September 18, 1995

SECOND COMMUNITY HEALTH FORUM
SCHEDULED FOR CHICAGO'S SOUTH SIDE

CHICAGO -- The second in a series of forums organized by the Illinois Department of Public Health to disseminate information to residents and new immigrants about where to go in their neighborhoods for health services and advice has been scheduled for south Chicago on Thursday, Sept. 21.

The forum will be held in the Bessemer Park Fieldhouse, 8940 S. Muskegon Ave., from 5:30 p.m. to 8 p.m. Those in attendance will participate in a "town hall"-style discussion about the status of community health in their area.

"Taking care of a community's health needs is everyone's responsibility," said Dr. John R. Lumpkin, state public health director. "Health providers and the public at large should not miss the chance to participate in this dialogue."

Spanish language translators will be in attendance to facilitate audience participation. Agencies involved in planning the forum include the Chicago Park District, the Chicago Urban League, the University of Illinois-Chicago School of Public Health, the Mexican Community Committee, Claretian Medical Center, F.O.R.U.M, the Latino Communities office of the Illinois Area Health Education Center, Trinity Hospital/Advocate Health Care, the Public Health & Education Association of the Midwest, the American Red Cross, Universal Family Connection, South Shore Hospital and the American Heart Association/Chicago South Chapter.

Representatives from the Chicago Department of Public Health and the Cook County Department of Public Health will address the audience and answer questions about access to services offered by their respective agencies.

The Illinois Department of Public Health's minority health advisory committee, composed of 20 community health leaders from throughout Illinois, is coordinating the forums to improve community outreach and health services.

Community health organizations from around Illinois -- especially those serving African Americans, Asian Americans, Hispanics, Native Americans and other minority populations -- are collaborating with the Department to make these forums possible.

The first forum was held in Chicago's Uptown neighborhood on July 6. After the Sept. 21 forum, the next will be held in October on Chicago's Near West Side. Other forums are planned for 1996 throughout the state.

Illinois Department of Public Health 535 West Jefferson Street Springfield, Illinois 62761 Phone 217-782-4977 Fax 217-782-3987 TTY 800-547-0466 Questions or Comments