Suburban Cook County Chronic Disease Prevention Network

About The Network

The Suburban Cook County Chronic Disease Prevention Network (The Network) was formed in Summer 2009 in response to the increasing burden of chronic disease in suburban Cook County, alarming rates of obesity, poor nutrition, physical inactivity, and tobacco use, and the need to change policies and environments to support healthy living. The Network envisions a Suburban Cook County that has a culture and social environments that promote healthy living and health equity, and works together to advance broad-based policy change that addresses risk factors and social determinants of health contributing to chronic disease.

The Network is staffed by the Cook County Department of Public Health, Chronic Disease Prevention & Health Promotion Unit.

Goals of The Network

  • Identify priority issues that affect chronic disease prevention, develop strategies, and guide initiatives that will collectively advance broad-based policy change.
  • Influence public perception and attitudes affecting (poor) nutrition, physical (in)activity, and/or tobacco (use).
  • Secure and leverage resources to support strategies necessary to reduce the burden of chronic disease prevention in suburban Cook County.

Current Priority Areas

  • Implement the Model Communities Mini-Grant Pilot Program.
  • Raise the public’s awareness on relevant issues impacting poor nutrition, physical inactivity, tobacco use, and exposure to tobacco smoke through health campaigns and community forums.
  • Develop an organized, active and unified advocacy network by broadening membership and cultivating a multisectoral alliance.
  • Determine policy issues and actions that can be taken (e.g., developing joint policy positions or supporting current policy initiatives of other organizations)

Benefits of Membership

  • Networking opportunities that will enrich your agencies efforts to prevent chronic disease
  • Meetings with crosscutting information on best practices
  • Participation in the development of a clearinghouse of tools and resources related to chronic disease prevention

How to Learn More or Get Involved

For more information, please call the CCDPH Prevention Services Unit at 708-492-2193 or e-mail healthycook@ccdph.net. If interested in joining The Network or to be kept informed about events, complete a Participation & Interest Form.

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