October 2025

Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

These past few months have been difficult for many of the individuals and families we collectively serve. Immigration enforcement and the uncertainty caused by the ongoing federal government shutdown are creating real hardship in our communities. Many of our neighbors are living with fear and anxiety about what comes next, while others are struggling to meet their most basic needs.

At Cook County Health, we know that physical health, mental health, and the social factors that shape health, like access to food, housing, and safety, are all inextricably linked. When one of these areas is destabilized, the health and well-being of entire families and communities are affected.

I wanted to use this space to share a list of Cook County Health and community resources that individuals can lean on during these challenging times. It is moments like this when it is more important than ever that we come together to support one another. Together, we can continue to provide stability, compassion, and hope for the communities we serve.

With gratitude and solidarity,

Dr. Erik Mikaitis

Chief Executive Officer

Cook County Health

Community Resources

Food: As you may know, the U.S. Department of Agriculture recently announced that Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) benefits will not be sent out on Nov. 1 due to the ongoing federal government shutdown. Starting next month, more than 527,000 families in Cook County will not be able to access the food aid they rely on. 

Greater Chicago Food Depository – GCFD is Cook County Health's partner oraganization in addressing food insecurity and will continue to serve the Cook County community through its local food pantries, soup kitchens and mobile distribution locations. Patients can search for resources near them by visiting www.chicagosfoodbank.org/find-food.
FoodCare – CountyCare’s food assistance program remains in place. Eligible CountyCare members may continue to access emergency home-delivered meals up to three times per year, medically tailored meals and our digital platform for meal planning, budgeting and food delivery. Interested individuals can sign up for FoodCare by requesting an appointment with a nutrition coach at www.foodsmart.com/members/countycare.
Food As Medicine – Cook County Health’s newly launched Food As Medicine webpage contains resources for our patients, including through CCH, through insurance and through our partners. Eligible and referred CCH patients may use the new onsite food pantries and medically tailored meals program. More information can be found at www.cookcountyhealth.org/food-as-medicine.
SNAP Federal Impact Center – As circumstances continue to evolve, we encourage individuals to stay informed and connected to government resources. The Illinois Department of Human Services will be providing real-time updates on SNAP benefits at snapfederalimpact.illinois.gov.

CCH Medical Care:

Make an appointment – Cook County Health proudly cares for all patients, regardless of immigration status or ability to pay. Call 312-864-0200 to make an in-person or telephone appointment.
Virtual Express Care – Patients can also access virtual immediate care from their home in multiple languages via phone or computer through CCH Express Care Monday through Friday, 7:00am-7:00pm.
Medication – Many CCH-prescribed medications can be delivered to patients’ homes for no extra charge. Visit our pharmacy website for more information.

Behavioral Health:

NAMI Helpline – 833-NAMI-CHI (626-4244) is a free and confidential resource that provides a listening ear, guidance and connection to the right mental health and social service resources, over the phone or text. Hours Monday-Friday, 9AM-8PM, Saturday and Sunday 9AM-5PM
9-8-8 Crisis Helpline – If you or someone you know is having thoughts of suicide or experiencing a mental health or substance use crisis, 9-8-8 provides a connection to free, confidential support.
CCH Services – Appointments with our expert behavioral health providers can be made by calling 312-864-200. We also offer walk-in services for indinviduals suffering from behavioral health crises at Provident Hospital’s Clinical Triage and Stabilization Center and care for patients seeking help with substance use at our Bridge Clinic.

2-1-1 Metro Chicago: 2-1-1 is a free, local, 24/7 service that connects Cook County residents to essential health and social service support and information during times of non-emergency crisis and for everyday needs. To connect with 2-1-1, visit 211metrochicago.org , call 2-1-1, for text your zip code to 898-211.

Cook County Rolls Out Saturday Vaccination Clinics for the Season

Cook County residents can get free flu and COVID-19 shots at Saturday vaccination clinics offered by Cook County Department of Public Health, Cook County Health and CountyCare, through March 28.

The vaccination clinics will rotate on certain Saturdays of the month in five different Cook County Health ambulatory clinic sites located in Blue Island, Robbins, Ford Heights, Arlington Heights and North Riverside, IL. Appointments are not required, and the shots are free of charge.

Cook County Department of Public Health is following the science-based respiratory virus vaccine guidance that was recently issued by the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH). Flu and COVID-19 vaccines are generally recommended for all people ages 6 months and older.

Saturday Vaccination Clinics:

No appointment is needed to get vaccinated at the Saturday flu and COVID vaccination clinics. Clinics are open from 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on rotating Saturdays at five Cook County Health ambulatory sites.

Residents are encouraged to bring an ID and insurance card, if available. Health insurance is not required, and immigration status does not affect eligibility — everyone is welcome. Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial health plans cover the cost of routine vaccines, including flu and COVID-19. No one will be turned away if uninsured.

Vaccination Year-round

Free vaccines are offered year-round at Cook County Health locations by appointment. To schedule a vaccination appointment, call 312-864-0200. Learn more about recommended vaccinations on Cook County Department of Public Health’s website .

Cook County Health Discusses Cultural Competency

On October 9, as part of Hispanic Heritage Month, Cook County Health held a live Facebook discussion to highlight different initiatives that are supporting culturally responsive care at our health centers.

To watch the discussion, click on the link.

Cook County Health Holds Educational, Screening Fairs

This month, Cook County Health held a series of events aimed at providing educational information about breast cancer to patients, as well as screening information for kidney disease.

As part of Breast Cancer Awareness Month, the Cook County Health Preventive Medicine team held screening education fairs at Stroger and Provident Hospitals, as well as the Austin Health Center.

Events were held to educate patients and visitors about the importance of breast cancer screenings. More than 550 individuals stopped by to learn more about CCH offerings.

Cook County Health also partnered with the National Kidney Foundation of Illinois to offer free kidney and diabetes screenings. More than 60 individuals stopped by, with over 46 percent having abnormal test results.

Those who had abnormal test results would be reached out to for further information about tests and care. For information about the National Kidney Foundation, visit https://www.nkfi.org/.

It’s October, Remember to Get Your Mammogram to Combat Breast Cancer

October is Breast Cancer Awareness Month. Cook County Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health are committed to eliminating Breast Cancer disparities in Chicago and suburban Cook County. By offering comprehensive breast cancer services, Cook County Health emphasizes early detection through free screenings and personalized care.

The importance of regular breast cancer screenings cannot be overstated. Breast cancer is the most common cancer among women after skin cancer, and early detection significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Routine screenings—especially mammograms—can identify abnormalities before symptoms appear, allowing for less invasive treatment options and better survival rates. Through our Birthday Health Screening Program for Prostate and Breast Cancer, Cook County Health encourages women aged 40 and older to get annual screenings, while younger women should consult their providers about personalized screening schedules.

By combining accessible services with cutting-edge care, Cook County Health empowers women to take charge of their health. Whether through community outreach or individualized treatment plans, our mission is clear: detect early, treat effectively, and support holistically. We have mammography studios at many of our facilities, including John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital, Provident Hospital, the Arlington Heights Health Center, the Blue Island Health Center and the Dr. Jorge Prieto Health Center.

Check out this video which highlights what to expect when you come to Provident for your mammogram.

If you live in suburban Cook County and are concerned about costs, CCDPH offers a Breast and Cervical Cancer Screening Program to help obtain financial assistance to cover cots. If you have Medicaid and CountyCare is your plan, they offer help and guidance through their Cancer Care Navigation Program.

Cook County Health’s Birthday Health Screening Program can also be a resource at any time, please call us at 312-864-4289 to make an appointment.

Please remember that there should be no financial barriers to getting a mammogram or a breast cancer screening, these services offer a lifeline—and a powerful reminder that early action saves lives.

Arlington Heights Health Center

Located in the northwest suburbs of Cook County, the Arlington Heights Health Center provides comprehensive community-focused care for individuals and families at 3250 N. Arlington Heights Road, Suite 300 in Arlington Heights. With a team of dedicated doctors, nurses, and specialists, the facility emphasizes preventive care and chronic disease management, ensuring patients receive personalized and coordinated treatment plans.

The Arlington Heights Health Center has Internal Medicine providers who care for adults managing chronic conditions or needing preventive screenings. We offer immunizations for children and adults, as well as acute care for short-term illnesses. Pediatric services include growth and development monitoring, school and sports physicals, and routine vaccinations. Family Medicine provides care for patients from birth to old age. The health center also offers Women's health services, which includes breast and cervical screenings, and family planning. It also has daily appointments for mammograms.

As Cook County Health keeps bringing specialty services to our community clinics, we are proud to now offer allergy, pulmonology and advanced cardiology services at Arlington Heights Health Center.

The Arlington Heights Health Center has same-day nurse assessments for sick visits and also offers STI, PrEP, and medication assisted treatment (MAT) services. Their Behavioral Health team consists of a social service coordinator and a licensed clinical social workers. Our WIC office can help pregnant mothers and mothers with young children. The clinic also has a big dental office which services community needs.

Patients can meet with the on-site financial counselor for assessment of qualifying entitlements, including help with Medicaid enrollment and Redetermination, and also CCH’s financial assistance program Carelink.

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

Alice Collins, Community Outreach

Alice Collins has been a vital part of the Community Relations team at Cook County Health for more than a decade. In her role, she connects diverse, uninsured, and underserved populations to essential health services — bridging gaps and building trust across communities.

A proud Chicago native and the youngest of ten siblings, Alice draws on her strong family connections to build meaningful relationships with those she works with. She holds a Master of Science from Roosevelt University and brings extensive experience in human services.

Alice represents Cook County Health at community events, shares information about services, and partners with clergy and community-based organizations to reach those most in need. She also helps facilitate the organization’s Community Advisory Councils.

Her leadership extends into the community, where she serves on the board of Cornerstone Community Development Corporation’s Higher Heights Neighborhood Network (serving Ford Heights and Chicago Heights) and on the Board of Directors of Pathlights, a human service organization supporting older adults in Cook County’s South and Southwest suburbs.

Outside of work, Alice enjoys gardening, hiking with her husband and dogs, and long bike rides—activities that reflect her love for nature.

Sisters Working It Out: Working to Eliminate Breast Cancer in Our Communities

For over 24 years, Sisters Working It Out (SWIO) has been committed to improving health outcomes in medically underserved communities by expanding access to care, education, and supportive services that promote overall well-being. SWIO has been a long term partner of Cook County Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health to reduce many of the barriers that lead to high breast cancer mortality rates for African American women, such as lack of health information, mistrust of providers and health systems, and limited access to breast cancer screenings, mammograms, clinical breast exams, and primary care.

Led by Beulah Brent, who started her career at Cook County Health and is undeniably one of the most passionate, hard-working, results-driven individuals in the Chicagoland area, SWIO is committed to creating pathways to wellness for underserved communities by delivering holistic support, education, and compassionate care. SWIO hosts many culturally responsive programs and community-driven initiatives that strive to improve health outcomes and build a future where everyone has the tools and resources to thrive.

Through their trained Community Health Educators, they have successfully reached out to more than 3,500 women with information about breast cancer and other women’s health issues.

On November 8, 2025, Cook County Health will be joining SWIO at their annual Day of Beauty event which will take place at The Kroc Center located at 1250 W. 119^th Street in Chicago. The Day of Beauty uplifts, honors, and empowers breast cancer survivors and also provides breast cancer screening, resources and information to those in attendance.

Even if you cannot attend their day of beauty, Cook County Health and SWIO encourage all women to get their mammograms and reminds them that they can get mammograms 12 months a year, not just in October.

MPox Cases on the Rise in Chicago: Get Vaccinated at CCH on November 15

An Operating Room at Cook County | 1880

For those who could afford it, surgical procedures were carried out in private residences. At the time, few hospitals had more equipment than a physician possessed in his bag or at his office.

Community Events

In November, 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.

November 1 – New Grace Emmanuel COGIC Health and Resource Fair – New Grace Emmanuel COGIC, 2734 East 83rd Street, Chicago, IL 60617.
November 1 – Speaker Welch’s 2025 Annual Senior and Veteran’s Resource Fair – Proviso Math and Science Academy, 8601 W. Roosevelt Road, Forest Park, IL 60130.
November 5 – ABHIL Giving Thanks for Your Health Health & Resource Fair – Salaam Community Wellness Center, 613 E. 67th Street, Chicago, IL 60637.
November 5/6 – Area Planning Council (APC) District 504 College & Community Resource Fair – Triton College, Building B, 2000 5th Avenue, River Grove, IL 60171.
November 7 – LifeHouse Group, Calumet Memorial Park District, and the Illinois Department of Employment Security’s Fall Fest Hiring Event – Sand Ridge Community Center, 600 Oglesby Avenue, Calumet City, IL 60409.
November 7 – Housing Authority of Cook County 's Veterans Resource Event – Otto Veterans Square Housing, 1440 Otto Boulevard, Chicago Heights, IL 60411.
November 8 – Purple Path Bi-Annual Healing Retreat – Tinley Park Convention Center, 18501 Convention Center Drive Suite 1, Tinley Park, IL 60477.
November 8 – March of Dimes’ Winter/Prematurity Awareness Month – Shine Bright Community Center, 8560 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619.
November 8 – Sisters Working It Out (SWIO)'s Day of Beauty – The Kroc Center, 1250 W. 119th Street, Chicago, IL 60643.
November 13 – Kids Above All's Health and Wellness Fair – The Oakwood Center, 3725 S. Vincennes Avenue, Chicago, IL 60653.
November 13 – Cook County Emergency Management and Regional Security "Training and Preparedness Summit 2025" – Moraine Business and Conference Center, 9000 W. College Parkway, Palos Hills, IL 60465.
November 13 – Howard Brown Health Center's National Diabetes Awareness Month Education & Resource Fair – Kennedy King College, U Building, 740 W. 63rd Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
November 13/14 – Sista Afya Community Care 's 2025 Mental Health Advocacy, Legislation & Policy Impact Event – The Erikson Institute, 451 N. La Salle Drive, Chicago, IL 60654.
November 19 – Mayors Office for Peoples with Disabilities' Resource Fair – Central West Community Center, 2102 W. Ogden, Chicago, IL 60612.
November 19 – Nicor Gas Community Connection Resource Fairs – Thornwood High School, 17101 S. Park Avenue, South Holland, IL 60473.
November 20 – Cook County Health’s Walk with a Doctor Program – The Salvation Army’s Red Shield Center, 945 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
November 22 – Thanksgiving "Feed the Hungry" at the New Bethlehem Healing Temple – New Bethlehem Healing Temple, 12 South Oakley Boulevard, Chicago, IL 60624.
November 23 – Greater Galilee Baptist Church Health and Resource Fair – Greater Galilee Baptist Church, 1308 South Independence, Chicago, IL 60624.

Medicaid 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.

November 1 – North Riverside Health Center – 1800 S. Harlem Avenue Suite A, North Riverside, IL 60546.
November 1 – Men's Empowerment Workshop – 10920 S. Princeton Avenue, Chicago, IL 60628.
November 3 – North Riverside Health Center – 1800 S. Harlem Avenue Suite A, North Riverside, IL 60546.
November 4 – Cottage Grove Health Center – 1645 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Ford Heights, IL 60411.
November 5 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634.
November 6 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629.
November 7 – St. Bernard Hospital – 6307 S Stewart Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
November 8 – Cottage Grove Health Center – 1645 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Ford Heights, IL 60411.
November 8 – Winter/Prematurity Awareness Month at the Shine Bright Community Center –8560 S. Cottage Grove Avenue, Chicago, IL 60619.
November 10 – Dr. Jorge Prieto Health Center –2424 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago, IL 60623.
November 12 – Provident Hospital – 500 E. 51^st Street, Chicago, IL 60615.
November 13 – Alivio Health – 2021 S. Morgan Street, Chicago, IL 60608.
November 14 – Stroger Hospital – 1969 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60612.
November 14 – Veterans Health Fair at the Double Tree Hilton –500 W. 127th Street, Alsip, IL 60803.
November 15 – Blue Island Health Center – 12757 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406.
November 17 – Chicago Family Health Center – 9119 S. Exchange Avenue, Chicago, IL 60617.
November 18 – Esperanza Health Center – 4700 S. California Avenue, Chicago, IL 60632
November 19 – Primecare Health Center – 5635 W. Belmont Avenue, Chicago, IL 60634.
November 20 – Friend Health – 5635 S. Pulaski Road, Chicago IL 60629.
November 21 – Englewood Health Center – 1135 W. 69th Street, Chicago, IL 60621.
November 22 – Arlington Heights Health Center – 3520 N. Arlington Heights Road, Arlington Heights, IL 60004.
November 24 – Blue Island Health Center – 12757 S. Western Avenue, Blue Island, IL 60406.
November 25 – Lawndale Christian Health Center – 3750 W. Ogden Avenue, Chicago, IL 60623.