Public Health Measures Receive Continued Attention from Cook County Board

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings
May 24, 2023

Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee

• After testimony and much discussion, commissioners voted yes to the proposal (23-2311) to amend the ordinance regarding tobacco dealers and eliminating the sale of flavored (including menthol) nicotine products. The substitution allows time for notification.  Among concerns noted were reports of products laced with fentanyl, marketing to minors, impact in unincorporated Cook County, need for alignment of policies and hope for state policy. Motion was made by Com. Miller, seconded by Com. Lowry, and was passed.  
• Commissioners also voted to recommend for approval of Ethan’s Law (23-2695) which would require gun owners to secure guns.
• Presentations and extensive discussion went on regarding Agenda Item 23-1387, a resolution to request a meeting by this committee to discuss Asian American and MENA Data Collection and Language Access Hearing. It was approved.  The key question at the starting point is what we are doing now regarding current employees, forms, job applications, and services to the public. Information from LA county and best practices are being sought. 11 presentations were given by entities reporting. Federal Government will be updating race and ethnicity categories for data collection; this could impact standardization. Several different translation tools in use were cited with cautions regarding limitations of translations. 

Human Relations Committee

• Voted to defer action on Agenda Item 23-2279 regarding amending the Human Rights Ordinance to include no discrimination related to exercise of bodily autonomy.

Health and Hospitals Committee 

• ​Covid updates (23-0469) from Cook County Health and Cook County Department of Public Health - . Dr L Hasbrook stated the Covid case count continues to decline, that testing at home does impact local collection of data. Just under 20% (approximately 16, 000) of Cook County is up to date with latest booster and there are over one million shots in arms. 2 points currently being emphasized in public information: The Public Health emergency is ending while the concern is not over since the virus is here to stay. 
• Regarding MPox, the increase is by a couple dozen in Chicago and +3 suburbs. Among people vaccinated the infection is less severe. Information for the pubic will be updated for social media, publicity, and PRIDE Chicago. Having an adequate amount of vaccines available and medical countermeasures for those infected are part of what is being done. 

Committee meetings adjourned at 4:31.

Observer - Carolyn Cosentino