On Thursday, July 25, 2019, 2nd District Commissioner Dennis Deer and the Cook County Board of Commissioners pass resolution item #19-4285 Declaring Racism and Racial Inequalities a Public Health Crisis in Cook County. The promotion of healthy communities directly relates to the health of individuals, and encourages expanding public health support networks to decrease racial disparities in health outcomes; and, communities of color are disproportionally impacted by social detriments to health, such as: increased exposure to lead; poor air quality; lack of safe places to walk, bike, run, live, and inadequate health education. 

“With the disparities in life expectancy simply based on the difference in zip code and the overall health disparity of people of color, I am thankful that my colleagues on the County Board saw the necessity for the passing of this resolution” – Commissioner Dennis Deer (2nd County District) 

“I commend Commissioner Deer’s leadership on introducing this important resolution. It’s time we take actionable steps to tackle man-made inequalities caused by generations of systemic racism” – Commissioner Alma Anaya (7th County District)