Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 07/17/2025
CDPH Public Information: media.cdph@cityofchicago.org
CDPH Hosting Black Men's Heart Health Panel
The Chicago Department of Health is hosting a community conversation about heart health, prevention and wellness, specifically for Black men. This in-person event will be held at Greater Lawn West 55th Street Health Hub and includes discussions with medical experts and individuals with real-life experience. Heart disease is the nation’s leading cause of death, and Black Americans are more susceptible than other ethnic groups.
- Location: Greater Lawn West 55th Street Health Hub (4150 West 55th Street)
- Date: Wednesday, July 23, 2025
- Time: 6–7 pm
- Cost: Free
What We'll Cover:
- Understanding your risk factors
- Prevention strategies that work
- Real talk about lifestyle changes
- Community resources and support
- Q&A with medical experts Dr. Marlon Everett and Dr. Louis Rutland
New Campaign Highlights Rise in Syphilis Cases
Syphilis cases have been rising in Chicago over the past few years, and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) is launching a new awareness campaign to encourage residents to know the risks and get tested.
Throughout July, CDPH's Syndemic Infectious Disease Bureau is sharing syphilis prevention messaging citywide on digital billboards, street-level information panels, and social media. The campaign is directed at all Chicagoans, with a focus on heterosexual women and same-gender-loving men.
Recent CDPH data show:
- Nearly 80% of primary and secondary (P&S) syphilis cases in 2023 were among males, but cases among women increased by 12% from 2022 to 2023 (from 146 to 164 cases).
- Half of P&S syphilis cases were among Black Chicagoans.
- 60% of new P&S syphilis cases were among Black and Latinx Chicagoans.
- Congenital syphilis, which can cause serious health issues for a fetus, has also increased.
CDPH encourages Chicagoans to schedule appointments for for PrEP and Doxy Pep access by calling 312-742-2883 or visiting Chicago.gov/SexualHealth.
CDPH also offers resources for syphilis testing and treatment, through our three Sexual Health Clinics. The services are provided free of charge to all Chicagoans who are unable to pay. Appointment information can be found on CDPH's Sexual Health Services website.
Milestone in HIV Prevention Marks 13 Years
On July 16, 2012, the FDA approved Truvada, the first medication for pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) to reduce the risk of sexually-acquired HIV infection. It was a milestone in the fight against HIV, and PrEP medications continue to be a significant tool in preventing new HIV infections. Last year, more than 28,000 Illinoisans were using PrEP.
Thousands of people, particularly low-income individuals, have accessed PrEP and other prevention medications through local programs funded by the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Together with HIV medical treatment and support services for those living with HIV, funded largely through the federal Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program, these prevention tools have contributed to a steady decline in the number of new HIV diagnoses across all ages and transmission groups in Chicago and Illinois.
Chicagoans can access free HIV testing and PrEP services at the CDPH Sexual Health Clinics. More information at Chicago.gov/SexualHealth.
Healthy Chicago Podcast
Heat waves (periods of at least three days in a row with dangerously high temperatures) are becoming more common, and Chicago is no exception. When extreme heat hits, it's important to know how to stay safe, especially if you're caring for someone more at risk, like older adults, pregnant women, or people with chronic health conditions.
In the Spanish-language podcast, we spoke with José Gonzalez, Emergency Management Coordinator at CDPH, about what Chicagoans need to know during extreme heat events, including how to recognize the signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke and where to find cooling centers throughout the city.
Listen or watch the newest episodes on YouTube, Spotify, Apple and the CDPH website.
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