CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 02/05/2026

Adults with Disabilities Webinar

In collaboration with the Mayor's Office for People with Disabilities, CDPH invites the public to attend a webinar on its new report, Neighborhood Conditions for Adults with Disabilities in Chicago, which centers on the experiences of Chicagoans with disabilities.

Nearly 26 percent of Chicago's population lives with a disability. That's over 500,000 people across our city, people of all ages, neighborhoods, backgrounds, and experiences. This report is intended to equip public servants, elected officials, and community leaders with the data and insights needed to inform strategies that improve the health, safety, and well-being of Chicagoans with disabilities.

The webinar will be held virtually on February 10 from 1-2 p.m. and is open to everyone. Attendees will learn about the substantial population of adults with disabilities in Chicago and the importance of healthy, accessible neighborhoods.

This event is open to the public and you can register online at the CDPH website.

Heart Health Month Events with Park District

February is Heart Health Month, and CDPH is partnering with the Park District to offer free heart health screenings. Starting next Tuesday, February 10 at Austin Town Hall Park (5610 W. Lake St.) Chicagoans can get blood pressure checks, lifestyle risk assessments, and heart rate screenings. Heart screenings will also be held on February 21 at Garfield Park, February 26 at Warren Park and February 27 at Ogden Park. The Park District is also offering free access to over 70 fitness centers across Chicago, February 1-15. For more information on screening times and locations, visit the Chicago Park District website.

National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day

Saturday, February 7 is National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day. Now in its 27th year, National Black HIV/AIDS Awareness Day recognizes both the leadership of Black communities in HIV advocacy, care, and outreach, and the persistent disparities that continue to impact health and well-being.

According to the most recent CDPH data, Black Chicagoans accounted for 36 percent of new HIV diagnoses in 2024. Nearly half (45 percent) of new AIDS diagnoses were among Black residents, and the rate of new HIV diagnoses among Black residents was four times higher than for white Chicagoans.

Nationally, Black people with HIV experience higher mortality rates than any other racial or ethnic group, but such outcomes are not inevitable. Programs like the Ryan White HIV/AIDS Program show that when comprehensive, community-centered care is accessible, viral suppression rates improve and racial disparities narrow.

CDPH is dedicated to delivering compassionate, high-quality HIV prevention, testing, and care in settings that prioritize dignity, safety, and trust. Our Sexual Health Specialty Clinics in Roseland, Austin, and Lakeview provide confidential, compassionate HIV and STI testing, treatment, and partner services in spaces designed to be safe, welcoming, and affirming for all.

Healing Arts Chicago Returns

Healing Arts Chicago is starting a new session on February 9.

The program offers a wide range of free arts services to support mental health and wellness at the City's mental health clinics and health hubs. The current session will run until April 3 and includes activities such as yoga, sound meditation, writing, mural building, and more.

Visit the CDPH website to find the upcoming schedule and registration for free classes and read more about the Healing Arts Chicago program and current practitioners-in-residence.

CDPH Honors Black History Month

This Black History Month, CDPH reaffirms its commitment to eliminating the 11.4-year life expectancy gap between Black and non-Black Chicagoans. CDPH continues to implement its comprehensive Strategic Plan that prioritizes Chicago communities most impacted by health disparities-East Garfield Park, West Garfield Park, North Lawndale, Englewood, and West Englewood-with programming to address chronic disease, mental health, HIV care, infant and maternal mortality, violence prevention, and substance use. CDPH operates mental health services across Chicago, provides free resources through our Resource Coordination Hub, 312-746-4835, as well as WIC (women, infant and children) nutrition services, and more.

CDPH clinics and community events in February and throughout the year provide immunizations, blood pressure screenings and chronic disease prevention support. Free nalaxone (Narcan®) is available at Chicago Public Libraries and at health vending machines. CDPH also partners with other City of Chicago departments as well as dozens of community organizations in providing access to nutritious food, safe spaces, tobacco cessation support and wraparound services that promote health and wellbeing. For more information about CDPH services and programs, visit Chicago.gov/Health.

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