Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 2/22/2024

February 22, 2024

CDPH Public Information     media.cdph@cityofchicago.org


Chicago's New Arrivals: How You Can Help

CDPH is fully committed to helping ensure migrants arriving in Chicago are connected to healthcare and receiving the attention and treatment they need after long, difficult journeys. The primary pathway for medical services for new arrivals is Cook County Health (CCH). CDPH is also partnering with community health providers and federally qualified health centers who are providing care, including vaccinations, at shelters and clinics.

Here’s how you can help:


New Healthy Chicago Newsletter

The latest edition of the Healthy Chicago Newsletter was released this week! Our winter edition brings you the latest updates on how to get free at-home test kits and telehealth appointments to treat COVID-19 or flu, how to help asylum seekers gain access to healthcare, where to get treatment for Alcohol Use Disorder, and much more. You can read the Healthy Chicago Newsletter on the City of Chicago's website.

Healthy Chicago is the movement toward addressing health disparities and improving community health for all Chicagoans. Join Healthy Chicago in creating the communities we all deserve and sign up for CDPH’s free Healthy Chicago Newsletter at bit.ly/HealthyChicagoNewsletter


Keeping Chicago SUPER Prepared

Chicago’s Office of Emergency Management and Communications (OEMC) is teaming up with Marvel Comics to reinvigorate how OEMC Emergency Managers communicate with residents on public safety and emergency management topics. Fans of the Marvel Universe will recognize the star of the new OEMC campaign, Riri Williams, AKA Ironheart. The goal of the new campaign is to bring preparedness tips and safety information to all age groups, from young kids to adults with themed messaging featuring the fan-favorite character. Starting today, Chicago residents will see Ironheart throughout the city, reiterating how to keep themselves SUPER prepared as she works hand-in-hand with Chicago’s own superheroes, OEMC’s Emergency Managers.

For safety and preparedness at your fingertips, residents and visitors are encouraged to download the new Chicago OEMC App. The public safety tool provides safety information, preparedness tips, emergency alerts, weather information and more in the palm of your hand. Users will also have access to current forecasts, radar, and other weather-related information as well. The app is now available through the Apple App and Google Play stores. To immediately download, click HERE or visit the website Chicago.gov/OEMC.

OEMC Marvel 911 campaign

Public Health Vending Machine Data Brief

Last November, CDPH launched the Public Health Vending Machine pilot program to help combat the Opioid crisis. There are five machines located in areas of the city with high rates of overdose. Each machine is stocked with Narcan (naloxone), the medication that reverses an opioid overdose, and a variety of other harm reduction and basic health products. Since launching, over 2,000 products have been vended from the machines by individuals ranging in age from 16-88. View the full brief on the City of Chicago website.


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