HIV Resource Hub Celebrates 5 Years

Five years ago, on Valentine's Day 2020, as the COVID pandemic loomed ever closer to Chicago, the HIV Resource Hub (the HUB)—a one-stop shop for connecting people to HIV-related care, housing support, and LGBTQ+ health services, was launched. Funded by CDPH and operated in partnership between AIDS Foundation Chicago (AFC) and Center on Halsted, the HUB has grown into a trusted resource for thousands, providing everything from HIV testing and PrEP referrals to emergency financial assistance and housing support.

Over the past five years, the HUB has expanded its reach, offering status-neutral support — meaning anyone, regardless of HIV status, can access services tailored to their needs. Whether someone is looking for HIV prevention, treatment, case management, or broader LGBTQ+ health services, the HUB serves as a critical connector to care. The service also helps clients navigate housing solutions through HOPWA Housing Navigation, as well as financial assistance programs that cover rent, mortgage, and utility payments. And while the COVID-19 pandemic reshaped daily life, the HUB remained operational throughout, ensuring uninterrupted access to essential services

The HUB offers multiple ways to connect:

• Call 1-844-HUB-4040 to reach the Center on Halsted HIV/STI Call & PrEP Center, where a rapid response team can assist in finding the right support.
• You can also visit hivhub.org to explore the Your Resource HUB portal, where users can apply for assistance and chat directly with a team member. The HUB also features a provider locator tool, allowing individuals to search for HIV prevention, treatment, and housing services by zip code.
• As it celebrates five years of service, the HUB remains committed to expanding access to care and ensuring that no one in Chicago faces these challenges alone.

CDPH Observes Pulaski Day

All CDPH offices and clinics will be closed on Monday, March 3, in observance of Casimir Pulaski Day. Regular operations will resume on Tuesday, March 4.

For information on hours, services, and locations of the City's medical clinics, visit the CDPH website.

CDPH Celebrates Black History Month

For this last week of Black History Month 2025, CDPH is recognizing its own Black or African American staff members focused on promoting the health and wellness for all Chicagoans. There are over 300 Black or African American staff at CDPH, with over 36% in leadership positions, including Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige, First Deputy Commissioner Fikirte Wagaw, Deputy Commissioner Brittany Williams, and many of our environmental engineers, epidemiologists, disease control investigators, and public health nurses. Many CDPH programs benefit Black Chicagoans directly, including: The Queens Initiative (Black Women's health), Family Connects Chicago (new parent assistance), PlayStreets (safe play places for kids, neighbors to gather), Healthy Chicago Zones (hyper local community health partnerships), Meth Task Force/Don't Die High (meth prevention for young Black men), Smoking Cessation, Mental Health Equity Initiative, Healing Arts, and more. In February and all year, CDPH staff drive targeted initiatives that not only uplift Black Chicagoans but also enhance the health, wellness and vitality of all Chicagoans. Learn about CDPH, its mission and its programs on the City of Chicago website.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

Teamwork Englewood is a nonprofit, community-based organization working to build a stronger, better Englewood community area. On a new episode of Healthy Chicago Podcast, Tametrius Files (Public Safety Coordinator for Teamwork Englewood) joins John Jones (Rapid Response Lead at the Community Safety Coordination Center) to discuss the organization's focus, their “Quality of Life Plan,” community engagement, public space activations, and how local folks can get involved.

Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

Respiratory Virus Update

Overall acute respiratory illness activity level remains Moderate across Chicago. Flu activity remains High although all influenza surveillance indicators decreased slightly from last week. COVID-19 activity remains Low. RSV activity also remains Low and continues to decline across all surveillance indicators.

For more information, see CDPH's respiratory virus dashboard, updated weekly with current hospital and wastewater data for COVID-19, influenza, and RSV.

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