Inaugural Latiné/x Health Summit

CDPH and Project VIDA have partnered for Chicago's first-ever Latiné/x Health Summit for Gay, Bi, and Same-Gender-Loving Men, to be held from noon to 6 p.m. this Sunday, July 14, at Joe's on Weed Street, 940 W. Weed St.

Under the theme "Unity Strengthens Us," the summit aims to celebrate, empower, and foster community among Latiné/x same-gender-loving, gay and bi men. The mission is to address health disparities in the Latiné/x gay and same-gender-loving (SGL) male community by providing a safe community space, offering evidence-based prevention and intervention education, and delivering essential resources.

There will be an array of dynamic speakers, interactive sessions, and entertainment. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with sponsors and vendors, enjoy performances by six DJs, and participate in dance classes led by the legendary father of East Coast Ballroom, Javier Madrid of the House of Ninja. Health services to be offered to attendees include Mpox vaccinations, blood pressure screenings, STI and HIV screenings, legal aid referrals, HIV and STI home test kits, and youth-focused activities and resources, including a CPS art workshop and a youth-focused PrEP presentation.

Crucial Medicaid Deadline Approaching

Illinois has expanded Medicaid to cover more individuals, including noncitizens ages 42 and older through Healthcare for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for Immigrant Seniors (HBIS). However, eligibility for these programs is now more limited, and new enrollment in HBIA and HBIS is currently paused, even for those who meet the requirements.

If individuals in HBIA or HBIS don't submit redetermination paperwork by July 15, 2024, their coverage will end on August 1, 2024. These individuals will only have until October 30, 2024, to apply for reinstatement; otherwise, they will lose access to health insurance through these programs.

What can you do now?

1. Click “Manage My Case” at abe.illinois.gov.
2. Verify your address and household information under “Contact Us.”
3. Find your renewal due date under “Benefit Details.”
4. Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away.

If individuals no longer qualify for HBIA, HBIS, or Medicaid, they can purchase health insurance coverage with federal assistance through the Marketplace. Please note that Marketplace health insurance will not harm immigration status now nor in the future.

Cycle Breakers Launch Event

Mayor Brandon Johnson, the Mayor's Office of Community Safety, the Chicago Department of Public Health, and community partners launched the Cycle Breakers youth safety initiative this past Tuesday, July 9th at the Chicago Cultural Center.

The kick-off saw the involvement of over 250 parents and young people from communities on Chicago's South and West sides. Mayor Johnson moderated a panel of young people that discussed issues related to youth safety. At the event, a mural created in collaboration between artist Haman Cross III and youth from various Chicago communities was unveiled and showcased.

Cycle Breakers launched with a resource hub promoting conflict resolution and restorative justice, educating around culture wellness and mental health, supporting crisis intervention, bridging the generational divide through mentoring, and connecting youth and adults with proper resources.

We Need Your Voices - Health Partner Survey

Community health agency partners, we value your insights and expertise! Your opinion matters. Please take a few minutes to complete our survey about your perspectives on the COVID-19 vaccine. Your feedback is crucial in helping us understand the broader community views and enhance our health initiatives.

EVAC Survey

New Healthy Chicago Podcast

In the latest Spanish-language podcast episode, Dr. Geraldine Luna and Dulce Garduño, Little Village Tree Ambassador, discuss the impact of urban challenges such as concrete, heavy traffic, and railroads on Latino neighborhoods like Little Village and Pilsen. They highlight CDPH's five-year plan to plant 75,000 trees through the Our Roots Chicago project, aiming to expand the tree canopy to enhance the physical and mental health of residents and reduce pollution.

Listen to the newest Healthy Chicago episode on the CDPH website and all major platforms: YouTube / Spotify / Apple

Residents can obtain a free tree by calling 3-1-1 or by downloading the CHI311 app to request the Department of Streets and Sanitation Bureau of Forestry to plant a parkway tree.

###