Category: Covid 19

Public Health Measures Receive Continued Attention from Cook County Board

5/31/2023

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

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Delay In Establishing A New Mobile Crisis Team Due To Resource Shortage

10/21/2022

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Cook County Board: Health & Hospital Committee Meeting
October 18, 2022

The following reports were received and filed:

Alternative Health Intervention & Response:
- This report is the result of Commissioner Degnen’s resolution that last year focused on establishing for suburban Cook County a mobile crisis team to respond to mental health crisis with trained mental health specialist.
- Commissioner Degnen at the meeting noted that establishment of the team for this year will need to be delayed sometime in 2023. The task force activity working on this project are expanding usage of the 988-emergency number and facing issues with the workforce and hospital capacity for care.
Covid 19/ Contract Tracing Update:
- CCDPH expecting a surge of COVID 19 in Nov. Concern about low rates of vaccinations and will be working over next months to increase levels of vaccination.
Cook County Health System Strategic Plan
- Review of Strategic plan generated questions regarding the changing of the Health System’s mission statement. What was emphasized is that the team was committed to a shorter mission statement maintaining the wording "regardless of the ability to pay" and adding the word "access".
Cook County Health: Mental Health Services Quarterly Report
- Reports from Health System’s Department of Behavioral Health & Psychiatry; Cermak Health Services; Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Health Services (JTDC); Cook Department of Public Health
- A common theme with each of these agency reports is a marked increase in need for mental health services. Discussion focused on numbers of juveniles confined in their rooms which presenter while did not have data felt that few were being confined to their rooms.
- The Cook County Department of Public Health did report training of 145 suburban law enforcement over 3 months in usage of naloxone and have documented through this training were able to reverse 20 overdoses.
Behavioral Services Quarterly Report: Office of Chief Judge
- Instituted with ARPR monies a collaborative program focused on youth diversion from criminal justice system.
- Pilot program demonstrated of 135 youth with gun charges 79% completed the outlined treatment program with charges dropped.
Cook County State’s Attorney Office & Cook County Sheriff’s Office: Behavioral Health Services Report:
- Both agencies reported on working to expand community mental health services. The State’s Attorney Office reported that there were significant lower number in the pool for diversion coupled with community agencies that they partner with facing backlog of referrals.

Items to watch in the future:

Capacity for the expansion of mental health services

Observer: Susan Avila

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Cook County Board Creates Loan Program for Municipalities

8/3/2022

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Cook County Board of Commissioners - Committee and Board Meetings
July 27, 28, 2022

Finance Committee July 27, 2022

The Commissioners recommended for approval an ordinance that authorizes the County to give loans to local government entities that are impacted by the expected late property tax bill issuance and collection. The plan would set aside up to $ 500 million, but initially $300 million will be distributed. The loans would go to municipalities that have credit ratings less than the County’s and would have difficulty going to the public for credit. It would be for 0% rate. It will cost the County $5 million. The Commissioners had met previously with members of the Finance group and so there was little discussion. (Item 22-3521) The ordinance was approved in the Board Meeting.
Commissioner Suffredin moved to defer the proposed Elected Official Compensation Review Ordinance. This would require periodic review of the compensation of elected officials. The Commissioners are waiting on a fiscal note from the Department of Finance. The League of Women Voters of Cook County (LWVCC) supported this ordinance, and their letter was entered into the record. (Item 22-3931)

Health and Hospitals Committee July 27, 2022

The monthly report on the status of COVID was deferred. The Commissioners asked for an update on Monkeypox as well as COVID. Mr. Rocha, Cook County Health (CCH) CEO said that 70% of the current COVID cases are the new sub-variants BA4 and BA5. The CCH is recommending that everyone gets the booster shots and wear masks when in close contact of others. There are 5 community centers in suburban Cook County where residents can get vaccines or treatment. Over 1 million vaccinations have been given. Vaccination rates for children are low, for children under 5 less than 15%. Parents are reluctant to have their child vaccinated. ( Item 21-0541)
The Commissioners asked for an update on Monkeypox as some of them have gotten reports of residents not being able to get vaccinations. Dr. Hasberg reported that it is now called MPV. The CCH is following the CDC’s recommendations. The CCH has launched an education campaign to health providers and have updated their website with information. They are doing testing and providing vaccinations. They are also doing contact tracing. There have been 19 confirmed cases in Cook County. People who have had close contact with a confirmed case can get vaccinated now. 150 have been given. They have just started vaccinating people in high- risk groups, but who did not have known contact. They anticipate getting more vaccinations in the fall and then will ramp up the vaccinations to that demographic. At the Board meeting a resolution was approved to have a meeting with CCH specifically on MPV. (Item 22-4699)
The Commissioners approved the quarterly report from CCH. Dr. Ruben reported on the contact tracing program for Covid. In order to reach communities that had low vaccination rates and reluctance to participate in contact tracing, the CCH developed a network of community- based organizations to engage people. They anticipate that they will use the same network in their efforts for equity, trying to encourage residents to use medical resources for chronic diseases. (Item 22-1354)
The semi- annual report on healthcare disparities was received and filed. Mr. Rocha outlined CCH’s plan to reduce healthcare disparities in minority areas. He cited the primary issues of poverty and lack of health insurance in the South and Near West side communities. They have awarded grants to community groups to work on such issues as worker protections, lead poison prevention, connecting people to resources, and improved public transportation. The other major issue they want to investigate is why some people don’t utilize the medical system even when it is easily accessible. (Item 22-3674)
Commissioner Miller asked that going forward, she would like to see specific data for outcomes for minorities in the 11 strategic communities cited in the 2025 Strategic Plan. She also wanted to see data for minorities that do not live in underserved communities.

Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting July 28, 2022

Several Commissioners spoke in support of the resolution for the Cook County Board to call on the Illinois General Assembly and U.S. Congress to prohibit the sale of assault style weapons. The resolution was approved. (Item22-4305)
The proposed County Commissioner vacancy in office ordinance amendments were referred to the Legislation Committee. This provides that a vacancy should be filled by appointment by a political committee unless the vacancy is for more than 28 months and then it should be filled at the next general election. LWVCC is in support of this amendment. (Items 22-4661, 22-4662)
The resolution to hold a hearing on the risks of data sharing with ICE was approved. The object is to determine if County government data regarding residents is available to private data brokers. The Committee will also discuss the best practices for protecting the rights of all Cook County residents. (Item 22-2815)
Several collective bargaining agreements with Cook County employees were approved. During the public speakers’ time, nurses from the CCH system spoke in favor of approval.
Several more ARPA grants were awarded including funds for the Forest Preserve.

Observed by Kathi Graffam

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Equity Fund, ARPA Proposals,Transgender Issues, COVID Update - All Considered by Cook County Commissioners at Committee Meetings

5/13/2022

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Cook County Board Committee Meetings
May 9 and 11, 2022

May 9 Finance Committee meeting –Equity Fund

The one agenda item was to consider specific proposals for spending $50 M from the Equity and Inclusion Special Purpose Fund. (Item 22-2779) The League of Women Voters of Cook County had sought confirmation that the County will identify expected outcomes, ways to measure whether the outcomes were achieved, and who and when will do the measuring, prior to approving money from the Equity Fund. Lannetta Turner Hayes, the President’s Chief of Staff, made such commitment.
The proposal was recommended to be approved and was at the May 12 Board meeting.
Much of the meeting involved presentations and speakers regarding the April 7 Equity Fund Report which contains recommendations on actions Cook County government should take to address structural barriers that prevent the meaningful advancement of equity across Cook County. Several of these were included in the proposal that was passed.
The April 7 Equity Fund Report can be found here.

May 11 Business & Economic Development Committee meeting – American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Fund

A Substitute was accepted for the proposal for spending ARPA funds for specific programs under the Vital Communities category. (Item 22-2807) This Substitute increased the amounts for the 6 programs listed in the original, and added 2 new programs. Xochiti Flores, the Bureau Chief of Economic Development, explained that the original version covered only this year, but the Substitute covers 3 years, and, because of the time between the April Board meeting and this meeting, two additional programs were ready for approval.
Funds are to be spent on implementing legal aid for housing and debt; an invest in families and youth program, primarily for the suburbs; a community conservation corps for the Forest Preserve District; capacity-building investments in food access sites program; hotel-based sheltering program for the homeless; a recovery initiative for suburban Cook County bureaus for travel, tourism, and hospitality industries; business advisory services geared toward the south suburbs; and assistance for small businesses.
The League sought confirmation that, as previously committed by the County, for each of these programs, the County had identified the expected outcomes, ways to measure the outcomes, and when and who will do the measuring. Comm. Sean Morrison and Chair Bridget Gainer both expressed support, and Bureau Chief Flores agreed that the County was committed to this. However, this observer did not hear confirmation that this information had been submitted to the Commissioners prior to their vote to recommend approval of this item (which the Board approved on May 12).

May 11 Human Relations Committee meeting – Transgender Issues

This meeting was a hearing to discuss violence and systematic barriers against Cook County transgender residents. (Item 22-2788)
Several public speakers detailed why such a hearing was necessary. Then speakers from Cook County Health, the Medical Examiner’s Office, the Sheriff’s Office, the Department of Human Resources, the State’s Attorney’s Office, and the Justice Advisory Council spoke about what programs they have in place to assist, recognize, and welcome those who identify as transgender.

May 11 Health & Hospitals Committee meeting – COVID Update

Cook County Health (CCH) CEO Israel Rocha announced that CCH had administered the 1 millionth dose of the COVID vaccine during the week of May 2.
The County is now considered at the medium risk level as it has more than 200 cases per 100,000 people. Thus, people are strongly recommended to wear masks indoors, avoid poorly ventilated indoor settings, and socialize outdoors if possible.
86% of suburban Cook County residents have received at least 1 vaccine dose and 65% are considered fully vaccinated. However, less than 50% of those have received the 1st booster, with far fewer receiving the 2nd booster. However, there is a problem with data. People are going to receive their boosters from different providers than those who administered the initial vaccines. If there is a variation in the patient’s name between the providers (for example, inclusion or elimination of a middle name or initial), the person will be counted as a different person.
The number of people doing contract tracing for the County has been decreased considerably. There are currently 45 employees who are expected to continue through the remainder of the year, mainly in connection with congregate settings, such as outbreaks at group care homes, at events, or in workplaces. The Commissioners were assured that all prior contract tracers were offered other positions within CCH and not simply let go.

Observer: Priscilla Mims

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Cross Agency Coordination Improves Effectiveness of Implementing Initiatives

4/16/2022

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Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
April 7, 2022

The Board Approved:

Surviving Spouse Tax Abatements for surviving spouse of fallen police officers, soldiers, or rescue workers program will continue. Rather than receiving a refund, the line item for Cook County property tax will read as zero. This change was made with the Treasurers’ Office so the individual does not have to pay the tax and then receive a refund. 20 people have been in the program and two new members have recently become part of it. (22-2649)
Contract for technical assistance sought by Justice Advisory Council: This relates to changes in pre-trial policies, practices, and operations required under the SAFE-T Act and involves significant cross-agency planning and implementation. Approved as amended in errata. (22-2558 )
HOME Investment partnership Program loans of $1.25 M to support the development of Bellwood Senior Apartments, an affordable senior housing of 80 units and $3 M to support the Chicago Heights Veterans affordable housing development of 82 units (22-2328 and 22-2378)
The Board approved receipt of an additional $32M for Emergency Rental and Housing Assistance. Cook County has dispersed $132M to date. Streamlined processes and cooperation between government dept. supported the success of the program. The additional monies is from funds not used across the country and reallocated by the US Treasury Dept. (22-2738)

Other Items of Interest:

Joint committee meeting for Finance and Technology will be held to discuss second property tax billing with concern about possible delays. This meeting cannot be held until after technology upgrade in the Board room is completed. Without the upgrade, live-streaming would not be an option, thereby restricting public and press involvement. The work was scheduled 2 months ago. It will be scheduled as soon as possible as all parties are aware of the urgency of questions involved. Public speakers today emphasized need for predictability and transparency (22-2803)
The Bureau of Human Resources filed a report concerning the salaries of elected officials in Cook County to determine appropriateness or if increases are warranted. Deloitte Consulting Group analyzed the peer groups reflecting Cook County’s population and other variables. Their conclusion is that county elected officials’ compensation is below market rate for similar elected officials across the country, below 50th mean percentile. This was referred to Finance Committee. (22-2471)
There are concerns about potential violations by ICE obtaining information from private data brokers across the country. A public hearing will be scheduled by the Legislative and Intergovernmental Relations Commtt. (22-2815)
Monday, April 18, 5pm a public hearing will be help where 6 new flag designs for Cook County will be presented and discussed by their designers.

Meeting length 2hr 32min.

Observer: Carolyn Cosentino

Cook County Board of Commissioners Committee Meetings.
April 5, 2022

Health and Hospitals Committee

Change Institute is monitoring 2023 Strategic plan. Racism is a public health crisis. Life expectancy correlates with zip code. The resolution is meant to monitor Cook County Health (CCH) programs and progress in addressing disparities in health outcomes. Commissioner Moore stated this is an essential compliment to CEO Rocha’ partnership with Change Institute (22-1702)
Funding for Covid testing and vaccines has been exhausted so providers may not be reimbursed. CCH and Cook County Public Health (CCPH) will continue to provide these services free; group events can still be organized. CCH locations are available across Chicago, Cook County and at Stroger and Provident hospitals.
Illinois Department of Public Health has taken over contact tracing; will monitor high risk facilities and high risk populations.
Covid Data is not broken down beyond county level for type of variant. Existing vaccines have been effective against the new strain of Covid, VA2, for reducing spread, hospitalizations, and deaths. Case counts are beginning to rise, much higher among unvaccinated by over 1000x. Concerns remain over booster rate. Mask guidance for indoor settings may be revised as monitoring continues.
Behavioral Health Report indicated that staffing shortage here and across the nation continues; this includes triage social workers for crisis calls and recovery coaches, AP RN’s for injection services.
Cermack Health services provides service to detainees in Cook County Jail, total daily census averages 6,000. Screening intake for every inmate entering jail is made to assess and address needs. Patient safety includes evaluation of emerging needs and suicide prevention measures. (22-2245)

Observer - Carolyn Cosentino

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Allocations & Initiatives of The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Monies for 2022 Presented to Cook County Board

2/20/2022

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Cook County Board Of Commissioners Meeting
February 10, 2022-10:00 a.m.

American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Funding
In a presentation by the Chief Financial Officer, Ammar Rizki, and President Preckwinkle’s Chief of Staff, Lantana Hayes-Turner, the board heard how the County plans to allocate the $420 million dollars in ARPA funding received from the Federal Treasury.

$100 million will be held in reserve, and the remaining $320,000 will be spent on the following County programs: $100,000 million Vital Communities $60 million Safe & Thriving Communities $ 45,000 million Sustainable Communities $55 million Smart Communities* *It is estimated that 25% of suburban communities, particularly south suburban communities do not have access to reliable internet.
The County stated that it will provide technical assistance to local communities. CFO Rizki made a special point of stating that Cook County is required to account for all ARPA dollars spent which means that along with dollars allocated there will be detailed reporting requirements.
The Board unanimously voted to send this resolution [#22-1626] to the Finance Committee. Commissioner Sims cautioned that the County’s ARPA Plan is new and extensive, and it will take time and patience to both implement and see results.

Other Business

All Commissioners requested that the CC Public Health Department’s analysis of health outcome disparities in Cook County and recommended solutions be sent to the CC Health and Hospitals Committee. Commissioner Johnson asked if Air Quality is included, and Commissioner Daley again noted that private hospitals in the County need to step up and provide for more Charity Care (22-1703).
A Report from the Office of the Chief Judge following a January 19, 2022 joint meeting of the Health and Hospitals and Criminal Justice Committees concerning county-wide strategies and progress combating violet crimes was referred to the CC Health and Hospital Committee (22-1561).
The Transportation Superintendent, Jennifer Killen, reported on the bridge replacement contracts that are being let using Federal Infrastructure Funds allocated to Cook County.
The Board honored Dr. Manila who is retiring after 32 years serving the inmates of the Cermak Jail’s mental and behavioral health needs.
Public speakers addressed the following issues: 1) Requested the use of COVID monies pay an additional 80 hours of sick pay to employees absent due to COVID issues for both themselves and their families. 2) Thanked the board for designating April as Sikh Awareness month. 3) The new Executive Director of the Land Bank spoke to its 2022 goals and noted that its website contains its 2022 work plan and locations. 4) Local 399 has approved an operating engineer’s training agreement for young people.

The Board approved the following key items recommended by Committees:
Legislative and Intergovernment Affairs Committee:

Appointing Lynne Turner as Secretary to the Board. (Item 22-1238)
Amending the ordinance pertaining to the selection of a new Independent Inspector General. The current IIG, Patrick Blanchard, has announced his retirement as of Oct. 2022. The amendment slightly streamlines the selection process. Comm. Suffredin stressed that all those involved with the selection are subject to the County’s Ethics Code, which responded to a concern that the League had raised. (Item 22-1224)

Finance Committee: All items passed unanimously including Item 22-0841 calling for No Change in the tax levy for fiscal year 2022.

Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee Meeting of Feb. 9, 2022 Report

Cook County Health reported that they are closing their temporary vaccine sites but will continue to give vaccines across their 13 hospitals and community health centers. To increase incentives they are giving out $100 visa gift cards with any vaccine dose, until they run out of gift cards. They are also giving out free KN95 masks to anyone, no vaccine necessary. (21-0541)
Commissioner Degnen gave a presentation about a mobile health initiative that she is coordinating as a pilot program. This would be an alternative health team task force, to be used for mental health crises in lieu of sheriff’s services, where appropriate. Funding for this mobile task force will come from ARPA, with the goal of creating a budget and propose an ordinance after the pilot program. (22-0737)
The quarterly mental health reports were presented by representatives from CCH, the Public Health Department, Cermak Health (which runs mental health services in Cook County Jail), Sherriff’s office, State’s Attorney, Chief Judge, and the Public Defender’s office. Some things that came up in discussion are the need for more services for pediatrics, and the need to fill vacancies with qualified people, particularly in juvenile justice. (22-1212, 22-1206, 22-1217, 22-1222, 22-0714, 22-1288, 22-0548, 22-1171)

Observers: Diane Edmundson, Amber Elmer, Pris Mims

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Public Health Measures Receive Continued Attention from Cook County Board

Delay In Establishing A New Mobile Crisis Team Due To Resource Shortage

Cook County Board Creates Loan Program for Municipalities

Equity Fund, ARPA Proposals,Transgender Issues, COVID Update - All Considered by Cook County Commissioners at Committee Meetings

Cross Agency Coordination Improves Effectiveness of Implementing Initiatives

Allocations & Initiatives of The American Rescue Plan Act (ARPA) Monies for 2022 Presented to Cook County Board

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