All Week Long
Chicago Sun-Times | Monica Gordon | Feb 27, 2025
In the heart of the Southland, a critical health care gap has been widening, one that endangers lives every day. The absence of a trauma center in this region is more than an inconvenience; it is a public health crisis that demands immediate attention and collective action.
As someone who has lived and worked in the south suburbs throughout my career and served as an elected official, I have seen firsthand the devastating impact of this health care void. Trauma centers are not just hospitals; they are lifelines. These centers significantly improve survival rates and patient outcomes for traumatic brain injuries, gunshot wounds, injuries sustained in motor vehicle crashes and so much more.
During my tenure as Cook County Commissioner for the 5th District, I spent a great deal of time evaluating this issue and spearheaded efforts to bring a south suburban trauma center back to the communities that so desperately need it. Last November, I proposed a resolution calling for state intervention to address this urgent health care gap. The resolution, which was approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners in December, underscored not only the necessity of a trauma center but also the broader implications for public health and safety.
$30 Million in funding will support Community Violence Intervention work and Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence
Today, Cook County announced two complementary grant opportunities designed to improve community safety in Cook County. Cook County Community Violence Intervention Grants (CC-CVI) will provide $20 million in funding for community-based services such as street outreach to support residents at risk of being involved in community violence. The Cook County Wraparound Services for Survivors of Gun Violence (CC-SGV) initiative will provide $10 million in funding for community-based services that support survivors of gun violence in Cook County.
“Alongside our state and city partners, Cook County remains committed to investing in effective, human-centered approaches to community safety,” said Cook County Board President Preckwinkle. “These thoughtfully designed grant opportunities will strengthen the local community safety ecosystem by reaching and supporting two groups of residents: those most at risk of being involved in gun violence and those who are survivors of gun violence. By supporting our most vulnerable residents, we build safer communities for all.”
When temperatures in Cook County are expected to dip to unsafe levels, the County's Department of Emergency Management and Regional Security provides an updated list of warming centers for residents to protect themselves and their families.
Residents who need to seek shelter at a warming center should contact the center first to verify availability and hours of operation.
Warming centers within the City of Chicago can be found on the city's website.
Paid for by Preckwinkle for President. A copy of our report filed with the State Board of Elections is (or will be) available on the Board's official website, http://elections.il.gov/, or for purchase from the State Board of Elections, Springfield, Illinois. All contributions are reported to the State Board of Elections. Contributions are not accepted from employees of Cook County. Companies holding contracts with the Cook County are limited to $750.
Political contributions are not deductible for income tax purposes.