Healthy Communities

Cook County is committed to improving the health and well-being of all residents by ensuring access to healthcare services as well as addressing the social drivers of health, such as housing instability, food insecurity and access to transportation, and the physical environment. Through collaboration and partnership with government agencies, community-based organizations and healthcare providers, the County aims to reduce residents’ barriers to accessing and integrating health services and advance policies and programs that promote healthy, active lifestyles and communities.

Goal: Improve the physical, mental, and social well-being of Cook County residents and communities.

Objective 1:

Reduce health inequities by addressing the racial disparities and the social, physical and economic conditions that impact health.

Strategy	Key Projects	Related Strategies	Equity Fund Recommendation
1.1) Ensure all policies and practices address the root causes of health inequities.	Health Equity in All Policies		1.1 Health Equity in All Policies
1.2) Reduce barriers to accessing health services for all residents through assessment, education, outreach, and advocacy.	CCDPH Immunization Program
1.3) Deepen relationships and foster authentic dialogue with community-based organizations, advocacy groups, healthcare providers, government agencies, residents and other partners for increased collaboration and capacity to advance health equity.	Behavioral Health Summit Mental health strategic plan Community needs assessment

Objective 2:

Improve access to and integration of high-quality, responsive healthcare.

Strategy	Key Projects	Related Strategies	Equity Fund Recommendation
2.1) Enhance access to high-quality mental healthcare, trauma-informed services and substance use disorder care.	Behavioral health workforce assessment Opioid treatment program at Austin clinic Network of behavioral health telehealth providers for CountyCare members		1.2 Behavioral Health Administration
2.2) Ensure a continuum of health-related services exists within Cook County to meet residents’ needs.	Bi-directional referral network with other organizations to promote access Service line expansion to address health gaps in neurology, cardiology, cancer and maternal/child Expansion of services at Provident Hospital
2.3) Explore and support innovative models of care that increase access and expand ability to serve historically marginalized residents.	Impact Fund grants to community organizations CountyCare Access- Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults and Seniors Additional Behavioral Health personnel and support at existing clinics		1.2 Behavioral Health Administration

Objective 3:

Support healthy and active lifestyles and communities for residents.