We’re thrilled to share the February edition of our 3rd District Newsletter, highlighting upcoming events and recent community news. Stay connected with important updates and insights to keep you informed and involved. We truly appreciate your support and engagement as we work to bring you the latest on all the great things happening in our community.

Celebrate Your Birthday with a Gift of Health: Free Cancer Screenings from Cook County Health

Cook County Health is proud to offer free prostate and breast cancer screenings to eligible Cook County residents during the month of their birthday. This initiative makes it easy to prioritize your health while celebrating your special day.

How It Works:

• Residents can schedule an appointment during their birthday month to ensure availability.
• Uninsured patients will receive the screenings free of charge.
• Insured residents will have the screenings billed to their insurance plan.

Eligibility Requirements:

• Breast Cancer Screening for Women:
• Ages 40–74
• Must not have had a mammogram in the past two years
• Includes a healthcare provider consultation, assessment, and necessary follow-up.

Prostate Cancer Screening for Men:

• Ages 45–69
• Must not have had a prostate screening test within the past two years
• Includes a healthcare provider consultation, assessment, and necessary follow-up.

Screenings are available regardless of immigration status.

Why Get Screened? Cancer screenings can detect issues early, often before symptoms arise. Early detection increases the likelihood of successful treatment and recovery. Even if you feel healthy, a screening could save your life.

Schedule Your Screening Today! Call 312-864-4289 to schedule your appointment or learn more. Let Cook County Health help you make your birthday even more meaningful by taking charge of your health.

For more information, visit cookcountyhealth.org.

Celebrating Black History Month in Cook County

Dear Friends,

Black History Month is a time of reflection, recognition, and celebration. It is an opportunity to honor the trailblazers who have shaped our nation and to acknowledge the strength, resilience, and contributions of Black communities throughout history.

For me, Black History Month is not just about looking back—it is about carrying forward the lessons of the past to create a more just and equitable future. It is about uplifting voices, supporting Black-owned businesses, and ensuring that our shared history is preserved and passed on to future generations.

Cook County is home to a rich tapestry of Black history, and there are many places you can visit this month to learn, reflect, and celebrate:

📍 DuSable Black History Museum and Education Center (Chicago) – The nation’s first independent museum dedicated to Black history, showcasing powerful exhibits and stories of African American pioneers.

📍 Pullman National Historical Park (Chicago) – A key site in the labor movement where African American workers played a pivotal role in advancing workers' rights.

📍 Roberts Temple Church of God in Christ (Chicago) – The site of Emmett Till’s funeral, a moment that helped spark the Civil Rights Movement.

📍 Illinois Holocaust Museum & Education Center (Skokie) – Features the “Speak Truth to Power” exhibit, highlighting modern-day human rights defenders, including those fighting for racial justice.

📍 The Bronzeville Neighborhood (Chicago) – A historic district filled with landmarks, jazz clubs, and sites that tell the story of Chicago’s Black Renaissance.

📍 Harvey Public Library Black History Collection (Harvey) – A treasure trove of literature and archives documenting Black history in the south suburbs.

This month, I encourage you to take time to visit these sites, engage in conversations, and support local Black-owned businesses. Let’s celebrate the achievements of the past while continuing the work toward a brighter future for all.

Together, we can honor Black history—not just in February, but every day of the year.

Commissioner Bill Lowry

Cook County, 3rd District

Exciting Summer Opportunity for Youth: Become a Paid Outdoor Ambassador!

The Forest Preserves of Cook County is offering an incredible paid internship opportunity for young nature enthusiasts! The Youth Outdoor Ambassador (YOA) Program is a 10-week summer experience designed to inspire the next generation of environmental advocates, stewards, and conservationists.

Program Benefits:

✅ Earn $16.11 per hour while working up to 40 hours per week

✅ Develop conservation and workplace skills

✅ Assist with outdoor education programs, nature center activities, and more

✅ Explore various natural areas across Cook County

Who Should Apply?

📌 Ages 16-22 (by June 13, 2025)

📌 Passionate about nature and conservation

📌 Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions

📌 Willing to travel to different locations

How to Apply:

🗓️ Applications accepted from February – March

📞 For questions, contact FPCC Human Resources at 708-771-1561

🌿 Learn more and apply at fpdcc.com/about/jobs

Encourage the young nature lovers in your life to apply and take part in this rewarding experience!

Learn to Save a Life – Free CPR Training with

Commissioners Bill Lowry & Donna Miller

Commissioner Bill Lowry, Commissioner Donna Miller, and the Black Fire Brigade invite you to a FREE CPR Training Session—an opportunity to gain essential, life-saving skills in just minutes!

📅 Date: Saturday, February 22, 2025

⏰ Time: 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM (Training takes just 15-20 minutes per person!)

📍 Location: 5349 S. Wabash Ave., Chicago, IL 60615

What You’ll Learn:

✔️ Hands-on CPR techniques

✔️ How to respond to cardiac emergencies

✔️ The importance of quick action in saving lives

This training is open to all community members—no prior experience required! Don't miss this chance to become equipped with critical skills that could help save a life.

🔗 Register now: Click here to sign up

📞 For more information: 312-603-6391

🌐 Visit: billlowrycommissioner.com

Join us in making our community safer—one heartbeat at a time!

A Commitment to Equity and Progress

"We the People"—these three powerful words remind us that democracy thrives on representation, inclusion, and justice. Voting is more than a civic duty; it is a declaration of our voices, a call for accountable leadership, and a means to shape our collective future.

As public servants, we hold the responsibility of uplifting every voice, ensuring that governance reflects the needs of all—especially those who have been historically unheard. Cook County's progress is driven by our shared commitment to equity, innovation, and a vision for a better tomorrow.

This week, as I reflect on the composition of our board, I see a rich tapestry of diversity, resilience, and transformation. Though we come from different walks of life, we stand united in our mission—to serve with integrity and advocate for those who trust us to lead.

📍 #CookCounty #Leadership #Progress #CommunityFirstVillage

As Cook County closes out its January Board Week, Commissioner Bill Lowry addressed a crucial initiative: ensuring access to free prostate and mammogram screenings for all residents.

During his remarks, Commissioner Lowry highlighted the profound impact of early detection in saving lives. The resolution, tied to Cook County’s Birthday initiative, underscores his unwavering commitment to advancing health equity and providing resources to underserved communities.

"Healthcare is a right, not a privilege. This resolution is about ensuring that everyone has access to the screenings that can make a life-changing difference," said Commissioner Lowry.

The initiative is part of a broader effort by the Cook County Board to prioritize public health and strengthen support for preventative care across the region. With Commissioner Lowry’s advocacy, the county is taking significant steps toward addressing health disparities and fostering a healthier future for all residents.

Stay tuned for updates on the implementation of this important resolution and how it will benefit our communities.