CDPH Advises All to Confirm Measles Vaccination

As of March 14, a total of 301 measles cases were reported in 2025 across 15 jurisdictions in the United States, including two deaths, the first U.S. measles deaths in over a decade. This is already a higher nationwide total of cases than the entirety of 2024.

To date, no case of measles has been identified in Chicago or Illinois in 2025. However, measles is highly contagious; if one person has it, up to 9 out of 10 people nearby will become infected if they are not immune. It can also cause severe disease, long-term complications, and—in rare cases—death. The best protection against measles is the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine, which provides long-lasting protection.

All Chicagoans are encouraged to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on MMR vaccine. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.

CDPH offers MMR vaccinations for anyone who needs them, regardless of insurance status, at CDPH Immunization Clinics throughout the city. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.

LGBT Health Awareness Week

This week marks National LGBTQ+ Health Awareness Week, a critical time to recognize the unique health challenges LGBTQ+ individuals face and to advocate for inclusive, affirming, and equitable healthcare. Under this year's theme, "Health Equity Now!" the observance underscores the urgent need for better access, improved care, and stronger health outcomes for LGBTQ+ communities.

LGBTQ+ Americans — particularly transgender people, people of color, and immigrants—are experiencing heightened fear and anxiety amid growing discrimination and legislative attacks. In Illinois, 64% of LGBTQ+ youth report symptoms of anxiety, and nearly half of transgender and non-binary youth have seriously considered suicide in the past year, according to The Trevor Project. Many LGBTQ+ individuals also delay or avoid medical care due to fear of discrimination, exacerbating disparities in mental health, HIV prevention, and chronic illness care.

Despite these challenges, Chicago is home to organizations providing life-saving services and affirming care, including Brave Space Alliance, Broadway Youth Center, CALOR, Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus, TaskForce Chicago, and the HUB, operated by Center on Halsted and AIDS Foundation Chicago. These organizations offer vital resources such as mental health support, STI and HIV testing, housing assistance, and culturally competent healthcare.

This week is a reminder that LGBTQ+ health is about the whole person—mental, physical, and sexual well-being. Chicagoans are encouraged to use this time to learn, support, and advocate for inclusive healthcare. To join the conversation and help end stigma, use the hashtag #LGBTQHealth and visit local LGBTQ+ organizations for more information and support.

Cook County Violence Intervention Grants

Community-based nonprofits that work in community safety can apply for two grant awards from the Justice Advisory Council at Cook County. Cook County Community Violence Intervention Grants will provide $20 million in funding for community-based services such as street outreach to support residents at risk of being involved in community violence. The Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence initiative will provide $10 million in funding for community-based services that support survivors of gun violence in Cook County. To support organizations that are applying for the grants, they will also be hosting a pre-submittal conference to assist with and answer applicants' questions.

Both grant opportunities are open to community-based non-profit organizations located and providing services in Cook County, Illinois.

Some important dates to note for those applying to these grants:

• Monday, March 17, 2025 — Notice of Funding Opportunities released
• Thursday, March 27, 2025 — Pre-Submittal Conference — Registration now open
• Monday, April 14, 2025, at 5:00pm CST- Application Deadline for both grant opportunities

For more information about applications, visit the Cook County website.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

As highlighted in the Healthy Chicago Strategic Plan, gun violence and related homicides have long been major contributors to injury, hospitalization, and death in Chicago, accounting for 2.1 years of the current racial life expectancy gap.

In the latest episode of the Spanish-language Healthy Chicago podcast, Guillermo Gutiérrez, Street Intervention Manager at Enlace Chicago, discusses the critical work happening on the ground, particularly in the Little Village neighborhood, to make communities safer. We'll hold off on this item until next week when we release the podcast. shares firsthand experiences from working directly with young people and families impacted by violence, offering powerful insights into the challenges and breakthroughs of community-led intervention efforts. From de-escalation to mentorship programs, this episode explores the role of street outreach and how investments in community-based solutions are making a meaningful impact.

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

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