A group of 80 Chicago-area organizations signed letters requesting significantly increased funding for the Chicago and Cook County departments of public health to Chicago Mayor Brandon Johnson, Chicago City Council, Cook County President Toni Preckwinkle, County Commissioners, and other relevant officials. 

The letters’ writers note the stark health inequities in both Chicago, where the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) has jurisdiction, and in suburban Cook County, where the Cook County Department of Public Health (CCDPH) operates. They note a stronger response is needed, and that requires more staff and, thus, more funding. The letter sent to city officials requests an additional $25 million and the county-focused letter requests an additional $23 million in FY2025.

Read the two letters below:

Increase CDPH Funding, Chicago Mayor Johnson and City Council, August 29 2024

Increase CCDPH Funding, Cook County President Preckwinkle and Commissioners, August 29, 2024