CDPH Celebrates Public Health Pride

LGBTQ+ Pride month, which has been observed throughout June over the past 55 years, arose from a commemoration of the Stonewall Riots of 1969, a pivotal moment in the fight for LGBTQ+ rights. This month is an opportunity to remember Pride's origins in protest and to reflect on the contributions of the LGBTQ+ community in general and specifically in the world of public health.

Members of the LGBTQ+ community and their champions have over time rallied together, supporting each other's fight for equality and recognition, actively advocating for drug research, health treatment, and access to care during the AIDS crisis, demonstrating remarkable courage and activism in the face of immense adversity.

CDPH holds steadfast in our mission to promote equitable public health and wellness for all Chicagoans, and that includes LGBTQ+ people in every corner of the City.

LGBTQ+ and affiliated organizations in Chicago and beyond provide life-saving and life-affirming support. They include:

• Brave Space Alliance (bravespacealliance.org)
• Chicago Black Gay Men's Caucus (chicagoblackgaymenscaucus.org)
• Howard Brown Health (howardbrown.org)
• Life is Work (lifeiswork.org)
• Puerto Rican Cultural Center (prcc-chgo.org)
• Taskforce Prevention & Community Services (taskforcechicago.org)
• Trans Lifeline (translifeline.org)
• The Trevor Project (thetrevorproject.org)

CDPH is sponsoring or supporting several events with community partners, including:

• Chicago Urban Pride Festival, featuring a CDPH Health & Wellness Pavilion, in Jackson Park, 6300 S Hayes Dr., 12–8 p.m., on Sunday, June 29

Men's Health Month: Time to Check In

June is Men's Health Month, when we focus on raising awareness about preventable health issues affecting men and encouraging early detection and treatment.

Men are less likely than women to seek routine health care and are more likely to lack a regular health provider. But one of the most powerful steps toward better health is simple: establish care with a primary care provider. Regular checkups can help identify risks early, track health changes over time, and guide age-appropriate screenings.

One major concern this June is prostate cancer, the second leading cause of cancer death among American men. Around 1 in 8 men will be diagnosed during their lifetime. Early detection is key: localized prostate cancer has a nearly 100% five-year survival rate. The American Cancer Society recommends that men begin discussing prostate cancer screening with their doctor at age 50 for average-risk individuals, and as early as age 40 for those at higher risk, including Black men and those with a family history.

Beyond physical health, mental well-being is just as critical. Nearly 1 in 3 men will experience depression, but most won't reach out for support. If you or a loved one are struggling with persistent sadness, anxiety, or loss of interest in activities, know that help is available and recovery is possible.

You can take action this Men's Health Month:

• Schedule a checkup with a provider.
• Talk about prostate cancer screening based on your age and risk.
• Check in on your mental health — and don't hesitate to reach out for support.

Lifesaving Behavioral Health Trainings

The following workshops and trainings offered by CDPH could be potentially lifesaving tools in times of crises:

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) trainings are organized by CDPH to train people to recognize suicide warning signs and respond to crises in their communities. Those enrolled in these trainings can get certified through the QPR Institute, and can identify and assist individuals at the risk of suicide. The next QPR training is scheduled on Tuesday, June 10, from 3:00 pm to 4:30 pm at Greater Grand Crossing. Register here: CDPH QPR Training: Greater Grand Crossing Tickets, Tue, Jun 10, 2025 at 3:00 PM | Eventbrite

Gun Safety Awareness Workshops are being organized through August. At these workshops, instructors will go over the impact of gun violence on communities, “Stop the Bleed” trainings that'll empower participants to respond to gun injuries, unwanted firearm turn-in information and distribute free gun locks. The next gun safety workshop is scheduled for June 12 at alt_ Chicago on Austin. Register here: Chicago Gun Safety Awareness Workshop - Austin

Gun locks prevent suicides and unintentional shootings, especially among children and teens. Gun locks are found in locations around the city. Find information on gun safety and a full schedule of workshops here: chicago.gov/gunsafety

Healthy Chicago Newsletter

The newest edition of the Healthy Chicago Newsletter is now available! In this issue, CDPH Commissioner Dr. Ige shares insights on mental health resources and tips for protecting your well-being, including key phone numbers and websites. You'll also find information on services available to the LGBTQ+ community during Pride Month and throughout the year, plus highlights from PlayStreets and how to find an event near you.

Stay informed, sign up for CDPH's free Healthy Chicago Newsletter today at this link!

Healthy Chicago Podcast

Episode 83 [SPANISH]: Did you know you and your family could be exposed to lead in your home without knowing it?

Many Chicago homes built before 1978 likely contain lead-based paint, which poses serious health risks, especially to children. In this episode, Guadalupe Alcazar, a nurse with CDPH, discusses the common symptoms of lead poisoning in children, the importance of early detection, and the steps families should take if exposure is confirmed. Meanwhile, Sergio Vera, a CDPH housing inspector, explains how his team identifies lead hazards in homes, helps families create safer living environments, and shares practical tips to prevent exposure.

For anyone who is concerned about their home and their child's lead blood level, call (312) 747-5323.

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

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