CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 04/30/2026

Jump Ahead

• SNAP Requirements Changing May 1
• Don't Miss Out on Mpox Vaccination
• May in Motion at Ping Tom Park
• Healthy Chicago Podcast

SNAP Requirements Changing May 1

Starting May 1, about 150,000 Illinois residents could lose SNAP benefits if they don't meet new requirements.

Adults ages 18-64 without dependents under 14 must work, volunteer, or participate in approved training or education programs for at least 80 hours per month to stay eligible.

To keep their benefits, individuals should take these steps by May 1:

• Check whether they are required to meet work requirements or qualify for an exemption
• If required, make sure they understand how to meet the 80-hour monthly requirement
• Report their information accurately to the Illinois Department of Human Services to ensure their status is correctly recorded. To do so, visit dhs.state.il.us.

To help, Illinois offers Job Ready IL and Serve Illinois, which connect participants to training and volunteer opportunities.

Help spread the word by sharing CDPH's social media information with those who may be impacted: Instagram / Bluesky / Facebook

Don't Miss Out on Summer, Prevent Mpox

As temperatures get warmer and social activity ramps up, Chicagoans-especially within LGBTQ+ communities-look forward to gathering, celebrating, traveling, and connecting. Increased social activity, including close physical contact or new sexual partners, can create opportunities for mpox transmission, making prevention and early recognition key to keeping our communities healthy throughout the year.

CDPH is continually monitoring mpox activity, and we're offering the mpox vaccine free to the public at events across the city through spring and summer. Vaccination remains the most effective way to prevent mpox and protect against severe illness, hospitalization, and death.

CDPH is co-sponsoring several mpox vaccination events in the coming weeks, including:

• Thursday, April 30, 9-11 am at Life is Work, 600 N. Cicero Ave. and 2:30-4:30 pm at CALOR, 3201 W. North Ave.
• Monday, May 11, 7-9 pm at Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N. Clark St.
• Tuesday, May 19, 7-9 pm at Touche, 6412 N. Clark St.

The mpox vaccine is also available at CDPH's Sexual Health Clinics in Lakeview, Roseland, and Austin. As we look ahead to Pride Month and a vibrant summer season, staying prepared and informed will help ensure that everyone can celebrate safely and confidently.

May in Motion with Chicago Park District

CDPH is partnering with the Chicago Park District for "May in Motion," a citywide initiative to motivate Chicagoans of all ages to get moving. On Thursday, May 7, CDPH will be at Ping Tom Park, 1700 S. Wentworth Ave., from 10 am-2 pm, providing information to event attendees and assisting park visitors on locating and using CDPH and other health care resources and services in Chicago.

For more information on May in Motion and upcoming events, visit the Chicago Park District website.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

On this episode of the Healthy Chicago Podcast, Ayo and Charlotte, local high school students and members of the Mayor's Youth Commission (MYC), join Kathy Calderon (Director of Behavioral Health Program Operations) in conversation about their work in the MYC, raising awareness about mental health amongst Chicago's youth, and how current trends and technologies like social media present challenges and advantages for some teenagers.

Listen or watch on the platform of your choice! To learn more about the Mayor's Youth Commission and find access to mental health resources near you, visit the City of Chicago website.

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