Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee Meeting Summary (July 14, 2026)

The Cook County Health and Hospitals Committee met on July 14, 2026. A quorum was established and the committee considered several reports, resolutions, and presentations on behavioral health, infectious diseases, health disparities, mosquito abatement, and colorectal cancer. A supplemental agenda item (26-1736) was added to the bundle.

Public Comments & Testimony

• George Blakemore urged that all county employees and contractors use the Cook County Health and Hospitals System.
• Dr. Mark Clifton (North Shore Mosquito Abatement Districts / Illinois Vector Disease Abatement Network) expressed full support for the mosquito abatement assessment report and its recommendations, highlighting the growing public health challenge of vector-borne diseases.
• James P. Thinnis (Director, Northwest Mosquito Abatement District) stated his support for the report and cooperation with the Cook County Department of Public Health.
• Jeff Cohn (Interim Executive Director, South Cook County Mosquito Abatement District) voiced full support for the report, calling it one of the most objective reports rendered on the district, and looked forward to improving services.
• Robert Holeb connected virtually but audio was inaudible; the Chair offered alternative options to provide written testimony.

Consent Calendar / Bundled Items

Vice Chair Anaya moved to bundle several items, seconded by Chairman Daly, which were all approved.

• 26-1986: Minutes from June 9, 2026 (Approved).
• 26-1274: Behavioral Health Report by the Cook County Public Defender (Received and Filed).
• 23-3815: COVID-19 and Other Diseases Update (Deferred).
• 26-1611: Semi-Annual Disparities Report by Cook County Department of Public Health (Approved).
• 26-1731: Assessment of Mosquito Abatement Activities in Suburban Cook County (Approved).
• 26-1735: Resolution calling for a hearing on colorectal cancer rates in populations under 45 (Received and Filed).
• 26-1736 (Supplemental): Resolution calling on the federal government to require insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings for individuals under 45 (Approved).

Discussion Items

• Behavioral Health Services (Public Defender): A licensed clinical psychologist presented on the Client Support Services department, which consolidated mental health clinicians, mitigation specialists, and caseworkers to provide holistic defense. Key metrics included serving 126 clients in mental health court and flagging 247 clients with mental health needs through a pretrial screening initiative. The department aims to expand caseworker services to the adult criminal side.
• Infectious Disease Update (Dr. Rubin): The quarterly report reviewed several diseases of concern. COVID-19, flu, and RSV are at minimal levels. A measles case in a traveler generated 21 suburban contacts requiring investigation. West Nile virus mosquito pools are at the highest level for this time of year since 2004. An MPOX Clade I case appeared in Chicago. The department is monitoring the Ebola outbreak in DRC/Uganda and an increase in cyclosporiasis in the Midwest, with guidance issued to providers.
• Health Disparities & Healthy Work Initiative (Dr. Rubin, Felipe Tentec Montizans): The semi-annual report focused on addressing 'precarious work' as a social determinant of health. It was noted that 30 to 50 percent of jobs can be classified as precarious. The Healthy Work Initiative, a co-led partnership with worker centers and academic institutions, has coordinated outreach to nearly 400,000 workers, distributed PPE, and helped secure $250,000 in back pay. The report mapped health disparities (obesity, heart failure, low life expectancy) to areas of high poverty and unemployment in suburban Cook County, notably the Southland.
• Mosquito Abatement Assessment (Dr. Joshi, IHDD): The comprehensive report found that the four mosquito abatement districts broadly align with best practices. It concluded the biggest disparity in service is between areas covered by a district and those that are not. The report recommended against dissolution or consolidation of districts, arguing it would not reduce costs or improve service. Instead, it recommended high-impact non-structural improvements focusing on coordination, data sharing, and encouraging the annexation of uncovered areas. Commissioner Dagnan, who sponsored the resolution, advocated for more significant structural consolidation of the districts into a single entity.
• Colorectal Cancer Hearing (Dr. Seema Gandhi, Dawn Schneider): The committee held a hearing on the rising rates of colorectal cancer in individuals under 45. Dr. Gandhi presented data showing colorectal cancer is the leading cause of cancer death in young adults, with those born in the 1990s having a fourfold higher risk than those born in the 1960s. She detailed screening options (FIT test, colonoscopy, blood tests) and identified barriers such as insurance coverage, stigma, and provider dismissal of symptoms. Dawn Schneider (Colorectal Cancer Alliance) provided powerful personal testimony about her family's experience with the disease. Commissioners discussed the need for community outreach and a potential expansion of Cook County's birthday screening program to include colorectal cancer.

Key Outcomes

• The Behavioral Health report from the Public Defender was received and filed.
• The COVID-19 update from CCH and CCDPH was deferred.
• The Semi-Annual Disparities Report was approved and received.
• The Assessment of Mosquito Abatement Activities was approved and received.
• The hearing on colorectal cancer in populations under 45 was held, and its supporting resolution was received and filed.
• A resolution calling on the federal government to require insurance coverage for colorectal cancer screenings for individuals under 45 was approved.
• The meeting was adjourned.