Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 06/13/2024
CDPH Public Information: media.cdph@cityofchicago.org
City of Chicago Awarded IRA Funding for Expanded Urban Forestry Initiatives
The City of Chicago is one of several cities across the state with urban forestry projects that were awarded a portion of federal Inflation Reduction Act (IRA) funding this week through the U.S. Department of Agriculture Forest Service, under the direction of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources (IDNR). Administered by The Morton Arboretum's Chicago Region Trees Initiative, the City and the Park District were selected to receive $3 million and $1.5 million, respectively, to complete a 100% inventory of the city's public trees and develop an Urban Forestry Management Plan with significant community engagement. In addition, the City will hire a forester to educate and work in identified disadvantaged areas.
This funding will support the Our Roots Chicago initiative, led by the Chicago Department of Public Health, the Department of Streets and Sanitation, the Department of Transportation, the Department of Environment, and the Chicago Park District, with the goal of expanding Chicago's tree canopy through an equitable approach to every neighborhood.
Residents are encouraged to learn more about the benefits of trees at chicago.gov/ourroots and submit requests for their own free parkway trees using the CHI311 app.
CDPH and Mayor's Office for Community Safety Launch A Safe Chicago For All
A Safe Chicago for All is a new citywide initiative that promotes safety resources for all Chicagoans.
June is Gun Violence Awareness Month and this initiative focuses on raising awareness about the root causes of violence and promoting innovative and evidence-based solutions, so all Chicagoans can unite around the goal of safer communities.
In alignment with Mayor Johnson's People's Plan for Community Safety, an online action hub is designed to empower residents with tools and resources to take action.
Watch the launch video here.
New Healthy Chicago Podcasts
We have two new episodes of the Healthy Chicago Spanish-language podcast! For Gun Violence Awareness Month, Monserrat Ayala, a Community Organizer with Increase the Peace, joins Dr. Luna to discuss how the organization provides unique opportunities for young people in the south and west areas of Chicago to avoid violence and find paths to growth. Hear Monserrat's inspiring story and learn how she took action after witnessing violence in her Back of the Yards community. Plus, discover the resources available from CDPH to combat gun violence in Chicago.
Listen to the newest episodes at the CDPH website and on all platforms:
Additionally, Illinois is mailing annual renewal letters to all Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors (HBIA/HBIS) recipients. Rafael Guzman, a Community Outreach Worker at County Care, discusses all aspects of Medicaid with Dr. Luna and highlights the upcoming events County Care will be hosting over the next few weeks to support HBIA/HBIS clients in completing this process to avoid losing health coverage.
Listen to the newest episodes at the CDPH website and on all platforms:
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