Focus on Maternal Health for Mother's Day

This Mother's Day weekend, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and Innovations to ImPROve Maternal OuTcomEs in Illinois (I PROMOTE-IL) are raising awareness about the expansion of Illinois Medicaid coverage to include care up to 12 months postpartum.

Many are unaware that the six-week postpartum check-up is no longer considered best practice. Maternal care should begin within the first three weeks after birth, with follow-up visits recommended within 12 weeks postpartum. Illinois Medicaid now covers essential care throughout the first 12 months postpartum.

To get connected with Medicaid enrollment and vital resources, visit CDPH's Nurture You resource center.

Illinois Measles Update

According to the Illinois Department of Public Health, there are now 6 confirmed cases of measles in the state of Illinois, including 2 previously confirmed cases in Cook County.

All Chicagoans are strongly encouraged to review their immunization records or contact their healthcare provider to make sure they are up to date on the measles, mumps, and rubella (MMR) vaccine. Immunization records recorded in the Illinois immunization registry can be accessed using the Illinois Department of Public Health Vax Verify portal.

CDPH offers MMR vaccinations for anyone who needs them, regardless of insurance status, at CDPH Immunization Clinics throughout the city. Walk-ins are welcome, but registration is highly encouraged. Create an account and register for an appointment at getvaxchi.chicago.gov or by calling the clinic.

CDPH's STI Clinics Get a Bold New Look

The Chicago Department of Public Health's STI Specialty Clinics have recently undergone powerful transformations. They still offer expert, compassionate care, but the change has come in how these spaces feel to those who walk through their doors. With vibrant new murals in our Lakeview and Roseland clinics, CDPH is sending a clear message: Everyone deserves access to welcoming, stigma- and stress-free sexual health services. The art is part of a broader effort, led by Clinic Director Tammy Rutledge, to make our clinics more community-centered, inviting, and inclusive.

Our clinics offer a range of critical services including HIV and STI testing and treatment, PrEP services, Doxy PEP, all adult immunizations (including MPox) and pregnancy testing. The Lakeview North Clark Street Health Clinic is open five days a week, while our Roseland and Austin Health Hubs are open three days a week. Walk-in visits are welcome based on availability, though appointments are preferred. We encourage all clients to bring insurance and a photo ID if available, but care is provided regardless of insurance status or ability to pay.

To see more about the murals and how they reflect this shift toward a more human-centered care experience, check out the recent feature in the Chicago Sun-Times. For clinic hours and services, visit: chicago.gov/sti-hiv.

Mental Health Awareness Month

In Chicago, your mental health matters. This Mental Health Awareness Month, the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) aims to destigmatize conversations around mental health, offer residents the support they need, and meet them where they are. CDPH offers a range of mental health services for everyone's wellness:

CDPH Mental Health Clinics and nonprofit partners provide therapy and medication management regardless of insurance or immigration status. The clinics also offer wellness workshops throughout the year. Visit chicago.gov/MentalHealthClinics.

CDPH distributes free Narcan or naloxone to prevent deaths from opioid overdose. Medication assisted recovery helps safely treat opioid use disorder. When you're ready, visit helplineil.org.

CARE provides on-ground support to people experiencing a mental health crisis or an overdose. Follow-ups and case management are available. Visit chicago.gov/CARE.

Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) suicide prevention trainings equip people to recognize suicide warning signs, respond, and make referrals to professional care: chicago.gov/suicideprevention.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

Episode 82 [ENGLISH]: When individuals return home from carceral spaces, they are at risk of returning to communities experiencing high rates of violence and offering limited career opportunities.

Joseph Mapp, Director for the Mayor's Office of Reentry, was system-impacted and began his journey of transformation through higher education opportunities while incarcerated. He continued educational pursuits post-release, building on the foundation developed inside, and credits community support as a critical factor in developing his leadership and career skills.

He joins Greg Martinez, Community Safety Coordination Center, to discuss how Chicago's Office of Reentry is creating pathways and support for returning Chicagoans.

Episode 83 [SPANISH]: Starting July 1, nearly 33,000 Illinois residents could lose their health coverage due to upcoming cuts to the Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) program. These changes pose a serious threat to immigrant communities across the state who rely on HBIA for access to essential health care services.

In the latest episode of our podcast, we speak with Enddy Almonord, Director of Healthy Illinois, about the campaign her organization is leading to protect the right to health care for immigrant communities. She sheds light on how HBIA and similar programs support public health and emphasizes the community resources available for those who may be affected.

For help connecting to health and social services, residents can call 2-1-1 or text 898-211.

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

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