Opioid After Action Report

Fatal opioid overdoses make up 1.5 years of the 11.4-year life expectancy gap between Black and non-Black Chicagoans, ranking only below chronic diseases and homicides. In 2023, over one-third of opioid-related EMS responses in Chicago occurred in five key community areas: Austin, East Garfield Park, Humboldt Park, North Lawndale, and West Garfield Park.

In the summer of 2024, CDPH used a hyperlocal, community driven approach to reduce the number of opioid overdose-related EMS responses. The response was designed to battle the challenge on all sides: Community-based drug checking was implemented to test substances for being spiked with adulterants, and a door-knocking campaign was instituted to promote harm reduction and distribute harm-reduction supplies like Narcan in five West Side communities. CDPH also launched a marketing campaign to promote the use of the telemedicine hotline MAR NOW. In addition, CDPH coordinated its action with over 40 community organizations, working with local stakeholders to address opioid-related challenges in their communities. Opioid related EMS responses decreased by 19% in 2024 and by 23% over the summer months alone.

CDPH continues to advocate for the use of MAR NOW. If someone you know is tired of the struggles that come with using alcohol, medication-assisted recovery can help stabilize cravings and safely take back control. Visit HelplineIL.org for more information or call the 24/7 hotline at 833-234-6343 and ask for help with alcohol use.

Read the full paper on the CDPH website.

CARE Team Expansion

One of the principal goals of CDPH is to ensure that Chicagoans facing behavioral health crises are met with a trauma-informed, healthcare-based response that provides holistic support and linkages to long-term health and social services. The Crisis Assistance Response and Engagement (CARE) team's approach aims to improve health outcomes for individuals in crisis and can help prevent further engagement with emergency response and law enforcement systems.

During, before and after: CARE responds to 911 calls with a low-risk mental health component with 4 alternate response teams, consisting of a CDPH crisis clinician and a CDPH EMT, offering de-escalation, on-site services and transportation to community destinations. Next, a case management team, staffed by a CDPH crisis intervention specialist, facilitates a post-mental health crisis follow-up to ensure that clients receive appropriate assistance. Lastly, a citywide team is also staffed to respond to an increasing number of mental health crisis requests made outside of 911 for CARE services. CARE's services are available Monday to Friday, from 10:30am to 4:30pm. The best way to reach the CARE team is to call 911 and ask for the CARE team.

Until now, CARE was operative in Garfield Ridge, Archer Heights, West Elsdon, Clearing, Gage Park*, Brighton Park*, Greater Grand Crossing*, West Lawn, Chicago Lawn, Ashburn, Greater Englewood, the Loop, Near South, Douglas*, Near West Side*, Auburn Gresham, Chatham, Uptown*, Lakeview, and North Center, Lincoln Square*, and Lincoln Park*. Starting 2/10, CARE's services will also be available in Chicago Police Districts 4 and 12, covering South Deering, Pullman*, Hegewisch* and the Eastside.

*denotes partial coverage due to teams operating within Chicago Police Districts. CARE currently operates in Police Districts 1, 4, 7, 8, 12, and 19.

Catch Cupid's Arrow, Not an STI

Valentine's Day is a celebration of love, but it's also a great time to focus on your sexual health and the health of your relationships. Whether you're celebrating with a partner or flying solo, practicing safer sex, open communication, and mutual respect are key to making this holiday both romantic and responsible. And since Feb. 14 is also National Condom Day, what better time to brush up on the essentials of safer, consensual, and healthy intimacy?

Here are some simple ways to prioritize your sexual health this Valentine's Day:

• Talk About It: Open communication about sexual history and STI testing can deepen trust and intimacy. Break the ice by telling your partner you care about protecting them—and yourself. Planned Parenthood has a great video showing how you can talk with your partner about sex and preventing STIs.
• Use Protection: Condoms, dental dams, and other forms of contraception reduce the risk of STIs and unintended pregnancies. Remember to check the expiration date!
• Get Tested: Regular STI testing is vital, especially if you or your partner have multiple partners. Someone may have no symptoms while looking and feeling healthy and still have an STI. The only way to know for sure is to get tested. Free or low-cost testing is available — schedule that check-up together! CDPH's STI Specialty Clinics offer resources and testing services.
• Explore Prevention Options: Consider PrEP or Doxy-PEP, highly effective methods for reducing the risk of HIV and certain bacterial STIs.
• The HIV Hub, now in its fifth year, is a service of the AIDS Foundation Chicago and Center on Halsted that provides up-to-date services in LGBTQ+ healthcare for those living with or vulnerable to HIV or those looking for LGBTQ+ related health care.

Love is beautiful when it's safe and consensual. Visit chicago.gov/sti-hiv for resources on STI testing, prevention, and contraception. Let's make this Valentine's Day a celebration of love and care—for yourself and your partner(s).

CDPH Celebrates Black History Month

This Black History Month we are continuing our celebration of Black Americans in public health. This week we're highlighting Dr. Travis Gayles, Chief Executive Officer with Howard Brown Health, a CDPH community partner. Throughout his career, Dr. Gayles has consistently demonstrated leadership in advancing public health through innovation, strategic partnerships and a commitment to health equity. He brings a visionary approach to promoting LGBTQ+ health and reducing systemic barriers to care as CEO of Howard Brown Health. Learn more about Dr. Gayles and Howard Brown Health, and read the Healthy Chicago 2025 Strategic Plan about how CDPH is working to create a more equitable, safe, resilient and healthy Chicago.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

February is Heart Health Awareness Month, reminding us that simple activities like walking, biking, or exercising can greatly reduce the risk of heart disease. The Chicago Park District plays a vital role in promoting heart health by offering programs that encourage an active and healthy lifestyle for all residents.

In the newest episode of the Spanish-language Healthy Chicago podcast, Rosa Escareño, General Superintendent and Chief Executive Officer at the Chicago Park District, explains how over 600 parks and numerous recreational facilities in Chicago are designed to help you and your family maintain a healthy heart through different activities. Additionally, the superintendent highlights a series of heart health events that the Park District, in partnership with CDPH, will host this February, where people of all ages can monitor their blood pressure and consult healthcare professionals.

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

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