City of Chicago, IL
11/27/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 11/27/2024 09:52
Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 11/27/2024
CDPH Clinics Closed for Thanksgiving
City of Chicago facilities, including CDPH's sexually transmitted infection (STI) clinics and women, infants and children (WIC) clinics, will be closed on Thursday, November 28 in observance of the Thanksgiving holiday.
CDPH operates Immunization Clinics, Mental Health Centers, and STI Specialty clinics to provide a variety of primary and preventative care services to support underserved populations across Chicago. CDPH partners with community mental health providers and invests in local agencies to ensure all residents have access to mental health services. Our immunization clinics provide vaccinations at no cost for Chicago children up to 18 years of age who are uninsured, underinsured, Medicaid-insured, or Children's Health Insurance Program (CHIP)-insured, and for Chicago adults who are uninsured or under-insured. CDPH STI specialty clinics diagnose and treat common sexually transmitted infections and provide partner services as well.
Regular hours resume on Friday, November 29. To find clinics and resources near you, during non-holiday hours, visit the CDPH Clinical Services page.
Protect Your Children from Preventable Illness
Keep your family healthy through the holiday season! 2024 has seen a marked increase in vaccine-preventable illnesses in Chicago. For example, Chicago saw its first measles cases in years, and CDPH has identified 2.3x as many cases of whooping cough (pertussis) in Chicago this year as compared to the same time in 2023.
The single best way to protect yourself and your children from preventable illness is vaccination. CDPH provides all school-required vaccines at our immunization clinics for those who need them. The science behind vaccine effectiveness and safety is well-established and CDPH will always advocate for maximizing vaccine coverage to keep our communities safe from preventable illnesses.
New Adulterants Found in Illinois Drug Supply
In the last few weeks, dangerous substances have been identified in Illinois' unregulated drug supply. Two weeks ago, CDPH issued a health alert warning responders about the potential effects of nitazenes and fentanyl, both highly potent opioids often mixed together. BTMPS (Tinuvin 770), a novel adulterant, was also detected in the state's unregulated opioid supply.
BTMPS is a regulated substance in the United States, unfit for human consumption. Its effects include burning sensations while injecting, blurred vision, ringing in the ears, nausea, vomiting, and coughing up blood when smoked.
CDPH advises residents to stay informed and vigilant, carry Narcan (naloxone) if using, and to promptly call 911 if overdose symptoms are identified. CDPH also continues to promote Medication Assisted Recovery (MAR) for those wanting to treat Opioid Use Disorder. MAR treatment can be initiated immediately by contacting the MAR NOW program through the Illinois Helpline. Call the 24*7 Illinois helpline at 833-234-6343 or text "HELP" to 833234, or visit Overcome Opioids. More information about opioids and harm reduction can be found on Chicago HAN.
Healthy Chicago Podcast
In the newest episode of the Spanish-language Healthy Chicago podcast, Vilmarie Fraguada, psychologist, co-founder, and director of the non-profit Sana Healing Collective, is the featured guest. Vilmarie discusses her work as an activist committed to ending the war on drugs in Chicago and the innovative mental health therapies provided by her organization. Sana Healing Collective focuses on personalized, alternative approaches to therapy, helping individuals address harmful behaviors and prioritize their unique needs.
During the episode, Vilmarie shares how these alternative therapeutic practices are integrated into the treatment process and highlights how Sana Healing Collective has become an invaluable resource and a safe space for promoting mental well-being among Chicago residents.
Tune in to the newest episodes of Healthy Chicago on the CDPH website and all major platforms:
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