Cook County Board Health and Hospital Committee Meeting
April 14, 2026 (regular meeting)

Cook County Health (CCH) CEO Erik Mikaitis, along with Kathy Chan and Alexandra Normington, presented  a report on CCH’s Medicaid Impact Workgroup (item # 23-0202).

• CCH is asking everyone to share the Medicaid Facts Microsite:  https://getmedicaidfacts.com 
• Medicaid Eligibility Changes as a result of the bill known as H.R.1 passed in 2025 include: (1) Narrows definition of “qualified immigrant” which will end eligibility for many lawfully present individuals (such as refugee and asylum seekers and victims of domestic violence and trafficking) – effective October 1, 2026; (2) Redeterminations for Affordable Care Act (ACA) adults - twice a year (instead of annual)– effective January 1, 2027; (3) New Federal Medicaid Rules require 80 hours per month of work, school, or volunteering effective January 1, 2027. Federal guidance with more specifics expected June 2026. 
• As a result of these changes, 400,000 people in Illinois are estimated to lose coverage, including 20,000 CCH patients. This could result in a $280 M negative impact on CCH’s budget.
• Up to now, even though County Care has one of the highest retention rates for Medicaid managed care plans, between 11 and 14% lose coverage during every redetermination period:  70% due to paperwork/administration issues; 30% due to no longer being eligible.
• Arkansas implemented work requirements in 2018:  18,000 enrollees lost coverage; 97% of those were eligible; and the State spent $26 M to implement before the program was halted by a federal judge after 4 months.
• Provided Update on the Cook County Health Medicaid Impact Workgroup. In September 2025, Cook County Health hosted a cross-sector convening of 60+ health care providers, payers, foundations, academia, advocates, community organizations, business to mitigate harms from H.R.1 eligibility changes. 
• Three sub-groups have been established: Communicate & Educate, Coalition Building, Innovate & Create. CCH is also working with the National Association of Counties (NACo) to scale best practices, learn from other counties, and leverage collective advocacy opportunities 
• Cook County Health created a communications toolkit in 6 languages that provides resources for partners to share. Materials were purposefully left unbranded to allow other orgs to brand, supporting increased use, visibility and trust. 
• Commissioners Lowry and Anaya spoke of the need to elevate the conversation at the state level and the need for a toolkit for Commissioners who will be lobbying state officials. They emphasized the need for coordinated state messaging. Commissioner Lowry will ask for an update from the County’s legislative lobbying team. 
• Commissioners Miller and McCaskill questioned which members (community and academic) from the suburban community were invited to participate in the CCH Medicaid Impact Workgroup. Kathy Chan responded that currently there is no academic representation and one or two community representatives. CCH leadership agreed to work with Commissioners to increase participation from the suburban community. 
• Commissioners Daley and Stamps asked that the newly created communications toolkit be sent to the Commissioners so it can be tied to their outreach events. Both Commissioners emphasized the need for tighter communication between commissioners and the County’s legislative lobbying team.
• In response to questions from Commissioner Daley regarding the Health System impact of the closing of West Suburban Hospital, Dr. Mikaitis said the Health System received 65 to 70 transfers. Dr. Mikaitis announced that Craig Williams, Executive Chief Operating Officer, will be leaving the Health System for a new position.

Dr. Kiran Joshi, head of the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) provided the quarterly update on COVID-19 and Infectious Diseases (Item 22-3815):

• A judicial order issued in March temporarily blocks changes to federal immunization recommendations. The halts are temporary, pending either a trial or a decision for summary judgment.
• Despite judicial ruling, the U.S. Dept of Health & Human Services published a revised charter for ACIP (Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices) on April 9 which puts greater emphasis on potential harms from vaccines and allows for membership on the Committee beyond past emphasis on expertise in immunization practice.
• COVID-19 vaccination is still recommended and older adults/those at high risk could consider a booster
• Flu and RSV remain low; COVID-19 remains minimal as of 4/4/26
• 2025-26 Free Flu & Covid Vaccination Clinics: Eight events with community organizations plus 22 with the Access Community Health Network held:  1897 vaccines administered. CCDPH is working to move the vaccinations clinics to larger and public spaces for 2027  
• Commissioner Trevor asked about the weight of recommendations for immunizations from professional organizations and the impact on reimbursement from insurance companies. Dr Joshi answered hat the national association of insurance companies has issued a statement that it supports science-based recommendations which in effect indicate support of the professional recommendations. 

Observer: Susan Avila 

Legislation and Intergovernmental Relations Committee 
February 4, 2026

Committee Supports State Firearm Legislation and Reviews Annual Board of Ethics Report
The agenda for the meeting included a Resolution in support of The Responsibility in Firearm Legislation (RIFL) Act.  (Item 26-0672). 

• This is legislation that is in the Illinois General Assembly (HB3320/SB2279) and includes provisions to reallocate some of the cost of gun violence to gun manufacturers. 
• During public comment Illinois State Sen. Robert Peters, Dr. Anthony Douglas from the University of Chicago, Jim McGrath speaking on behalf of Indivisible and several others spoke in favor of support for the Resolution and the Legislation. 
• Several Commissioners also spoke in favor of the legislation with Comm. Degnan citing the need to move forward with responsible gun legislation.
• The Resolution was approved and will go before the Cook County Board for final approval at the Feb. 5 meeting.

Jennifer King, the Executive Director for the Department of Human Rights and Ethics, presented highlights from the 2025 Board of Ethics Annual Report that was provided to the Board. 

• The Ethics Board consists of 5 volunteer members and at present there is 1 vacancy.
• The Department has 16 staff members with 2 vacancies. 
• The Department does investigations when complaints are filed and also does ethics training for all county employees. 
• They trained 10,339 employees including those from the Board of Review, the Sheriff’s Office, the President’s office and the Forest Preserve District. 
• They have recently developed new guidance on social media. 
• Posters outlining Prohibited Political Activity have been provided to all offices for posting.
• Will continue to reduce time for response to inquiries. 
• Have continuing opportunities for ongoing training for employees.

No comments or questions from the Commissioners. Report was received and filed. (Item 26-0511)
Observer - Cynthia Schilsky

Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee
February 3, 2026

CCH Reports on Impact of Federal Law

• A. Galeener, CountyCare Chief, presented a PowerPoint reporting on the impacts on the Cook County Health and Hospitals System (CCHHS)  as a result of the Federal H.R. 1 bill signed into law by President Trump on July 4, 2025.  The Impacts are due to changes in Medicaid, SNAP  (Supplemental Nutritional Assistance Program) and other items.  CountyCare H.R.1 internal planning sessions and Cook County Health (CCH) Medicaid Impact Workgroup are working on adjusting to expected loss of some Medicaid members due to work requirements, more frequent eligibility checks, and loss of eligibility for some immigrants.  This is expected to lead to increased charity care.  Cost savings of 100 million dollars is the goal of the Fiscal Resilience Project launched by CCH in December with itemized interventions listed in the PowerPoint. (Item 23-0202)  

Proposed Resolution on CTE:

• The Committee approved a propose resolution supported by numerous Public Speakers and Commissioners that was sponsored by Commissioner Stamps to develop Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy (CTE) damage awareness programs & help facilitate referrals to Concussion Clinics for athletes.  The Resolution also calls on the State and Federal governments to fund research on how the NCAA College Athletics Transfer Portal and “name, image, likeness” payment arrangements at a collegiate level impact CTE.  
• Dr. Joshi, Chief Operating Officer of the Cook County Dept. of Public Health presented a PowerPoint and answered questions, including from Comm. Anaya, Morita and McCaskill.  Comm. McCaskill asked is there concussion diagnosis, mental health screening and surveillance of athletes & education on preventable measures; are there demographics on CTE incidence?   
• Dr. Joshi said IL Youth Sports Concussion Act-2015 covers some of these factors. He would look into adding additional policy.  Highschool concussion rate is overall 14.35% ; among the black population has diminished since 2020 but increased in Hispanic & White students.  Com. Anaya had requested an amendment to the Resolution to include a Public Hearing.   The motion to defer item 26-0649 was adopted.

Observer:  Susan Kern, MD

Asset Management Committee
February 3, 2026

Updated Energy Benchmarking Ordinance Approved

• The Committee approved updating the Energy Benchmarking Ordinance with new definitions and timelines. Energy benchmarking means to track a building's energy and water consumption data, greenhouse gas emissions, and other relevant building information for 12 consecutive months, as required by the benchmarking tool, to quantify the building's energy use operational footprint.  That information is compared to other similar buildings. 
• This ordinance requires that the benchmarking be done on all buildings owned or operated by the County and that a report be given to the Board. (Item 26-0597)
• Commissioner Degnen proposed that the County require this benchmarking for all buildings in Cook County over a certain size, such as 10,000 square feet.   This would give County government a better understanding of the energy consumption in the County and for planning for grid requirements. Jamie Myers, Bureau Chief, said the Department would be interested in working with her on this proposal. 

Observer:  Kathi Graffam


Workforce, Housing & Community Development Committee 
February 3, 2026

Committee Supports Program for Job Training and Tools

• The Committee approved a resolution authorizing $150,000 and a 2 year agreement with Forefront as fiscal agent for Chicagoland Workforce Funders Alliance with emphasis on expanding services to suburban Cook County. (Item 26-0523)
• Commissioners Stamps and Anaya requested more information on outcomes of activities for accountability purposes. 
• Comm. Stamps particularly interested in getting real data about outcomes of job fairs.  She also wanted to make sure there were pathways for people to access secondary and community colleges, and that those entities had involvement in moving people to jobs. 
• Representatives advised that the focus and goal of the program was moving clients to substantial employment and careers. This funding would help expand substantially to suburban Cook.

Observer:  Hollis Burgess


Cook County Board of Commissioners Meeting
February 5, 2026

Board Continues to Hear of Problems Caused by Late Property Tax Bills

The Board either passed or referred to Committees almost all items with little to no discussion, including approving the recommendations from the Committees as detailed above.
Speakers during public comments included;  

• Mayor Michelle Nelson of Flossmoor said that Flossmoor has received only 62% of the estimated property taxes from the County. She pointed out that it had been 52 days since the property taxes were due from property owners and that this was after a 5-month delay in sending out the bills.  Mayor Nelson said that Flossmoor’s reserves had been cut in half and staff time had been diverted to deal with the delay in tax revenues.  She asked that the County commit to more transparency as to when revenues would be received.
• Elliot Esparza of the National Able Network said that the $1.2 M of ARPA funding that the Network received to provide tech education for veterans has worked -  they are getting jobs. 
• Marien Casillas Pabellon of the PASO Suburban Action Network (which works to develop leadership in the immigrant community) urged that the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) not be provided any resources here.  In the 3rd set of new agenda items was a resolution sponsored by Comm. Anaya urging Congress to NOT allocate additional funding to ICE or the Customs & Border Patrol.  This was referred to the Legislation & Intergovt. Relations Committee. (Item 26-0198)

From the 4th Set of New Items

• A resolution to hold a hearing on Chicago’s and Cook County’s workforce preparedness for the adoption of artificial intelligence.  The sponsor, Commissioner Gainer, said that the hearing would be held in the Workforce Committee meeting in March.

Observer:  Priscilla Mims

Cook County Board Committee Meetings 
Sept. 16, 2025

Health & Hospitals Committee Public Hearing
Committee Receives Update on Maternal Health Care and Morbidity and Mortality Rates in Cook County

• Following up on two similar hearings over the past 2 years, Commissioner Miller, the lead sponsor for holding this hearing (Item 25-0917), noted that disparities between Black and Latina women vs. other were made worse by Covid.  Now the disparities are expected to be exacerbated by the Federal cuts to Medicaid and to SNAP (Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program. Nevertheless, she noted that up to 80% of deaths are preventable and progress is being made.
• Nine public speakers ranging from individuals with serious maternal health problems to the CC Physicians Association, Women in Medicine, the IL Dept of Public Health, and speakers from Family Focus (advocacy/service org.) They all prioritized the importance of continuing to provide funding for maternal health and several emphasized the importance of providing post-partum medical coverage for 12 months.
• Dr. Wm McDade, MD, PhD and adjunct Professor of Anesthesiology at the Rush Medical College stated that during 2018 to 2022, there were 6,283 pregnancy-related deaths in Cook County, including 1,891 late maternal deaths.  American Indian and Alaska Native women had the highest death rate followed by non-Hispanic black women.  Cardiovascular disease was the leading cause of the overall deaths.  Cancer, mental and behavior disorders, and drug and/or alcohol induced deaths were all important contributing causes of late maternal death. Inadequate access to care, information, communication, and warning signs along with social determinants all lead to inequity.
• Dr. Joshi, Cook County Public Health Chief Operating Officer noted that in Suburban Cook County, black infant mortality is three times higher than for others.  Causes of maternal death include hemorrhaging, hypertension, obesity, infection, and thromboembolic disorders.  Cook County’s goal through its Doula program and other services wants to surround the maternal patient with all the services needed pre-during-and post pregnancy.
• Cook County’s Cermak facility provides health care for those in the Cook County Jail, which include: primary care clinics available for all individuals, STI (sexually transmitted infection) screening offered during intake process; perinatal clinic for pregnant and postpartum women; medication assistance; termination care, family planning services including a gynecology clinic, ultrasound for dating only, and referrals to Stroger Hospital for maternal-fetal medicine, antepartum ultrasound and delivery.

Links:  Maternal Health Resolution_June_Sept 2025 amended.pdf  (CC Health & Cermax Slides)
            McDade CCB Presentation Final.pptx  (Slides with lots of data)
Observer:  Diane Edmundson

Cook County Health & Hospitals Committee Regular Meeting
Committee Hears about the Environmental Health Services of the Cook County Department of Public Health

George Papadopoulos, MPH, LEHP presented the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) 3rd Quarter Report (Item 25-2514) to the Committee:

• Focus of the CCDPH report was on the Environmental Health Services. The Environmental Unit has a staff of 25 including 10 Licensed Environmental Health Practitioners. The Unit is funded 57% from Grants and 43% from the Corporate Health Fund. 
• The number of lead poisoning cases that this Unit is responsible for investigating in FY2025 increased by 50% from 2024. The IL Dept of Public Health in FY25 lowered the lead level that initiates an inspection by CCDPH unit. The Department is planning in FY2026 to expand the lead inspection program. 
• CCDPH is responsible for inspecting all Cook County swimming pools and tattoo and tanning facilities. However, the CCDPH only covers the unincorporated areas of Cook County for Retail and Food Protection Program, Retail Tobacco, Vector Control, Lead Poisoning, Nuisance, Mobile Home Parks, and Water/Sewage.  
• CCDPH on a regular basis collects and analyzes the data from all 4 of the County mosquito abatement districts.

Observer: Susan Avila 

Cook County Board of Commissioners
May 13, 2025

Asset Management Committee
The Bureau of Asset Management presented its annual report on the Build Up Cook Program, highlighting their work in underserved communities. The Committee also approved a resolution declaring indoor air and indoor environmental quality as a public health crisis.

• The Bureau is using ARPA (America Rescue Plan Act) funds to provide resources to underserved communities for badly needed infrastructure projects such as fire hydrant replacements and sewer and stormwater projects.
• The projects are managed by Asset Management staff, using County contractors.
• One project highlighted was being able to help the Village of Robbins when a supply water main broke. The Bureau of Asset Management worked with other Cook County Departments to get it quickly repaired.
• The Bureau is also using funds for workshops so that community employees develop the skills to manage projects and obtain financing through grants.
• The Bureau wants to continue the workshops beyond the ARPA funding to help communities find and obtain grants from State funding options.   It is anticipated federal funds for infrastructure projects will not be forthcoming.
• To read more about the Build Up Cook Program, see the County website, https://arpa.cookcountyil.gov/build-up-cook.   The report was received and filed. Item 25-1896.
• The Committee approved a resolution declaring indoor air quality as a public health crisis.   The Committee took action on this issue at its meeting last month when the Commissioners approved a contract with the University of Illinois to develop a process for evaluating the air quality in Cook County buildings. Item 25-2342.

League Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Health and Hospitals Committee
Aaron Galeener, Chief Administrative Officer of CountyCare, and Dr. Yvonne Collins, Chief Medical Officer of CountyCare (the Medicaid managed health plan operated by Cook County Health) presented a PowerPoint overview of CountyCare services. 

• Health Benefit for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) Medicaid program is being sunset by Governor Pritzker effective July 1, 2025 which will affect over 16,000 CountyCare members and approximately 32,000 statewide, likely to have a significant financial impact.
• Commissioner Aguilar, Stamps, Degnan, and Vasquez asked what threats to CountyCare Medicaid the current Congressional debate calling for Medicaid cuts were.  Galeener said federal Medicaid cuts might include work requirements, as well as decreased federal funding for those Medicaid recipients who are covered by the expanded Medicaid coverage provided under the Affordable Care Act (“ACA”) which provides 90% federal funding for this group of individuals vs 51% for traditional Medicaid recipients. He said this could impact over 100,000 CountyCare members and a potential loss of $100 million in revenue. ACA expansion programs have a trigger to sunset in Illinois if federal contributions fall below 90%, Galeener noted.
• Commissioner Degnan asked what programs CCH/CountyCare will need to cut?  Galeener said programs that are “value added” components of Medicaid in Illinois that are not required by Federal Medicaid.  He indicated that increasing redetermination of eligibility from once a year to 6 months might be implemented.
• CCH’s housing program as a social determinant of health is funding organizations who are engaged in locating shelter for CountyCare members who are homeless or live in a shelter. Flexible Housing Pool (CountyCare invested $5 million in 2020 and $3 million in 2025) and other CountyCare housing programs currently house 432  individuals.  Health outcomes for persons housed by this program show 33% reduction of inpatient stays, 19% reduction in ER visits, 22% reduction of jail registrations, 30% reduction in all cause mortality.  Commissioner S. Morrison questioned whether CCH should be paying toward housing-- not in the mission of hospital system.  Galeener commented that “we are a health care entity, need better solutions to housing  and need to transition them to more sustainable affordable programs”.  (Item 23-0202) motion to defer adopted.

League Observer: Susan Kern

Audit Committee
The Committee periodically follows up on open audit recommendations. Bill Carroll, Deputy Auditor, reported on the four audit items currently open.  The report was received and filed.  Item 25-2074.

• The oldest and most concerning item was a finding from the 2015 audit of the Clerk of the Court concerning the process on uncollected revenue on traffic court fines.   The audit recommended that the Clerk’s office make every effort to collect the fines before turning them over to a collection agency.  Once they are given to a collection agency, there should be closer monitoring of the revenue.
• In 2015 the uncollected amount was $3M and has increased since then.  Commissioner Sean Morrison pointed out that the collection agencies take 30%-40%.
• Mr. Carroll reached out to the new Clerk of the Court administration and is setting up a meeting with the Finance Manager. He will review their current process.  Commissioner Degnen asked to be included in the meeting. 

League Observer:  Kathi Graffam

Cook County Board Of Commissioners Committee Meetings
September 17, 2024

AUDIT COMMITTEE
Although not on the Asset Committee agenda, at its September 19 meeting, the board approved a Professional Consulting Service contract with Iron Mountain Information Management to develop a materials and records storage assessment, implementation plan, and digital files/digitization.  The contract is for $1.2 million and the duration 16 months until 1/31/26.
Auditor, Mary Modelski, reported that several items from the 1st quarter were closed and that during the second quarter progress is being made with the "employment reimbursement process" and with the Clerk of the Court "traffic citations".  She went into more detail on the recommendation to Consolidate the Grant RFP Process stating that a stakeholder process was established in August to work on centralizing the grant management system.                                                                                                     
#24-3722 - the ARPA Fixed site emergency shelter report for people experiencing homelessness.   Two hotels are in the process of being purchased to house the homeless.  ARPA monies were used to provide a 30-year loan which will come due in 2053.  The Audit Department recommended the monitoring process needs to be improved and defined for the long term.   Comm. Daley asked that the Audit Department add this specific ARPA project to its regular auditing schedule.  Currently, it does not follow up on ARPA grants
#24-3681 - The Audit Department conducted an audit of the Work Order System in the Facilities Management Custodial Services Section.  It specifically recommended that the work order system be defined:  what it is and what it covers or not. Three recommendations were made: Under policies and procedures, how staff is assigned; Under standards, spell what specifics to help with efficiency; and get better metrics from its “Famous Compute System”, specifically regarding staff shortages.
#24-3949 - ARPA Hyperfocal and In-Home Vaccination and Vaccination Incentive Program.  The COVID vaccination incentive program of the gift cards received scathing criticism from several commissioners.  12,000 $100 cards were purchased and 8,000 distributed.  Blackhawk, the card vendor reduced the value of the card each month it wasn’t used by $6.00.  There was no contract but an emergency purchase order, and the Chief Counsel has demanded a reimbursement, not just on the remaining balance but the entire purchase order amount.

LEGISLATIVE & INTERGOVERNMENTAL COMMITTEE
During a very short meeting, the committee approved the appointment of Patricia N. Jjemba to the Juvenile Temporary Detention Center Advisory Board, and approved a resolution offered by Commissioner Gordon to request that the IL General Assembly approve SB3948, an amendment to the missing persons identification act to streamline processes to allow an agency to more quickly attempt to obtain the missing person’s DNA; would require, rather than allow, law enforcement to collect additional information such as fingerprints and biological samples; and provides that a waiting period may not be observed before accepting a missing person report.
Commission Gordon also requested and received approval of her request to Urge Congress to approve the “Protect our Letter Carriers Act (H.R.7629) to enhance postal workers safety.

HEALTH & HOSPITAL SYSTEM COMMITTEE
#24-4143 – Birthday Health Screening Program. The members approved the amended resolution calling for an annual prostate and mammogram health screen at Cook County Health locations – which would be free to those without insurance or other coverages.  Cook County Health’s, Dr. Fagan, noted that black males have a 60% higher mortality rate than white males, and over 16% of CC residents are age 65 or older. 
SEMI-ANNUAL BEHAVIORAL HEALTH REPORTS
Office of Behavioral Health – Department of Public Health:   Both the Jail and the Juvenile Detention Center are increasing developing individual behavioral health treatment plans.  70% of those in the JDC are receiving therapy.  The jail is housing more individuals charged with more serious offenses; therefore, an increased number are also receiving mental and drug therapy.  Naloxone is used extensively and being more broadly distributed even after discharge.
Public Defender’s Office:  It was noted by the presenter that the Defender’s office is not a treatment provider, but does assist in identifying needs and getting help.  It will soon launch a community assist center to provide case management and clinical services as well as putting together treatment plans.  Several new mental health clinicians have recently been hired bringing the total to six.  The Office made 104 referrals in the last quarter which is on par with previous quarters.
Circuit Court:  Established guidelines in 2015 based on evidence-based data.  In its Problem-Solving Courts, Probation Officers work with collaborative, community-based services on a team basis.  Accountability is part of the program.  The presenter noted that Narcan is now available at all public libraries.
States Attorney:   Used this reporting period to highlight the issue of Petitions for Firearm Restraining Orders.  A petition is usually filed by a family member.  The Petitioner must be at least 18 years old.  The petition leads to a Writ of Detention Examination for an emergency court order to bring the individual in question to the hospital for examination.  Every effort is made to have the writ brought to a judge on the day the petition was received.
Sheriff’s Office:  The presenter talked about the Sheriff’s Smart and Thrive drug and mental health treatment center.  Participation requires a court order.  At the center during the last period, 1,000 males and 300 females participated.  The Sheriff’s office also has a community-based re-entry program.

Observer - Diane Edmundson

Cook County Board Of Commissioners
Health & Hospitals Committee Meeting
October 17, 2023

The Public Health Department: presented both a verbal and written 3rd Quarter Report which is also being presented to the Cook County Health Board on Friday, October 27, 2023 and will be available to the public after the meeting.

• Presentations were made on SDI treatments and diseases, targeting campaigns for colleges, and public relations campaigns for individuals to increase knowledge and where to go for help. CC Public Health has a communicable disease unit that excludes Chicago, Evanston, Oak Park, Skokie, and Stickney Township which have their own public health departments.  The program engages in surveillance, investigation, interviews, partner services, education, and support.
• Gonorrhea, Chlamydia, Syphilis, HIV, and Monkey Pox are the main SID's targeted for treatment and reporting statistics.  The current marketing campaign slogan is:  "Don't guess, get a test".  Mail back test kits are now available from CCH. The public should check the website for specifics.
• Also discussed was the youth tobacco seller ordinance passed in July of 2023, which consists of compliance check and required signage.  Starting this fall, CCDPH in partnership with the CC Sheriff's office is conducting random, unannounced inspections where flavored tobacco products are sold in unincorporated Cook County.  
• Opioid Epidemic:  Resolution #23-5053 Treatment not Trauma carried with enthusiastic concurrence.  At this time, there are vending machines for Narcon in the emergency rooms at Stroger, Provident, and the Austin Clinic.  Plans are to expand availably to CC court houses, and a new methadone clinic is opening at the Austin Health Center in January of 2024.   ARPA monies are the source funding.  
• All ambulatory clinics have or will soon have an embedded mental health professional to provide services on location.
• At Cermac, recovery coaches help ensure a three times better success for inmates with a drug and/or mental health problem.  The jail currently has a 2,400 caseload.
• County Care follows members and provides services for mental health and drug addiction.  The system monitors a combination of opioids and certain other drugs which has already stopped "a lot" of prescriptions and overdoses.
• CCDPH will do an assessment of where in Cook County communities methadone clinics can be successful.
• CCDPH's Dr. Joshi said that the department is looking at how CCH can be more trauma informed.  When asked what phone number can be given to drug users that want help but are not critical, Dr. Joshi said to call the Behavior Health Hot Line at 833-626-4244.  He also said that the 988 help number the county is installing is not ready but will eventually be available.
• Dr. Joshi then announced that CCH is convening a Behavioral Health Summit for early 2024.  More information to follow.

​The Joint Finance and CCH Health Meeting to discuss the use of contract staff rather than permanent hires was called to order and after 4-5 public speakers [union employees] was recessed at 4:45 p.m. with a reconvened date and time to be announced.
 
​Observer:  Diane Edmundson