CDPH Presents Summer Strategy to City Council

On May 28, 2025, Dr. Ige and CDPH staff went before the Health and Human Relations Committee to discuss the department's Summer Strategy. The Strategy details plans to mitigate four priority summer health threats including West Nile Virus, Violence, Opioid Overdose, and Food Protection. The 2025 Summer Strategy responds to data from 2024, incorporating lessons learned and building upon efforts by taking more hyperlocal approaches fortified by interdepartmental, community, and aldermanic partnerships.

Flooding Safety and Resources

Flooding is more common than you might think, even without a major storm. In 2022 alone, nearly 400,000 Chicagoans were affected. Floods are the most common type of natural disaster affecting people across the United States. Whether from heavy rain, sewer backups, or plumbing issues, flood water can pose serious risks to your home and health.

When things stay wet for more than two days, mold can begin to grow. Breathing in mold spores may cause allergic reactions and other health issues, especially for those with asthma or weakened immune systems. Mold also damages home materials and furnishings.

Floodwaters may carry bacteria or chemicals that can lead to rashes, infections, or other health problems. And once the water recedes, the leftover puddles can become mosquito breeding grounds — even small amounts of standing water can attract them.

To protect your family and speed up recovery:

• Remove standing water as quickly as possible. 
• Dry out wet areas and items within 24–48 hours. 
• Clear gutters and empty water from containers like buckets, toys, tires, and from damaged materials that aren’t usually outside, such as discarded furniture, bookshelves, and building materials. 
• Watch for mold and avoid unnecessary contact with contaminated materials.

The EPA has created a user-friendly website with videos and step-by-step instructions to help you safely clean and restore your home after a flood 

Visit www.epa.gov/flooded-homes for helpful guidance and resources.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

Episode 90 [ENGLISH]: Desiree Kettler (Operations Lead at the Community Safety Coordination Center with CDPH) speaks with Sendy Soto, Chicago’s Chief Homelessness Officer, about the path to creating an office focused on homelessness, the inspirations working with those in need in our community, and solutions to housing insecurity and homelessness.

Episode 94 [SPANISH]: Stress is a natural response to challenges like frustration, anger, or anxiety, but when does it start to take a toll on our mental health, and how do we know it’s time to seek professional help? In the latest episode of the Healthy Chicago podcast, therapist and founder of Encuéntrate Counseling and Consulting, Daisy Gómez, explores key stressors: including work, technology, social media, and unemployment- and offers practical advice on how exercise, balanced nutrition, and quality rest can help manage stress more effectively.

Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.

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