Did you know that in Chicago, more people die from opioid-related overdoses every year than are killed in gun violence and car crashes combined? On this week’s Facebook Live program, Dr. Arwady was joined by Sarah Richardson from CDPH’s Office of Substance Use, where the two discussed current trends in Chicago’s drug supply as well as harm reduction initiatives, including how to recognize signs of overdose and administer Narcan. They also talked about the Opioid Response arm of the city’s Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement, or CARE, program, and how to access the state’s Medication Assisted Recovery program.
The City Council’s Committee on Housing and Real Estate this week advanced the CDPH and Department of Housing proposal to transform the Diplomat Motel in Lincoln Square into a new stabilization housing center. The initiative aims to provide transitional housing and wrap-around healthcare and social services to people experiencing homelessness who are also living with untreated physical and behavioral health conditions.
Got Medicaid? Don't Risk Losing Your Health Insurance!
With the end of the COVID-19 Public Health Emergency, federal projections estimate that 700,000 Illinoisans will lose their coverage during the Medicaid Redetermination process. If you receive Medicaid, here’s what you can do:
Click Manage My Case at abe.illinois.gov
Verify your mailing address under “contact us.”
Find your due date (also called redetermination date) in your “benefit details”.
Watch your mail and complete your renewal right away.
If you are no longer eligible for Medicaid, connect to coverage at work or through the official Affordable Care Act marketplace for Illinois, GetCoveredIllinois.gov.
Don’t wait. Respond, renew, and update!
Summer Swim Safety
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, drowning is the leading cause of death for children ages 1-4, and kids are at increased risk during the summer months when pools and beaches are open. The American Red Cross has tips for water safety, online water safety classes for parents and caregivers and swimming lesson HERE. The Chicago Park District also has swimming lessons for kids starting at 18 months, and free swim lessons for kids ages 6-17. Click HERE for more information. For additional tips and information on getting and staying healthy throughout the year, visit Healthy Chicago HERE.
Quick Hits!
Let’s talk budget: CDPH will be participating in a series of community engagement roundtables next week as part of the City’s 2024 Budget process. Register here to join the conversation and connect with representatives from City departments and sister agencies!
Beat the Heat: Chicagoans are still needed as paid resident scientists for a community heat-mapping study designed to make heat and its disproportionate impacts visible. By collecting air temperatures on one of the hottest days this summer, volunteers will receive a stipend of $35 per one-hour shift (three shifts are available). Learn more at chicago.gov/coolchi
