CDPH - Chicago Department of Public Health
10/31/2024 | Press release | Archived content
Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 10/31/2024
Jump Ahead
Pilsen Ribbon Cutting Rescheduled
While CDPH's Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub is open, the official ribbon cutting ceremony has been moved from November 1 to Wednesday, November 20, at 11:00am.
24th Ward Alderman Byron Sigcho-Lopez and CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo "Simbo" Ige will attend the ceremony, along with other city officials to be announced.
The Health Hub officially opened to Pilsen residents on Monday, October 28, and offers no-cost mental health services for adults and youth, alongside with an expanded range of health care services tailored to better meet the needs of the Pilsen community. Other services available include no-cost vaccinations for uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid, or CHIP-insured children aged 0-18, as well as free flu and COVID-19 vaccines for uninsured or underinsured adults.
For more information on the Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub, visit the CDPH website. For more information on the Pilsen South Ashland Health Hub, visit the CDPH website.
Enjoy a Safe and Healthy Halloween
Happy Halloween! The Chicago Department of Public Health wishes you a spooky, safe, and fun holiday! Before you head out for trick-or-treating, here are a few tips to keep your night from becoming too frightening:
- Trick-or-treaters who are feeling ill should get tested and stay home, if sick.
- If you're handing out candy, frequently wash your hands.
- Make sure your kids are wearing flame resistant costumes.
- Wear costumes that won't obstruct your view or ability to walk.
- Inspect trick or treat candy before eating it.
- If you have a food allergy, be careful with food and candy you take from others.
- Parents of young children should prevent them from having candy that can be a choking hazard.
For more information and tips for a safe and fun Halloween, visit the Illinois Poison Center website.
Family Vaccination Events This Weekend
CDPH will be hosting two pop-up family vaccination events for residents on Saturday, November 2, both offering no-cost 2024-2025 COVID-19 and flu vaccines for everyone age 6 months and up.
The first will be at Richard J. Daley College, 7500 S Pulaski Rd, from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Register on the CDPH website.
The second will be at Fellowship Chicago, 4543 S. Princeton Avenue, from 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. as part of the 4th Annual Chicago Day of Prayer. This event brings together CDPH leaders and faith leaders across all denominations from Chicago's diverse neighborhoods for a shared moment of prayer for a safe and healthy holiday season.
CDPH reminds residents that staying up to date with your annual vaccines is the number one way to stay healthy as we head into the colder winter months. This means EVERYONE age 6 months and up should get the updated 2024-2025 COVID-19 vaccine, and an annual flu shot. No one wants to miss out on Thanksgiving dinner or other family celebrations because of illness. See the full calendar of CDPH vaccine clinics to find one near you!
Healthy Chicago Podcast
This fall and winter, don't let COVID-19, flu, and RSV catch you off guard! In the newest Healthy Chicago Podcast, Dr. Alex Sloboda (Medical Director of Immunizations and Emergency Preparedness at CDPH) and Dr. Jackie Tiema-Massie (Immunization Program Director) discuss updated guidelines from Chicago Department of Public Health for fall 2024 immunizations for COVID-19, flu, and RSV. By staying updated with vaccinations, practicing good hygiene, and following public health guidelines, you can enjoy the season while keeping yourself and your community safe.
To commemorate Domestic Violence Awareness Month this October, Trinidad Birrueta, Certified Domestic Violence Worker, joined Solange Piña-Lorca, the host of the Spanish-language Healthy Chicago podcast, to discuss this critical issue. They examined how certain behaviors can create a cycle of dependency, leaving victims feeling fearful, confused, and insecure about their ability to live on their own. In this episode, you'll learn how to recognize if you're experiencing domestic violence and find out about the free resources available for support.
Tune in to the newest episodes of Healthy Chicago on the CDPH website and all major platforms:
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