Press Releases

As families make plans for holiday gatherings, health officials say now is a good time to get vaccinated against flu, COVID-19 and RSV. “It takes two to three weeks for respiratory vaccinations to provide maximum protection in vaccinated individuals. So, this is a perfect time to get vaccinated before gathering with family and friends for Thanksgiving,” said Dr. Kiran Joshi, chief operating officer of Cook County Department of Public Health.

In recognition of National Lead Poisoning Prevention Week, Oct. 25-31, Cook County Department of Public Health is bringing increased attention to Illinois’ new universal childhood blood lead testing law and lead dangers. The new state lead testing requirements, which took effect July 1, 2026, require all children to receive blood lead tests at ages 12 months and 24 months, regardless of where they live.  Also, children 6 years old and younger must receive a lead exposure risk assessment through a questionnaire administered by a healthcare provider.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle will join Cook County officials in recognizing respiratory virus season by launching Cook County Department of Public Health’s annual Saturday vaccination clinics and partner clinics on Saturday, Oct. 17 at Cook County Health’s North Riverside Health Center, 1800 S. Harlem Ave. in North Riverside, Ill. 

Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is launching “Spread Facts, Not Flu & COVID,” a new public awareness campaign encouraging suburban Cook County residents to protect themselves and their families from respiratory illness by getting vaccinated and getting trusted information.  The campaign comes as flu season approaches and misinformation about vaccines continues to make it harder for people to know which health information they can trust.

The Chicago Food Policy Action Council (CFPAC), in partnership with Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) and Builders Vision Philanthropy is awarding over $460,000, along with tailored technical assistance, to 15 local farms and food businesses working toward creating a “good” food system in metro Chicago that is accessible, equitable, racially just, healthy, fair, local, humane, and sustainable.

CCDPH today launched “Every Vaccine Counts,” a public awareness campaign encouraging parents and caregivers to make sure their children are up to date on vaccinations that protect against serious and potentially life-threatening diseases.

Today, Cook County Department of Public Health launched Building Healthier Communities 2030, suburban Cook County’s Community Health Improvement Plan.  The plan was announced together with Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, Cook County Department of Public Health, community organizations, healthcare providers and cross-sector partners. 

Building Healthier Communities 2030 serves as both a collective vision and a practical roadmap that will guide public health efforts across suburban Cook County through 2030.The plan aligns with President Preckwinkle’s Policy Roadmap and reflects a shared commitment to advancing health equity through coordinated, community-informed action.  

Photo caption: Cook County Department of Public Health was recognized at a local awards ceremony today for its 15 awards from the National Association of Counties (NACo). The awards recognize innovative and effective county government initiatives. Photo provided by...

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: July 29, 2026  Media Contact: Yolanda Y. Harris, [email protected]  SUBURBAN COOK COUNTY, IL – Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) is celebrating eight high school students who successfully completed the second cohort of...