In collaboration with several community-based organizations and other partners, the City of Chicago has launched a citywide heat-mapping study with resident scientists. CDPH will train and mobilize volunteer resident scientists on one of the hottest and clearest days of the year to drive with specially designed heat sensors on their cars in the morning, midday, and evening on routes informed by the community. Led by a shared goal to reduce the health impacts of extreme heat and to identify ways and implement equitable cooling solutions, the activity is a way to engage volunteers in the collection of data that will inform future policy and programs.
Read the announcement and learn more about Heat Watch 2023 here.
Coordinated Response to New Arrivals
The Chicago Department of Public Health continues to work in partnership with other city agencies, Cook County Health and community health partners in response to the influx of migrants from our southern border who have been sent to Chicago. There have been many questions about the health of these new arrivals and the potential for spread of disease, but CDPH has documented no outbreaks of measles or TB associated with new arrivals and no evidence of spread of any disease to Chicagoans. Dr. Arwady talked about the response in depth on her Facebook Live show this week (starting at the 26:25 mark).
Announcing the Chicago Arts and Health Pilot for Creative Workers
The Chicago Arts & Health Pilot for Creative Workers is a program of the Department of Cultural Affairs and Special Events (DCASE) in partnership with the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and City Colleges of Chicago. This pilot aims to strengthen trauma-informed and culturally responsive health services in communities disproportionately impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. The program explores career pathways for artists centered in health, healing, and wellness by establishing one-year artist apprenticeships at City mental health clinics.
Ten artists will be selected to participate and will receive training, field placements, and ongoing support for this yearlong program. Each artist will receive an apprenticeship award totaling $66,000 in salary and benefits. Applications are open through June 22. Learn more about the program plus details about upcoming info sessions and application workshops at www.ChicagoCulturalGrants.org.
Happy Birthday, Chicago Public Library!
CPL is celebrating 150 years of serving Chicago communities this Saturday, June 10. CDPH is happy to join in this celebration and wishes to extend our thanks for their partnership throughout the years. Since January 2022, CDPH has worked with CPL to offer Narcan, a medication that reverses opioid overdoses, to anyone who wants it, no questions asked. CPL currently offers Narcan at all 81 branches around the city. To date, the libraries have distributed over 7,000 Narcan kits.
In addition to expanding harm reduction resources, CDPH also partners with CPL to deliver mental health services at four branches. The pilot program offers high-quality, no-barrier services to all Chicagoans, regardless of ability to pay, immigration status, or insurance status. To find mental health services in your neighborhood, visit https://mentalhealth.chicago.gov/ or call 211.
