|
Dear Cook County Health friends and partners,
September 15 - October 15 marks Hispanic Heritage Month, a time to pay special recognition to the vibrant culture and amazing contributions the Hispanic and Latino communities have made to the fabric of the United States, including important advocacy work, medical innovations, scientific advances and much more.
We want to also take this celebration as an opportunity to recognize the work Cook County Health does daily to advance health equity. At CCH, we work tirelessly to ensure that health care is a right, not a privilege. There are many initiatives taking place across the health system designed to positively impact the health of our patients and the Hispanic community including: growing Latino enrollment in CountyCare both through multilingual outreach and by welcoming a new population of immigrant adults enrolled in Illinois’ HBIA/S programs, expanding our bilingual renal clinic that supports patients pre-and post-kidney transplant, and prioritizing the expansion of HIV services to reach more people, particularly gay Latino men, through the CORE Center and Cook County HIV Integrated Programs (CCHIP).
Here at CCH, we also recognize the importance of representation in medicine. Despite Hispanics now making up 19% of the U.S. population, only 9% of health care practitioners and technicians are Hispanic, and just 7% of physicians, surgeons, and registered nurses. Through the Provident Scholarship Fund, Cook County is taking action to support the development of a robust and representative health care workforce. By investing in our future health care leaders, we are not only promoting social justice, but also strengthening the overall health care system throughout the county.
CCH will be hosting a Facebook Live discussion on Monday, October 7 at noon. The panel discussion, “Curando Nuestra Cultura”, will be held in Spanish and cover topics ranging from the role culture plays in all aspects of health, representation in health care careers, and patient self-advocacy. We invite you to tune in.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and work to ensure access to care for all!
Sincerely,
| |
|
Dr. Erik Mikaitis
Interim CEO, Cook County Health
| |
Cook County Leaders Stress Importance of Flu, COVID Vaccines This Fall | |
|
Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and members of the Cook County Board of Commissioners joined Cook County Health (CCH) officials today to emphasize the importance of getting the latest flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
“As we enter another respiratory virus season, we need to take advantage of all the tools at our disposal to give ourselves the best chance of fighting these viruses,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “Getting vaccinated is an action we all can take to protect our health and the health of those around us. I will be getting my COVID and flu vaccines today and I hope everyone will join me and get their shot too.”
Medicaid, Medicare, and most commercial health plans cover the cost of routine vaccinations like COVID and flu. People who are uninsured can get vaccinated at any CCH location free of charge by making an appointment. To make a vaccine appointment, call 312-864-0200.
“Here at Cook County Health, we are, as we have been for more than 185 years, here for those who need us,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, Cook County Health. “Insurance status should not be a barrier to receiving essential health care. We are proud to build on our historic mission and ensure people receive the vaccines they need to stay healthy, regardless of ability to pay.”
In late August, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention approved updated COVID vaccines. The updated COVID vaccines offer better protection against the COVID variants currently circulating and causing the most serious infections and hospitalizations in the U.S.
Guidelines for the COVID vaccine timeline can be found on the CDC’s website.
It takes about two weeks after vaccination for antibodies that protect against flu and COVID to develop in the body. The CDC recommends getting vaccinated against the flu by the end of October at the latest.
“From a population health perspective, it is crucial to highlight that last year’s vaccines do not provide immunity against this year’s viruses. New viral strains necessitate updated vaccine formulations. This is especially critical for individuals who have previously had COVID, as repeat infections can exacerbate long COVID complications,” said Dr. LaMar Hasbrouck, Chief Operating Officer, Cook County Department of Public Health.
For the 2023-2024 flu season 53.9% of children and 48.5% of adults received their flu vaccine. For children, that was 2.2 percentage points lower than the previous season.
Less than 15 percent of children and 22 percent of adults received an updated COVID vaccine last year.
“Each year, we admit children to the hospital for flu and COVID and it is incredibly scary for families to watch their child struggle to breathe,” said Dr. Rosibell Arcia-Diaz, Director of Inpatient Pediatrics, Cook County Health. “I urge you to have conversations with your child’s doctor about the importance of vaccines.”
Earlier this month, the CDC announced two additional pediatric flu deaths for the 2023-24 flu season, bringing the total to 199, matching the total of the 2019-2020 flu season.
For more information about getting vaccinated, visit Cook County Health’s website or Vaccine.gov.
For general information about vaccinations, please visit the Cook County Department of Public Health’s website.
| |
CountyCare Earns Prestigious Four-Star Rating from NCQA | |
|
CountyCare, a Medicaid Managed Care Plan, is proud to announce that it has been awarded a four-star rating by the National Committee for Quality Assurance (NCQA), making it one of the highest-quality Medicaid health plans for Cook County residents enrolled in HealthChoice Illinois, the State’s Medicaid managed care program.
NCQA is an independent non-profit that studies how well health plans and doctors provide scientifically recommended care and identify organizations that make care better.
“This distinction underscores CountyCare’s remarkable commitment to delivering high-quality coverage and service to its members, which positively impacts the overall health and wellness of residents across Cook County,” said President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Board of Commissioners.
CountyCare is the largest Medicaid Managed Care Plan serving Cook County, with more than 417,000 members. The health plan is owned and operated by Cook County Health, one of the nation’s leading public health systems, serving all patients regardless of ability to pay.
“As a provider-led plan with a historic mission of equity, we have a unique ability to address our members’ multifaceted health needs and support improved outcomes. It is an honor to see this dedication reflected in CountyCare’s exceptional quality ratings,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, Cook County Health.
NCQA ratings cover commercial, Medicare and Medicaid health plans across the country, and incorporate approximately 50 measures of health care quality, patient outcomes and member experience into its ratings. NCQA ratings can help potential enrollees evaluate their health plan options.
CountyCare earned 4 stars both in the rating of plan satisfaction metric and rating of members’ health care metric, contributing to the health plan’s overall rating. Nationally, only 20% of all Medicaid plans achieve a 4-star rating or higher.
“A four-star NCQA rating distinguishes CountyCare as a leading high-quality plan in our market. We are continuing to make quality a priority and to invest in new, innovative programs that make a difference for our members,” said Aaron Galeener, Chief Administrative Officer, CountyCare.
CountyCare covers all the medically necessary Medicaid benefits, plus extra perks exclusively for members all at no cost to help ensure members are engaged in care. This is one way that CountyCare supports members in their health journeys, promotes quality outcomes, and ensures a high-caliber experience. Click here for more information about CountyCare rewards.
| |
Back to School Resources from the Cook County Department of Public Health | |
|
Vision and Hearing Screenings for Preschool-Aged Children
Cook County Department of Public Health is now offering vision and hearing screenings for preschool-age children during the 2024-2025 school year. Schools and preschools can now request a visit for preschool-age children 3-5 years old to be screened for vision and hearing.
To arrange for vision/hearing screenings at your school/center, complete the online Application To Request Vision and Hearing Services
Asthma and Allergy Resources for Schools
Cook County Department of Public Health is offering schools a standing order and prescription for asthma and allergy medication to be administered by the school nurse or trained personnel to students and staff having respiratory distress or anaphylactic reaction.
To support equitable access of these medications across suburban Cook County, CCDPH can provide suburban Cook County schools with a prescription for undesignated medication (Epinephrine Auto-Injectors or Asthma Medication*) and a signed standing order for its administration.
To learn more about this program or request services visit CCDPH online
School Asthma & Allergy Resources - Cook County Department of Public Health (cookcountypublichealth.org)
| |
Cook County Health Unveils Brand Evolution, Including New Tagline & Website | |
 | |
Cook County Health has unveiled its updated branding and visual identity that reflects the system’s historic mission, modern services, and bright future.
“As we continue to innovate and expand our services, this brand evolution reflects our deep-rooted commitment to health equity and our dedication to meeting the diverse needs of our patients. This transformation highlights not only our progress but also underscores our vision for advancing health care,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, CCH.
The brand evolution includes developing the health system’s first tagline: “Accessible. Exceptional. For All.” The tagline is a guiding principle for CCH and represents the health system’s mission and brand promise of access, quality, and service for all residents of Cook County.
Refreshed brand elements are reflected on CCH’s newly redesigned website, cookcountyheath.org. The site was designed to enhance the user experience and engagement through improved design, navigation and functionality.
Stay engaged with Cook County Health on social media through Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
| |
Cook County Health Unveils Four New Community Murals | |
|
Cook County Health (CCH) is proud to announce four new community murals, recently installed as part of its ongoing efforts to beautify the health system’s clinical spaces and strengthen engagement between its health care sites and the communities they serve.
“We know there is a link between our minds and bodies, and when it comes to pain, stress and anxiety, that is particularly true,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am pleased to see continued investments in creating spaces of healing at Cook County Health.”
In 2023, CCH launched the Community Mural Project at three sites: the Stroger Hospital Professional Building, Provident Hospital, and Blue Island Health Center.
“We know that visiting a hospital or health center can be stressful for some people,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, Cook County Health. “Providing a centerpiece art installation can help reduce patient anxiety and improve satisfaction by creating a holistic healing environment.”
The program uses a collaborative mural-making process as a tool to enhance engagement with the community, build neighborhood pride and reduce the stigma of visiting the hospital or healthcare clinic.
The CCH Community Murals Project is funded in part by the Cook County Health Foundation.
| | |
|
Cottage Grove Health Center | |
Cook County Health in the News | |
|
If you would like to invite a representative from CCH to attend a community event, please send an email to events@cookcountyhhs.org.
To provide feedback on CCH Community News, please email Marcelino Garcia, Director of Community Affairs, at mgarcia6@cookcountyhhs.org.
| | | | |
