City of Chicago, IL
09/19/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/20/2024 08:14
Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 09/19/2024
CDPH Lead Poisoning Prevention Conference
CDPH will bring together community members, public officials, healthcare providers, and renowned experts in healthy homes and families for the "Safe Spaces" conference on Tuesday, September 24.
"Safe Spaces: Creating a Lead-Free & Healthy Home Environment for All" will feature discussions on topics such as lead paint hazards, asthma control, healthy home principles, and pharmacological treatment for children with lead poisoning. The event will run from 8:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at Malcolm X College (1900 W. Jackson Blvd), offering interactive workshops, panel discussions, and educational exhibits.
Chicago has made significant strides in reducing lead exposure-bringing down the number of children with elevated lead levels from one in four tested in the 1990s to less than one in 100 today. CDPH remains committed to identifying and addressing lead hazards to ensure a healthier future for all children.
The event will also include a "City That Works" room with representatives from key city agencies, such as CDPH, the Department of Water Management (DWM), and Housing. DWM will also provide information on the city's Lead Service Line Replacement program - the largest in the U.S. - and its free water testing services.
For more information and to register, visit https://chicago.gov/LeadPbConference. Learn more about lead poisoning prevention at Lead-SafeChicago.org.
Free Flu Shots for Seniors
It's time to get vaccinated! Starting this week, CDPH, along with the Department of Family and Support Services (DFSS) and pharmacy partners from Jewel Osco, will be hosting vaccination events for seniors throughout the city. A number of vaccines, including flu, COVID-19, RSV, pneumonia and others, will be available. Seniors should bring their insurance cards to all events. For the complete schedule, visit the CDPH website.
CDPH encourages all Chicagoans age 6 months and up to get their annual flu shot, as well as the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine. CDPH will share details about family vaccination events and other opportunities in the coming weeks.
Upcoming Pilsen Town Hall
CDPH is excited to announce the expansion of the Pilsen South Ashland location as a Health Hub, a community-centered space dedicated to improving access to critical health services and fostering stronger connections within the Pilsen neighborhood. The location currently offers immunizations and will also offer mental health services starting on October 28th. CDPH is hosting a town hall for Pilsen residents on September 25th from 6-7:30pm at the National Museum of Mexican Art at 1852 West 19th Street where attendees will hear more about the opening and share their voices and experiences. Conversations between Pilsen residents and CDPH professionals will center around immunizations, WIC (the Special Supplemental Nutrition Program for Women, Infants and Children), mental health and more.
Healthy Chicago Podcast
In the latest episode of the Spanish-Language Healthy Chicago podcast, Dr. Estrella Cervantes, CDPH's Infectious Disease-Antimicrobial Stewardship Pharmacist, joins Dr. Geraldine Luna to discuss the use of antibiotics in Hispanic households. They cover the proper use of antibiotics, how misuse can lead to antibiotic resistance, and the importance of consulting a doctor when ill. Dr. Cervantes stresses the need to avoid using antibiotics that belong to others and to seek professional advice on their use.
Tune in to the newest episode of Healthy Chicago on the CDPH website and all major platforms:
###