Chicago Department of Public Health

Today, CDPH celebrates Juneteenth.

Although the Emancipation Proclamation was signed in 1863, freedom did not come immediately to many of the people enslaved throughout the Confederate states as the Civil War continued. We celebrate Juneteenth to commemorate the anniversary of June 19, 1865, when Union troops arrived in Galveston Bay, TX and announced that over 250,000 slaves were officially free.

We celebrate this momentous day and honor those who fought to make that freedom a reality!

In commemoration of the holiday, CDPH clinics are closed.

Chicago is living longer. ❤️

For the fourth year in a row, life expectancy has increased, reaching a record high in 2024. At the same time, the gap in life expectancy between Black and non-Black Chicagoans narrowed by 1.2 years.

We're committed to building on this progress and advancing health equity across every community.

Progress is real, and CDPH remains committed on ensuring every Chicagoan has the opportunity to live a longer, healthier life.

Read more: https://chi.gov/43JOkYB

On Wednesday, June 10, 23rd Ward Alderman Silvana Tabares and her staff joined our produce distribution event, helping CDPH staff and volunteers pack and distribute fresh produce to families. Children and parents took home healthy fruits and vegetables to turn into nutritious summer meals. 🍓 🥕

Mark your calendars and don’t miss out:

🟢 July 8
🟢 August 12
🟢 September 9

📍Greater Lawn WIC clinic (4150 W 55th St.)

Thank you, Alderman Tabares, for your visit, and thank you to our volunteers and CDPH staff for making this possible!

To learn more about WIC clinics, visit chicago.gov/wic

Location Update: CDPH is participating in Black Men's Wellness Day on Saturday, June 20 (7 am–12 pm) at *update* Washington Park South, Groves 1 and 2 (5531 S. Russell Drive). This free event brings together Black men, families, and community members for a morning focused on health, connection, and action.

• Get access to free heart health and other screenings ♥️
• Connect with local providers and organizations
• Take part in a 5K walk/run designed to get people moving together 🏃
• Enjoy activities for kids, a senior pavilion, live entertainment, and local vendors

For more information and to register for free, visit the EventBrite registration page: https://chi.gov/4vOJtRX

🎉 PlayStreets Chicago is back!

This summer, neighborhood streets across Chicago are turning into free, safe spaces where residents of all ages can get moving, have fun, and build community. PlayStreets is more than a program — it's one of the ways we invest in healthier communities by supporting the physical and mental well-being of Chicago residents.

Find upcoming events and recent event recaps by using hashtags:

🌈 Pride Month is a reminder that every family deserves to feel seen, supported and connected. Through CDPH's Family Connects Chicago program, families with newborns; including LGBTQIA+ parents and caregivers, foster and adoptive families, and those navigating loss, can receive a free, in-home nurse visit that provides health screenings, parenting support and connections to local resources.

Learn more at chicago.gov/family-connects

CDPH is participating in Black Men's Wellness Day on Saturday, June 20 (7 am–12 pm) at the Bob Pickens Track & Field at 6233 S. Stony Island Ave. This free event brings together Black men, families, and community members for a morning focused on health, connection, and action.

• Get access to free heart health and other screenings ♥️
• Connect with local providers and organizations
• Take part in a 5K walk/run designed to get people moving together 🏃
• Enjoy activities for kids, a senior pavilion, live entertainment, and local vendors

For more information and to register for free, visit the EventBrite registration page: https://chi.gov/4vOJtRX

CDPH has confirmed the first West Nile virus (WNV)-positive mosquitoes in Chicago in 2026. No human cases of WNV have been reported in Illinois this year.

For more information on how to protect yourself from mosquito bites and WNV, visit: https://chi.gov/4kFOTJN

Don’t miss out on a single moment this summer. ⛱️

The free mpox vaccine is available now at upcoming mpox events and CDPH Sexual Health Clinics across Chicago — no insurance needed, walk-ins welcome. Two doses = full protection.

Chicago.gov/mpox