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July 16 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629.
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July 17 – Englewood Health Center – 1135 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
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July 20 – Stroger Hospital –1969 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612.
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July 21 – Esperanza Health Center – 4700 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
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July 22 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60615.
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July 24 – Chicago Family Health Center – 9119 S. Exchange Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617.
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July 27 – Blue Island Health Center – 12757 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406.
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July 28 – Lawndale Christian Health Center – 3750 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago IL 60623.
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July 29 – Hope Community Church – 5900 W. Iowa Street, Chicago, IL 60651.
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July 31 – Arlington Heights Health Center – 3520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
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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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