Dear Cook County Health Friends and Partners,

For months, we have been grappling with a pandemic that has wreaked havoc on all of our lives and will forever change health care. And through this pandemic, we have once again witnessed the inequities that exist in our communities and in our country that are the result of systemic racism.

As we work to lessen the impact that COVID-19 has had on minority communities, the tragic death of Mr. George Floyd, and the subsequent response from around the world, forces us to question the country’s commitment to justice and equality for all.

Our 180-year-old history is deeply rooted in a commitment to inclusion, compassion, hope and providing a safe and healing environment for all who come through our doors. The diversity of our patients and staff is what has made us who we are today. Cook County Health remains united in this truth: racism and intolerance have no place within the walls of our health system.

As a place of healing, we have worked hard to ensure that all patients, regardless of race, income, insurance or immigration status have access to the same level of high-quality patient care. We continue to make progress thanks to our team who help us respond to the needs of the communities we serve, as well as our community partners who help us carry out our mission in the neighborhoods. I am grateful for our staff and our partners, particularly now.

Growing and maintaining patient trust is vital. We want to hear directly how we can improve the health services we provide. To allow for feedback from the communities we serve, Cook County Health has formed advisory councils comprised of patients and community partners.

These advisory councils include patients and community leaders who gather with CCH staff to ensure the health centers are truly a part of the communities we serve. They provide an important opportunity for CCH to work with the community in the provision of health care.

Individuals who are interested in joining one of the advisory councils, which meet quarterly, contact Marcelino Garcia, director of community affairs, at mgarcia6@cookcountyhhs.org.

Our goal is to close the health equity gap in Cook County. We will continue to stand united with all those who are speaking up and peacefully seeking to cultivate change because it is our mission to ensure that every person receives access to high-quality, health care – free from discrimination.

As health care providers, we must re-examine our practices to ensure we are addressing issues appropriately to improve the health and well-being of the patients we serve.

The last few months have been trying on all of us. We have been challenged as a country, a county, a city and a hospital to rise up for the betterment of each other. It hasn’t always been easy, but as #OneCookCounty, we know that we must protect the rights of everyone.

Finally, while our focus has been on COVID-19, we are cognizant that our patients have other needs and we have continued to work to ensure that those needs are met.

See the information below about our new normal.

We thank you for your continued support. Please continue to follow social distancing guidelines, wear your mask and wash your hands. Your adherence to these policies will help keep all of Cook County safe.

Sincerely,