29/08/2024 | Press release | Archived content
August 31 marks International Overdose Awareness Day, dedicated to raising awareness, remembering those who died and working to end overdose. One in six Americans have a substance use disorder, and 94% do not receive treatment according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMSA).
In Chicago, there are more overdose deaths than traffic crash fatalities and homicides combined. The Chicago Fire Department made more than 10,000 overdose-related EMS response calls in 2023, an average of 27 per day.
CDPH offers many tools and resources to combat opioid overdoses including:
Learn more at overcomeopiods.org
The FDA recently approved a new COVID-19 vaccine for the 2024-2025 respiratory virus season, and it will be available in early to mid-September. The CDC and CDPH recommend that everyone 6 months of age and older get the new 2024-2025 vaccine to protect themselves and their communities. An annual flu shot is also recommended for everyone 6 months and older.
The new COVID-19 vaccines have been updated with a new formula to more effectively target the variants currently circulating, offering better protection against serious outcomes of COVID-19, such as hospitalization and death. Individuals who have private health insurance, Medicaid or Medicare can receive no-cost vaccines from their local in-network pharmacy or doctor's office. If you aren't sure which pharmacies or clinics are in-network, contact your insurer. CDPH is working to secure vaccine for individuals without health insurance and will share details about where to get it in the coming weeks.
In late September, the Federal government is planning to relaunch their program to offer free at-home COVID-19 tests for all U.S. households. Visit COVIDTests.gov for additional details on when the program will resume. Paxlovid is an effective treatment for people who test positive for COVID-19. The federal Paxcess Program provides free Paxlovid to individuals who test positive for COVID-19 and are either uninsured or covered by Medicare or Medicaid. For more information, visit https://paxlovid.iassist.com/
Earlier this week, the City of Chicago detected its first three human cases of West Nile virus (WNV) for the 2024 mosquito season, in addition to the first WNV death in the state of Illinois this year. While only 3 cases of West Nile have been identified in Chicago thus far, it is estimated that roughly 70-80% of cases are asymptomatic, and the risk level for WNV in Chicago is currently high. The best way to protect yourself from West Nile virus is to mitigate mosquito bites entirely - try out the following tips:
Seek medical attention for any acute onset illness after mosquito exposure, especially with symptoms resembling meningitis like such as a headache, stiff neck, vomiting, and high fever. For more information on fighting West Nile virus, visit the CDPH website.
Last week, the 2024 Democratic National Convention came to Chicago, and with it thousands of people looking to celebrate the occasion. In collaboration with the DNC and many non-profit community partners, CDPH is proud to have helped ensure over 25,000 of pounds of excess food were donated to those in need throughout the city, preventing excess food waste in the process. The City of Chicago is committed to a mission of sustainability and environmental stewardship, as well as providing needed resources and support for unhoused and food-insecure Chicagoans. For more information on the City's many sustainability efforts, visit the CDPH website.
CDPH joins community health workers (CHW's), advocates, and allies across the U.S. for the second annual National Community Health Worker Awareness Week August 26 - August 30. Celebrating who CHWs are, their role in public health and equity, and the value CHWs bring to a community's vitality!
Community health workers go by many names and titles, including care coordinators, doulas, peer educators, promotores de salud, family advocates, and patient navigators. They are a diverse group of support professionals serving local and underserved neighborhoods from major cities to tribal territories and remote rural villages. They are an integral part of the communities in which they live and work. For more information on CHW's in Chicago, click HERE. For information on community health workers nationally, click HERE.
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