Cook County Health (CCH) is proud to announce four new community murals, recently installed as part of its ongoing efforts to beautify the health system’s clinical spaces and strengthen engagement between its health care sites and the communities they serve.

“We know there is a link between our minds and bodies, and when it comes to pain, stress and anxiety, that is particularly true,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “I am pleased to see continued investments in creating spaces of healing at Cook County Health.”

In 2023, CCH launched the Community Mural Project at three sites: the Stroger Hospital Professional Building, Provident Hospital, and Blue Island Health Center.

“We know that visiting a hospital or health center can be stressful for some people,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, Interim CEO, Cook County Health. “Providing a centerpiece art installation can help reduce patient anxiety and improve satisfaction by creating a holistic healing environment.”

The program uses a collaborative mural-making process as a tool to enhance engagement with the community, build neighborhood pride and reduce the stigma of visiting the hospital or healthcare clinic.

During the process, prospective artists created renderings based on the neighborhood and the history of the clinic. After outlining the design, local community members, patients and staff are invited to help paint the design.

“This project allows us to connect with our patients on a different level – which in turn builds trust and attachment to our clinics. It also provides our health care workers an opportunity to contribute to the beautification of their workplace,” said Ms. Linh Dang, Chief Experience Officer of Cook County Health.

The CCH Community Murals Project is funded in part by the Cook County Health Foundation.

“We are pleased to be able to support this important project,” said Joseph P. Flanagan, Cook County Health Foundation Board Chair. “The mission of the Foundation is to support the health system in its efforts to bring equitable and quality healthcare to Cook County, and that includes creating welcoming spaces for healing.”

The following four murals were installed at CCH locations between June and August:

Artist Eric Harold
Cermak Health Center at the Cook County Jail

Artists Lavelle Harris and Damon Reed
Englewood Health Center

Artists Jeff Sant, Travis Talsma, Patrick Hurley, and Angelica Aguilar
Cottage Grove Health Center

Artist Robert Valadez
Austin Health Center