Cook County Health • System News • May 2026

May 2026

Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital time to reinforce the message that mental health is not separate from our physical health. The collective well-being of our communities depends on ensuring that every person has access to compassionate, affordable and culturally appropriate mental health care when they need it the most.

At Cook County Health, we take pride of the work we are doing in this space, be it in our hospitals and clinics or in the communities we serve. I am immensely grateful to the behavioral health and social work teams for their tireless dedication to caring for those who are vulnerable.

To truly understand the impact of the work that they do, we look to our patients. Recently, at the 60th anniversary of our trauma unit, we had the privilege of hearing from a former patient named Raymond. In 2017, Raymond was severely injured by gun violence and the Stroger Hospital trauma unit saved his life.

His journey didn’t end there, however.

During his recovery, Raymond worked through the mental aspects of trauma recovery with the support of our trauma social workers. Inspired by those who helped heal him, Raymond graduated this May with a master’s degree in social work. You can watch his story with NBC 5 Chicago here.

Raymond’s story is a reminder of the importance of mental health support and resilience.

The needs are vast. According to NAMI, 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year, and 1 in 7 U.S. youth ages 6-17 experience a mental health disorder each year. With that latter statistic in mind, the Cook County Health Office of Behavioral Health hosted a pair of Facebook Live events, supported by various community partners, to talk about youth mental health.

You can find videos of both discussions on our Facebook or YouTube channels.

As we recognize Mental Health Awareness Month, let us continue to challenge stigma, encourage open conversations and advocate for greater access to care. Mental health affects all of us, whether directly or through the experiences of our loved ones, colleagues and neighbors. By working together, we can help build healthier, stronger communities where no one feels alone in seeking support.

Thank you for your continued partnership and commitment to advancing health equity and access to care across Cook County.

Sincerely,

Dr. Erik Mikaitis

Chief Executive Officer

Cook County Health

Cook County Health Recognizes 60th Anniversary of Trauma Unit

On April 23, Cook County Health proudly celebrated the 60^th anniversary of the Trauma & Burn Department at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital, honoring six decades of pioneering lifesaving care and service to the people of Cook County.

Founded in 1966 by Drs. Robert Baker and Robert Freeark, the trauma unit was established at Cook County Hospital to provide urgent, specialized care to acutely injured patients. The unit treated 1,000 patients in its first year. Today, the unit cares for an average of 4,000 patients annually, treating complex injuries from car accidents, falls, and penetrating injuries such as gunshots and stabbings, along with burn injuries.

As a national leader in trauma care, the unit integrates surgical excellence, critical care, rehabilitation and social services. This multidisciplinary approach ensures that patients receive comprehensive support necessary not just to survive, but thrive, after a devastating injury.

“Cook County Health has long worked to ensure that every patient has access to the care they need,” Cook County Health CEO Dr. Erik Mikaitis said. “But we have also long believed that it’s not enough to simply treat the injury, we must also treat the person. Our trauma team’s legacy is built on the idea that world-class care should be available to everyone, regardless of their circumstances.”

To commemorate the milestone anniversary, Cook County leaders, Stroger Hospital officials and trauma department staff, and former patients came together on April 23 to celebrate and reflect on the department’s impact – from the lives saved to medical advancements to the professionals who have trained in the unit and taken their skills across the globe.

Learn more: https://cookcountyhealth.org/press-release/cook-county-health-recognizes-60th-anniversary-of-trauma-unit/.

Navy Medicine Renews Commitment to Excellence in Trauma Care

Navy Medicine reaffirmed its long-term strategic partnership with Cook County Health (CCH) to sustain the skills of expeditionary medicine (EXMED) teams and clinical care until 2031 during a signing ceremony to extend its program at the Cook County Health Professional Building, April 28.

The Navy and Cook County Health first began their partnership in 2013 when naval surgeons from Lovell Federal Health Care Center in North Chicago began coming to Stroger Hospital – the first comprehensive trauma center in the country – to train in trauma care. The first Navy corpsman trauma training program began at Stroger Hospital in 2014. In the years since, Navy officers and enlisted medical professionals have continued to do rotations through the hospital’s trauma unit.

Cook County Health Hosts Senator Durbin in Maternal Health Roundtable Ahead Of Mother’s Day Weekend

U.S. Senate Democratic Whip Dick Durbin held a roundtable discussion ahead of Mother’s Day weekend with officials from Cook County Health (CCH) to discuss maternal health initiatives that provide critical assistance to new and expectant mothers.

“We lose hundreds of women every year to preventable pregnancy-related conditions,” said Senator Durbin. “Supporting and investing in high-quality, affordable maternal health care, like the services provided by Cook County Health, is critical for mothers and babies. This weekend, when families across the country celebrate the mothers in their lives, we must also thank the people who keep those moms safe during and after their pregnancy.”

“At Cook County Health, we are proud to approach maternal health across the full continuum through our hospitals and clinics, our public health department, and CountyCare,” said Dr. Lauren Smith, Chief Medical Officer, CCH. “Healthy beginnings can shape a child’s health and development for a lifetime, and supporting mothers before and during pregnancy as well as the postpartum period can have lasting impacts across generations. That’s certainly something to celebrate this Mother’s Day.”

National Public Health Week

May is Stroke Awareness Month, a time to highlight one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States. A stroke occurs when blood flow to part of the brain is interrupted, either by a blockage or a bleed, depriving brain cells of oxygen. When a stroke happens, every minute matters — millions of brain cells can be lost each minute a stroke goes untreated. Fortunately, recognizing the signs early and acting quickly can significantly improve outcomes and even save lives.

One of the easiest ways to recognize stroke symptoms is to remember B.E.F.A.S.T.:

Balance (sudden loss of balance or coordination)
Eyes (sudden vision changes)
Face drooping
Arm weakness
Speech difficulty
Time to call 911.

Other symptoms include sudden confusion, trouble seeing, dizziness, or a severe headache with no known cause. If you notice any of these signs in yourself or someone else, call 911 immediately. Emergency treatments are most effective when administered right away, and delays can lead to permanent disability. While stroke risk increases with factors such as high blood pressure, diabetes, smoking, and heart disease, stroke does not discriminate — it can affect people of all ages.

Prevention is just as important as recognition. Managing blood pressure, maintaining a healthy diet, staying active, and avoiding tobacco can greatly reduce stroke risk. Regular check-ups with your healthcare provider can help catch and control risk factors early. This Stroke Awareness Month, take a moment to learn the signs, share them with loved ones, and encourage healthy habits in your community. Awareness isn’t just knowledge— it’s a powerful tool that can help save lives.

Cook County Health, through its Joint Commission-certified Primary Stroke Center , offers targeted care for our patients to help them recover from the physical and mental effects of a stroke, and to help them live the best and healthiest lives post-treatment. To schedule an appointment, please call 312-864-0200 or visit Patient Support Center Appointments site.

The Cook County Health’s Neurosciences service line is a multidisciplinary and dynamic collaboration across our organization that includes Neurology with multiple subspecialities, Neurosurgery with expertise in trauma, spine and vascular, a Neurocritical Care program with a Neurosciences ICU, Neurotrauma/ Neurocritical Care consult service, Neurointerventional – Neuro IR Service, a Joint Commission Certified Stroke Center, Tele Stroke Service, Physical Medicine and Rehabilitation Services, and Ambulatory Services at Stroger Hospital, Provident Hospital, the CORE Center and the Blue Island Health Center.

The Neurosciences service line also provides a robust Neurophysiology Lab that includes inpatient and outpatient EEG's (brain wave function test), inpatient and outpatient EMG's (muscles and nerve function test), and Botox injections for a variety of conditions. Additionally, over the past year, the Neurosciences service line has won several awards and accolades including the 2025 Get with the Guidelines Gold Plus Award for Stroke and the National Association of Counties 2025 Achievement for Neurocritical Care. We partner with many areas across the system to provide high quality care and exceptional patient outcomes to the residents of Cook County and beyond, and we continue to look for opportunities to improve our services and outcomes.

One recent area of expansion within the Neurosciences service line is our tele stroke program. What started as a way to provide virtual stroke care to our Provident Hospital patients has grown into a large collaboration with outside organizations. Our new partnerships with community hospitals allow CCH physicians to provide stroke care to patients across Cook County through an integrated care model. This model offers high quality, high acuity stroke care at their local hospital, with the ability to transfer to Stroger’s highly advanced Neurosciences ICU if needed.

Finally, we are immensely proud to offer Neurotrauma and Neurocritical care services to patients with life-threatening brain and spine injuries. This dedicated expertise, along with advanced Neurosurgical capabilities, offers lifesaving surgeries that support patients from the time they arrive to the emergency department or trauma unit, through the most critical time of illness in the Neurosciences ICU. Patient care and recovery are accompanied by inpatient and outpatient rehab evaluations and management by our PM &R team. Our goal is to provide comprehensive Neurosciences care to every patient at each of our access points, and we look forward to sharing more on upcoming initiatives soon!

To schedule an appointment, please call 312-864-0200 or visit Patient Support Center Appointments site.

Stroke Expert and Program Coordinator, Dr. Kathryn Dudzik

If you have ever attended a Cook County Health stroke education event, community stroke fair, or awareness initiative, chances are you have crossed paths with our dedicated Stroke Coordinator, Dr. Kathryn Dudzik. Since joining CCH in 2021, Dr. Dudzik has been a driving force behind elevating stroke care and expanding education both inside the hospital and throughout the community. With a strong clinical background and a passion for patient outcomes, she plays a vital role in ensuring that stroke patients receive timely, high-quality care from the moment they arrive.

Known for her approachable style and ability to simplify complex topics, she brings energy and creativity to stroke awareness efforts. Whether she’s teaching staff about rapid response protocols or engaging community members with the B.E.F.A.S.T. acronym, she has a knack for making education both meaningful and memorable. Her work bridges the gap between clinical excellence and public health—because great stroke care doesn’t start in the hospital, it starts with recognition in the community.

Outside of her coordinator role, she’s a busy mom of three who understands the importance of balancing professional dedication with real life. That perspective fuels her commitment to outreach that resonates with families and everyday people. She strives to empower others with the knowledge to recognize stroke symptoms and act fast—because when it comes to stroke, every second truly counts.

Family Solutions is a community-based behavioral and mental health organization committed to supporting youth, adults, and families through accessible, compassionate, and culturally responsive care. With services available both in-person and virtually, Family Solutions works to reduce barriers to treatment while helping individuals navigate emotional, behavioral, and life challenges through individualized support. The organization primarily serves Medicaid recipients, including individuals and families experiencing economic hardship, school-related behavioral concerns, and involvement with the justice system.

In addition to clinical and community support services, Family Solutions recently launched the Community Impact Collective, a growing initiative focused on strengthening authentic community connections through networking events, donation drives, educational gatherings, and collaborative outreach efforts. The Collective was created to bring together professionals, organizations, and community members who are passionate about making a meaningful local impact while fostering relationships across sectors. Through this initiative, Family Solutions continues to expand opportunities for collaboration, engagement, and community-driven support throughout Cook County.

Family Solutions remains proud of its commitment to relationship-centered work and collaboration with schools, hospitals, community organizations, and local partners throughout the county. Whether supporting families with Medicaid access, coordinating care, providing safe spaces for therapeutic growth, or creating opportunities for meaningful community engagement, Family Solutions strives to make support approachable and accessible. Those interested in learning more about upcoming Community Impact Collective events and initiatives can join the email list here: Community Impact Collective Email List and follow us on Eventbrite to stay connected with future gatherings and events.

Anyone interested in beginning services can contact Family Solutions at 872-777-8110 Monday through Friday from 8 AM–5 PM.
Referrals can also be submitted anytime through our online referral form: Family Solutions Referral Form.
For tabling opportunities, presentations, or referral-related questions, please contact Sarah Esparza, Community Outreach Coordinator, at sjesparza@familysolutionsusa.com.

Family Solutions looks forward to continuing its partnership with Cook County Health in expanding access to comprehensive mental health care across the county!

Community Events

In June, 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.

June 2 – Chicago Police District 025’s Older Adult Resource Fair – Chicago Police Department, 5555 W. Grand Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639.
June 4 – Strides for Peace Race Against Gun Violence – Grant Park - Upper Hutchinson Field, 250 E. Balbo Drive, Chicago, IL 60605.
June 4 – FHP Tenant Resource Fair – FHP, 1615 W. Chicago Avenue, Chicago, IL 60622.
June 6 – Bellevue Baptist Church’s Call For Caring 2026 - Caregiver Expo – Bellevue Baptist Church, 10700 S. Emerald Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628.
June 6 – New Life Covenant Church’s Hope on the Block Summerfest 2026 – Hanson Park Field, 2233 N. Central Avenue, Chicago, IL 60639.
June 6 – Legacy Charter School’s Parent University – Legacy Charter School, 3318 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623.
June 11 – Alderman Michelle Harris’ Call to Action Event – Street, 1700 E. 79th Street, Chicago, IL 60649.
June 12 – Guadalupano Family Center's Community Resource Fair – Guadalupano Family Center, 1814 S. Paulina, Chicago, IL 60608.
June 13 – State Representative Brad Stephens & Mayor Arlene Jezierny Children's Safety Expo – St. Rosalie's Church, 6750 W. Montrose Avenue, Harwood Heights, IL 60706.
June 14 – Annual Family Greek Cookout - Green Lake Wood – Green Lake Wood, 159th & Torrence Avenue, Calumet City, IL 60409.
June 15 – EDDR's 3rd Annual Health Fair – Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619.
June 20 – Cook County Commissioner Kevin Morrison and the Forest Preserves of Cook County’s Outdoors Day and Fishing Derby – Busse Woods Grove 25, Rolling Meadows, IL 60008.
June 20 – Black Men’s Wellness Day – Bob Pickens Track & Field in Jackson Park, 6253 S. Stony Island, Chicago, IL 60637.
June 25 – Walk with a Doctor – Englewood Red Shield Salvation Army, 945 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
June 26 – Logan Square Arts Festival – Logan Square Street, 2620 N. Milwaukee Avenue, Chicago, IL 60647.
June 27 – Men's Health Fair – Friend Health Pulaski, 6250 S. Cottage Grove, Chicago, IL 60637.
June 27 – Workforce Development and Career Fair – BUILD, 5100 W. Harrison Street, Chicago, IL 60644.
June 27 – Outdoor Community Fest - Spirit Redeemed Missionary Baptist Church, 6615 S. Ashland Avenue, Chicago, IL 60636.
June 27 – Robbins Annual Safe Summer Event - Nesbit Memorial Park, 138th & Trumbull Avenue, Robbins, IL 60472.
June 27 – AKA Sorority’s Health and Resource Fair – Austin Town Hall, 5610 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60644.
June 28 – Pride Parade – from Irving Park to Lincoln Park in Chicago.
June 29 – Men's Health and Wellness – Malcolm X College, 1900 W. Jackson, Chicago, IL 60612.

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.

June 1 – North Riverside Health Center – 1800 S. Harlem Avenue Suite A, North Riverside, IL 60546.
June 2 – Cottage Grove Health Center – 1645 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Ford Heights, IL 60411.
June 2 – PCC Wellness Austin – 5461 W. Lake Street, Chicago, IL 60644.
June 3 – Primecare Health Center - 5635 West Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634.
June 4 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629.
June 5 – St. Bernard Hospital – 6307 S. Stewart Chicago, IL 60621.
June 5 – Humboldt Park Health – 1044 N. Mozart, Chicago, IL 60622.
June 8 – Jorge Prieto Health Center – 2424 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60623.
June 9 – Robbins Health Center – 13450 S. Kedzie Avenue, Robbins, IL 60472.
June 9 – PCC Wellness Melrose Park – 1111 Superior Street #100, Melrose Park, IL
60160.
June 10 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60615.
June 11 – Alivio Health Center – 2021 S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60608.
June 11 – Near North’s Kostner Health Center – 1520 N. Kostner Avenue, Chicago, IL 60651.
June 12 – Chicago Family Health Center – 9119 S. Exchange Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617.
June 15 – Stroger Hospital –1969 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612.
June 16 – Esperanza Health Center – 4700 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
June 17 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634.
June 18 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629.
June 22 – Swedish Covenant – 5145 N. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60625.
June 24 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51st Street, Chicago, IL 60615.
June 25 – Hope Community Church – 5900 W. Iowa Street, Chicago, IL 60651.
June 26 – Arlington Heights Health Center – 3520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
June 29 – Blue Island Health Center – 12757 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406.
June 30 – Lawndale Christian Health Center – 3750 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago IL 60623.