Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,

I’m honored and humbled this week as we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of John H. Stroger Hospital, an incredible milestone in the historic legacy of Cook County Health.

For nearly two centuries, Cook County Health has served all patients regardless of ability to pay, race, immigration status or insurance status. And while many other local governments have moved away from the provision of health care, I’m proud that we continue to be a stalwart provider for our communities.

When this hospital opened on December 12, 2002, it signaled that Cook County remained committed to ensuring access to care for its residents. It was a bold decision by our leaders to invest money into a new hospital, and I’m pleased that we continue to take decisive steps to ensure the highest levels of care for our patients.

Whether it’s new outpatient centers in North Riverside, Belmont-Cragin or Blue Island, investments in facilities and services at Provident Hospital, or our tireless work to combat the COVID-19 and mpox pandemics, or our care for asylum seekers, Cook County Health continues to make investments to enhance access to care for all.



The work we do is critical for improving health equity across Cook County and I am grateful for your support.



I hope you enjoy this look back on our health system. I look forward to working together to create a bright future for Cook County Health and the communities we serve in 2023 and beyond.

Sincerely,

Cook County Celebrates 20th Anniversary

of Stroger Hospital

Cook County leaders gathered December 12, 2022, to celebrate the 20^th anniversary of John H. Stroger Jr., Hospital.

In 1994, the Cook County Board of Commissioners convened public hearings on a plan to build a new hospital, which would replace the 90-year-old Cook County Hospital. Construction on the new 464-bed, $551 million replacement facility was completed in 2002.

On December 12, 2002, 320 patients were moved from the old hospital to the new John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital.

Current Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle recognized her predecessors who were critical in pushing for the new building.

“At a time when many local governments were getting out of health care, Dick Phelan decided to buck the trend and build a new facility to replace the 90-year-old Cook County Hospital – and it wasn’t a particularly popular decision but the right one,” President Preckwinkle said. “A lifelong advocate of universal health care, John Stroger took up the mantle of a new hospital when he came in as Board President.”

(Left to right) Josina Morita, 13^th District Cook County Commissioner; Brandon Johnson, 1^st District Cook County Commissioner; John Daley, 11^th District Cook County Commissioner; Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board President; Israel Rocha, Cook County Health CEO; Dr. Lily Hussein, Cook County Health oncologist, Ernestine Daniels, administrative assistant in Cook County Health’s neurosurgery department and chaplain; Anthony Quezada, 8^th District Cook County Commissioner; Bridget Degnen, 12^th District Cook County Commissioner; Donna Miller, 6^th District Cook County Commissioner. 

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Health CEO Israel Rocha; Todd Stroger, former Cook County Board President and son of former Cook County Board President and hospital namesake John H. Stroger, Jr. 

Today, Cook County Health cares for 600,000 people each year across two hospitals, an ambulatory care network, and CountyCare Medicaid Managed Care plan

“Cook County Health and Stroger Hospital continue to stand as a symbol of commitment to health equity for the residents of Cook County and our mission to care for all,” said Cook County Health CEO Israel Rocha. “As much as I appreciate reflecting on all that has been accomplished in the last two decades, I am even more excited to look ahead to the future. Just like the County did years ago, we are continuing to invest in our staff, facilities and technology to ensure we can provide access to the best medicine possible for all of our communities."

On December 12, 2022, current and former Cook County leaders gathered to recognize the milestone alongside staff, including Dr. Lily Hussein, a Cook County Health oncologist who is celebrating her 50^th year of service, and Ms. Ernestine Daniels, an administrative assistant in CCH’s neurosurgery department and chaplain, who has been with the health system for 57 years.

“Key to our lasting impact in the community has always been our staff, who remain as mission-driven as the hospital’s founders nearly 200 years ago,” Mr. Rocha said.

To learn more about Cook County Health’s history and to watch a video about Stroger Hospital, visit https://cookcountyhealth.org/stroger-hospital-20th-anniversary/.  

Since opening as a small almshouse in Chicago in 1835, Cook County Health has grown to serve more than 600,000 people each year as a provider of care and health plan.

Take a look back at the path and milestones along the way to Stroger Hospital’s opening on our new anniversary website.

In 1916, the old Cook County Hospital opened.

In 1994, the Cook County Board of Commissioners convene public hearings on the need for a new hospital. The Board letter votes 14-3 to submit a Certificate of Need to the Illinois Health Facilities Planning Board for a new hospital. The plans are approved.

In 1998, a groundbreaking ceremony for the new hospital is held.

On December 12, 2002, the new John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital opens.

While we celebrate the 20^th anniversary of Stroger Hospital, the old Cook County Hospital recently received recognition for its preservation work.

The old Cook County Hospital was named as one of three winners for this year’s Richard H. Driehaus Foundation National Preservation Awards by the National Trust for Historic Preservation.



Per the National Trust: “The Driehaus Awards are bestowed on distinguished individuals, nonprofit organizations, public agencies, and corporations whose skill and determination have given new meaning to communities by preserving their architectural and cultural heritage. The Driehaus Awards recognize efforts such as citizens saving and maintaining important landmarks, companies and craftsmen restoring the richness of the past, public officials supporting preservation projects and legislation in their communities, and educators and journalists helping Americans understand the value of preservation.”