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Cook County Department of Public Health Launches Building Healthier Communities 2030, a Community-Driven Roadmap to Advance Health Equity Across Suburban Cook County
Today, Cook County Department of Public Health launched Building Healthier Communities 2030, suburban Cook County’s Community Health Improvement Plan. The plan was announced together with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Department of Public Health, community organizations, healthcare providers and cross-sector partners.
Building Healthier Communities 2030 serves as both a collective vision and a practical roadmap that will guide public health efforts across suburban Cook County through 2030.The plan aligns with President Preckwinkle’s Policy Roadmap and reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity through coordinated, community-informed action.
Cook County Department of Public Health Earns 15 NaCO Awards for Public Health Programming and Impact
Photo caption: Cook County Department of Public Health was recognized at a local awards ceremony today for its 15 awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards recognize innovative and effective county government initiatives. Photo provided by...
First West Nile Virus Cases Reported in Suburban Cook County
Cook County Department of Public Health has reported the first four cases of West Nile virus in suburban Cook County this season. All four cases were identified in adults. CCDPH is encouraging residents to take precautions to prevent West Nile Virus. As of the week ending Aug. 22, the risk of human West Nile virus infection is high.
Recognizing our Community Health Promoters
As frontline public health professionals, community health workers are the bridge that connects community residents to needful health and community resources, like food, housing and transportation. This National Community Health Worker Awareness Week, we recognize Cook County Department of Public Health’s two community health promoters, Rameke Williams and Elisabeth Manns.
CCDPH Statement on Spacing Out Childhood Vaccines
CCDPH continues to recommend the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) childhood immunization schedule. Our guidance is based on decades of research, scientific evidence and the expertise of pediatric health professionals.
Cook County Department of Public Health Celebrates Summer Interns Advancing the Future Public Health Workforce
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2026 Media Contact: Yolanda Y. Harris, [email protected] SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY, IL – Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is celebrating eight high school students who successfully completed the second cohort of...
Cook County Hosts Series of Community Baby Showers to Support New and Expectant Moms in Suburban Cook County
Cook County Department of Public Health is hosting a series of community baby showers to connect new and expectant parents with resources and raise awareness about maternal and infant mortality. The first of three community baby showers takes place on Saturday, Aug. 22, from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., at the Harvey Park District’s Gloria Taylor Hall, located at 14821 Broadway Ave. in Harvey, Ill.
Cook County Public Health Offers Back-to-School Vaccinations at Suburban Cook County Community Events
Parents can get their children vaccinated for the upcoming school year, right on time for National Immunization Awareness Month in August. Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is providing back-to-school immunizations at no cost for the 2026-27 school year to children ages 6 months to 18 years old, regardless of immigration or insurance status, now through mid-October.
Cook County Department of Public Health Launches “Ditch the Cloud” Campaign to Help Youth Learn the Truth About Vaping
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is launching “Ditch the Cloud,” a new youth-focused vaping prevention campaign designed to raise awareness about the health risks of vaping and help young people make informed decisions about nicotine use.
CCCDPH Announces $475,000 Funding Opportunity for Municipalities to Address Youth Mental Health
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is seeking proposals from suburban Cook County municipalities interested in implementing Shop Talk, an initiative that expands youth mental health engagement through community-led events, outreach, and conversations.
Cook County Issues New Funding Opportunities to Improve Mental Health in Suburban Cook County
Cook County Department of Public Health has issued an open call for funding opportunities to help improve mental health in suburban Cook County. The funding opportunities reflect the department’s commitment to building healthier communities in suburban Cook County. The open calls are for restorative practices in schools and power building.
Cook County/Chicago Joint Opioid Report Shows Third-Year Decline in Opioid Overdose Deaths
Chicago and suburban Cook County have experienced a third consecutive year of declines in opioid overdose deaths, according to a new report released by Cook County Department of Public Health, Chicago Department of Public Health and the Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office. Opioid-involved overdose deaths in Cook County declined by 42% in 2024 compared to 2022. Of all U.S. counties, Cook County has seen the largest reduction in overdose deaths since the national peak of the crisis in 2023.
Cook County Officials Urge Protection Against West Nile Virus This Summer During National Mosquito Control Awareness Week
West Nile virus season is here and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is launching its annual “Fight the Bite” public awareness campaign to encourage residents to take precautions against West Nile virus, a mosquito-borne disease that can cause serious illness and, in rare cases, can be deadly.
New Cook County Department of Public Health Report Highlights Restorative Disciplinary Practices as a Path to Healthier, More Supportive School Environments
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) today released a new report highlighting the connection between exclusionary school discipline, racial inequities, and youth mental health outcomes in suburban Cook County. The report includes recommended evidence-based restorative practices for schools, policy makers and partners to consider in order to reduce harmful disciplinary disparities and improve student well-being.
Ebola Outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda
We are closely monitoring the Ebola outbreaks in the Democratic Republic of Congo and Uganda. At this time, the CDC has not confirmed any Ebola cases in the United States related to these outbreaks, and the overall risk to the American public and travelers remains low.
How to spot health misinformation that’s fueling rise in disease outbreaks
At a time when misinformation and disinformation can spread as quickly as a virus, being able to evaluate claims and recognize misleading statements is critical.
The Top Do’s and Don’ts After a Flood
Spring is here, and so is the rain! Flood safety is critical to protecting both homes and health. Floodwater can carry bacteria, fecal material, viruses and other organisms that can cause disease. Stay healthy and prevent injuries after a flood emergency.
CCDPH and Active Transportation Alliance Announce Technical Assistance for Walking/Biking Improvements
The Active Transportation Alliance (ATA) and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) announced a new opportunity for suburban Cook County communities to receive free technical assistance in preparing applications for state-funded walking and biking improvements.
Toolkit “Get Medicaid Facts” Now Available to Help People Understand Changes to Medicaid Eligibility
The Cook County Medicaid Impact Workgroup, a coalition convened by Cook County Health, has launched “Get Medicaid Facts,” a new website and communications toolkit designed to help people understand upcoming changes to Medicaid eligibility and what steps they can take now to keep their coverage.
Cook County Public Health Celebrates 2026 National Public Health Week
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) joins public health agencies across the nation in recognizing National Public Health Week (April 6-12) to raise awareness about public health.
Cook County Public Health Warns of Possible Measles Exposure
Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) issued a notification this morning of possible measles exposures associated with an individual who visited multiple locations while contagious.
21st Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit Returns March 11-13
As Illinois families brace for sweeping new federal SNAP work requirements that took effect Feb. 1, the 21st Annual Chicago Food Justice Summit will convene the city’s leading advocates, policymakers, and public health leaders for collaboration to protect food access in a rapidly shifting federal landscape. Hosted by the Chicago Food Policy Action Council, the summit opens today March 11 and 12 with virtual sessions.
Partner in the Spotlight: The Barbara W. Smith Life Center Builds Youth Through STEAM
The Barbara W. Smith Life Center (BWS), a nonprofit affiliate of Covenant United Church of Christ in South Holland, Ill., is a trusted community partner serving families across the Southland. Named in memory of the wife of Covenant’s pastor emeritus, the Rev. Ozzie...
On the Eve of Maternal Health Awareness Day, Cook County Launches “Healthy Beginnings” to Support Families Before, During, and After Pregnancy
CCDPH launched the Healthy Beginnings maternal and child health program on the eve of National Maternal Health Awareness Day. The Healthy Beginnings program will deliver home-based nursing care, case management, and wraparound services and support to pregnant individuals and their infants across suburban Cook County to reduce preventable maternal and infant illnesses and deaths.
Local Farms and Food Businesses Receive Nearly $700,000 in Grants to Help Make Metro Chicago Food System More Equitable
CHICAGO – The Chicago Food Policy Action Council and Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) are delighted to announce the awardees of the third annual Metro Chicago Good Food Purchasing Initiative (GFPI) Community Fund. The finalists have been awarded nearly $700,000 in grant funding to advance equity in the local food system by funding underserved farmers and food businesses within 250 miles of Chicago to increase healthy food access while also building local economies and promoting sustainable, humane, and fair labor practices.
Updated May 26, 2026, 11:27 AM