Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 06/21/2024
CDPH Public Information: media.cdph@cityofchicago.org
Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund Expansion
This Thursday, Mayor Brandon Johnson, in collaboration with the Mayor's Office of Community Safety and the Chicago Department of Public Health, announced the expansion of the Emergency Supplemental Victims Fund (ESVF) program to ten (10) additional communities most impacted by violence with the goal of easing the financial burden and trauma inflicted on individuals and families directly impacted by gun violence.
As part of the expansion, Chicago residents who are victimized by gun violence or all-cause homicide in one of the city's 15 communities with the highest rates of violence may be eligible for the ESVF program. Additionally, Chicago families of youth aged 24 or younger who fall victim to homicide anywhere in the City, may also be eligible for this program as well. Learn more at chicago.gov/ESVF.
Beating the Summer Heat in Chicago
With continued heat and humidity, CDPH encourages residents to be prepared for extreme heat and severe weather impacts. As extreme weather can be hazardous and unpredictable, City departments are reminding residents and visitors of safety tips and the resources available in a heat emergency to help alleviate the impact. Cooling centers are available throughout the city including over the weekend.
To receive the latest updates on heat advisories and weather emergencies, residents can register for the City's emergency alert notifications at NotifyChicago.org, check OEMC's social media pages, tune to local media or download the Chicago OEMC App. See this week's release from OEMC for more information on cooling centers and other resources.
New Healthy Chicago Podcast
On a new episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, guest host Miguel Lopez (CDPH) speaks with Cathi Ortiz (Calumet Area Industrial Commission) and Lisa Powell-Butler (Phalanx Family Services) about what PlayStreets brings to the South region of Chicago, successes and challenges each group experiences in their local involvement, and how the program improves the community.
PlayStreets encourages residents - and especially kids - to lead active and healthy lifestyles by creating safe, fun, and accessible play spaces. The collaborative program additionally promotes physical wellness, healthy communities, resources, and strengthens community relationships by engaging local leaders and neighbors.
Read more about PlayStreets here.
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