Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

This month, we commemorate five years since the start of the COVID-19 pandemic. It was a scary and uncertain time across this country. Our healthcare workers, health plan teams and public health department staff did amazing work during that time: educating the public about this new virus, setting up vaccine clinics, caring for the sick, and ensuring patients had access to the support they needed.

I would also be remiss if I did not recognize the incredible support we received from partners like you. Whether it was sharing information about community needs, spreading word about the work we were doing, or reinforcing messages about the importance of vaccination, you lifted the organization up, and together we were able to help our region navigate one of the most difficult public health crises of our time.

One of Cook County Health’s partnerships with Housing Forward was recently featured in a 5-year retrospective of the pandemic by the Chicago Suntimes. 

We continue to feel the effects of the pandemic, particularly in areas like mental health. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experienced mental illness in 2021, but fewer than 48 percent (47.2) received treatment. 

That’s why I am incredibly grateful for the work being done by our Office of Behavioral Health. In 2024, Cook County Health held its first Behavioral Health Summit, bringing together health care and social service providers, mental health advocates, community leaders and elected officials to discuss how to improve access and care in Cook County. Care for individuals experiencing mental health crisis was identified as a need on Chicago’s South Side during the summit.

Based on the needs identified through the summit, in June, Cook County Health awarded 53 community organizations, health care providers, and other non-profit groups a total of $44 million in ARPA-funded grants to support a range of mental health and substance use services including school-based care, crisis intervention, prevention, medication for addiction treatment, and comprehensive therapy.

Earlier this month, Cook County Health was joined by local leaders to cut the ribbon on Cook County Health’s Clinical Triage and Stabilization Center at Provident Hospital. This new center was established in direct response to feedback we received from our community partners. You can learn more about the Center below.

CCH plans to release a strategic plan to address outstanding regional behavioral health needs and strengthen local infrastructure to support health care career development and clinical services next month.

The pandemic highlighted many of the health inequities that exist in this country. As we continue to navigate these times, may we all remain focused on ensuring that everyone has access to the care they need.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erik Mikaitis

CEO, Cook County Health

On March 18, Cook County Health was joined by local leaders to cut the ribbon on the Cook County Health’s Clinical Triage and Stabilization Center, located at Provident Hospital.

The 12-chair Center is for people experiencing mental health crises but do not require inpatient hospital care. Patients can receive compassionate, personalized care for up to 23 hours and work with a medical team to connect into the next appropriate level of care.

Cook County has invested nearly $4 million to build out this space that will provide immediate mental health care services beginning next week. Funding for this project came from the American Rescue Plan Act, allocated to the health system by Cook County government.

“When we invest in behavioral health, we build safer, healthier communities,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I applaud Cook County Health for leading the way in this work and for ensuring that more residents have access to the care they deserve.”

“Cook County Health is proud of the work we are doing in the behavioral health space to ensure that persons across Cook County who are struggling can find the type of care they need, where they need it, when they need it,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Cook County Health CEO.

The Clinical Triage and Stabilization Center will support patients who are:

• Experiencing anxiety or panic attacks
• Having growing depression symptoms
• Coping with recent trauma or loss
• Recently discharged from another hospital or correctional facility
• Feeling wild mood swings, or
• Undergoing opioid withdrawal but don't have significant medical risk factors

Learn more here: https://cookcountyhealth.org/press-release/cook-county-health-cuts-ribbon-on-mental-health-triage-and-stabilization-center/. 

Cook County Health to Host Facebook Live on Autism

On Wednesday, April 2 at 3:30 pm, Cook County Health will join Commissioner Michael Scott and local organizations as part of World Autism Awareness Day to hold an interactive discussion about autism.

Learn more about the disorder and resources available to help individuals and families. Viewers can submit questions and comments during the event on Facebook. Stream it live or watch the recording at facebook.com/cookcountyhhs.

CCH has also compiled a list of autism services and resources. Click here to view the printable PDF.

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.

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

Reminder about Measles Vaccines

Measles cases have been on the rise throughout the U.S., underscoring the importance of vaccination in preventing outbreaks.

The best defense against measles is vaccination. Two doses of MMR vaccine are 97% effective against measles and generally provide lifelong immunity. Make sure you are up to date on the MMR vaccine.

As a reminder:

1. MMR is part of the routine vaccination schedule for children. The first dose should be given between 12-15 months of age and the second between the ages of 4-6 years old. One dose of the immunization is required for daycare and preschool/pre-K attendance in Illinois, and two doses (separated by at least 28 days) are required for K-12 school attendance.
2. Check Your Vaccination History – The CDC recommends two doses of the MMR vaccine for lifelong protection. If unsure, you can check your vaccine history. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal. 
3. Consider Your Age & Timing – Vaccinated before 1968? You may want to check with your healthcare provider about a revaccination.
4. Titer Test for Immunity – A blood test can confirm if you still have immunity. Talk to your healthcare provider if you’re unsure.
5. Assess Exposure & Risk – If you got just one dose, have a weakened immune system, or have been exposed to an outbreak, consult a healthcare provider about immunization.

In Cook County, residents can make an appointment to get vaccinated at one of Cook County Health’s locations by calling 312-864-0200. 

Learn more about Measles: Measles - Cook County Department of Public Health.

Registration is Live! - Environmental Justice Policy Webinar – Tuesday, April 8 at 11:00 AM 

During National Public Health Week, we invite you to join the Cook County Department of Public Health, Department of Emergency Management & Regional Security, and the Department of Environment & Sustainability for an engaging webinar exploring how Cook County is driving meaningful change through policies and actions that advance environmental justice, enhance community preparedness, and promote equitable food systems.

This interactive discussion will cover:

• The development of Cook County’s Environmental Justice Policy and its role in addressing pollution, historic disinvestment, and health inequities.
• The establishment of Community Resilience Hubs to support neighborhoods before, during, and after disasters.
• The impact of the Good Food Purchasing Program in fostering a more sustainable and just food system.

Whether you’re a resident, advocate, or community leader, this free webinar will provide valuable insights into how these initiatives work together to build a healthier and more equitable Cook County.

Learn more and register here.

Have you listened to the latest episodes of the Cook County Health Podcast? Learn more about what the organization is up to, get tips on pressing health topics and just learn something you might not have known before!

Our latest episodes include Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis talking about his first 100 days in the position and Dr. Kaylani Perumal and Jayna Garner-Sharif, dietitian, talking about kidney health.

Check out more here.

Upcoming Hospitality Hires Event

Registration is open for the 8th annual Hospitality Hires Chicago 2025 (HHC25), a Partnership production. The Chicago Cook Workforce Partnership (The Partnership) and event sponsors will host this in-person hiring event on Tuesday, April 15, from 9 am to 3 pm at Palmer House, a Hilton Hotel in Chicago’s Loop, continuing the theme of Hospitality is a State of Mind this year.  HHC25 Sponsors are Chicago Loop Alliance, Choose Chicago, City of Chicago, Cook County, Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association, Illinois Restaurant Association, The Magnificent Mile Association, Near South Planning Board, Origami Works Foundation, and The Partnership.

Community Safety Grant Opportunities

In 2025, the JAC announced two complementary grant opportunities designed to improve community safety in Cook County. Cook County Community Violence Intervention Grants (CC-CVI) will provide $20 million in funding for community-based services such as street outreach to support residents at risk of being involved in community violence. The Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence (CC-SGV) initiative will provide $10 million in funding for community-based services that support survivors of gun violence in Cook County.

Press Release: cookcountyil.gov/news/president-preckwinkle-announces-launch-community-safety-grant-opportunities

Cook County Announces Creative Placemaking Grant Program as Part of Arts Initiative

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle announced last month the launch of the Creative Placemaking grant program as part of the Cook County Arts initiative, which is designed to boost the arts and culture sector in the suburbs. 

The Creative Placemaking program is a $2 million effort that will provide grants between $50,000 and $250,000 to nonprofit organizations leading collaborative creative placemaking projects across Cook County suburbs. 

Creative placemaking integrates arts, culture and design activities into efforts geared toward supporting social, physical and economic change in communities. Such efforts might include renovating a historic theater, building affordable live-work spaces for artists, or transforming vacant lots into lively gathering places or community exhibition sites.

Suburban nonprofit organizations, in collaboration with community stakeholders, can apply for Creative Placemaking grants through April 7, 2025, at 11:59 p.m.

Cook County Health in the News

Hyde Park Herald: Provident Hospital to open behavioral health center

Becker’s Hospital Review: The twofold challenge of an older population — and how systems are adapting

CBS Chicago: Fewer people are dying from opioid overdoses in Illinois: an analysis of the trend

Chicago Sun-Times: Five years since COVID, how Chicago works to improve the health of the city

CBS Chicago: Colorectal Cancer Awareness Month

Visit our website at cookcountyhealth.org

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.