Human Resources

...list of Direct Appointment Job Descriptions click on the following links: List 1 List 2 Job Descriptions Click here for a list of job positions Supplemental Policies In accordance with the provisions of Section XI of the Cook County Health Employment Plan, the following Supplemental Polices are included herein. The Supplemental Policies are listed below: Reclassification Transfers Training Opportunity Policy...

Cook County Health Bridge Clinic

...offers rapid evaluation and treatment for patients struggling with addiction. We provide rapid access to medication for addiction treatment (MAT) through in-person visits or telemedicine. Our team can also connect you with a primary care doctor or specialist and other substance use treatment and support services you may need. After starting MAT, our team will support you to connect to...

Making an Impact

...facilitates a panel of opioid addiction experts to provide awareness and education training on opioid addiction throughout the community as well as its own workforce. Click on our white paper below to learn more about how Cook County Health is addressing the opioid epidemic. Media Highlights How Chicago hospitals are addressing the opioid epidemic New opioid addiction treatment offers hope...

Cardiovascular Disease

...left ventricular radionuclide angiography (MUGA), PET-FDG inflammation imaging, and PET-FDG viability imaging. Fellow training encompasses the ordering and administration of radioisotopes, along with acquisition, and interpretation of nuclear cardiology studies. Furthermore, fellows are trained on employing best practices in radiation reduction. With our curriculum, fellows are credentialed to appear for and pass the Certification Board of Nuclear Cardiology (CBNC) by...

Mental Health & Substance Use

If you or a loved one are experiencing suicidal thoughts, please call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: (800) 273-TALK (8255). To learn more about suicide, click here. Mental health disorders affect millions of Americans each year. At Cook County Health, we believe taking care of your mental health is just as important as your physical care. Mental health disorders can...

Family and Community Medicine

...1 YEAR 4 Rotation Blocks of Family Medicine Inpatient Service 1 Rotation Block of Pediatric Wards 1 Rotation Block – Newborn Nursery 1 Rotation Block – Pediatric Emergency Medicine 1 Rotation Block – Labor & Delivery 1 Rotation Block – Medical Intensive Care Unit (MICU) 1 Rotation Block – Addiction Medicine 1 Rotation Block – General Surgery & Subspecialty Surgery...

Press Releases

Cook County Health and CountyCare Urge Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults/Seniors (HBIA/HBIS) Members to Renew Coverage May 9, 2024 Cook County Health and CountyCare Health Plan are reminding all individuals who receive health coverage through the State of Illinois’ Health Benefits for Immigrant Adults (HBIA) and Health Benefits for… Dr. Chantal Tinfang Named Cook County Health Doctor of the Year...

Mpox Information

...at home until the results come back. To keep others from catching mpox, you should isolate at home, away from other family members and pets. Cats and dogs can catch mpox. If you test negative, your doctor may tell you that you can leave isolation. HIV and other conditions that weaken your immune system; and a history of atopic dermatitis...

Asthma

...triggered by allergies is the most common type of asthma in the U.S.. Many of the symptoms are the same, but allergic asthma is triggered by breathing in allergens. If you or your child has allergic asthma, the airway is probably extra sensitive to certain things. These can include: Smoke Pollen Dust mites Mold Pets Dust Air pollution Perfumes and...

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Andrew G. Birkhead, MD, FAAFP, FASAM

Andrew Birkhead serves as an attending physician in the Department of Family & Community Medicine and holds the position of Medical Director at the Bridge Clinic.

Dr. Birkhead completed his residency in family medicine as Chief Resident at UIC, following his medical school graduation from Tulane University School of Medicine in New Orleans, LA. Certified in Family Medicine. Dr. Birkhead also holds fellowship distinctions in both Family and Addiction Medicine.

Based primarily at Cook County Health Englewood Health Center, Dr. Birkhead operates an outpatient primary care practice. Additionally, Dr. Birkhead provides inpatient medical care and obstetrics services at John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County.

Monica Puente, LSW CADC

Recovery Coach Coordinator, Monica Puente is a seasoned bilingual and bicultural social worker with over a decade of experience specializing in HIV and substance use disorders (SUD). With a rich background in providing support to diverse communities, Puente has demonstrated a keen understanding of the intersecting challenges faced by individuals navigating these complex health issues.

Having worked at Cook County Jail in the OTP clinic, Puente has firsthand experience addressing the unique needs of incarcerated individuals grappling with SUD. This experience has underscored Puente’s commitment to delivering compassionate and culturally competent care within challenging environments.

Puente is deeply committed to advocating for equitable access to immediate treatment for vulnerable populations. Puente recognizes the urgency of addressing these issues and remains steadfast in her mission to empower individuals to lead healthier lives.

Diane Rosales, CADC

Recovery Coach, Diane Rosales, a Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, embarked on her journey in the field of substance abuse in 1968. However, Rosales’ exposure to substance use and alcoholism began much earlier in life. 

As a former substance user, Rosales’ breakthrough in treatment led her to achieve sustained sobriety. From there, she pursued education relentlessly, earning a GED and eventually a master’s degree.

Rosales champions accessible and low-barrier treatment for patients, acknowledging its potential to save lives. Rosales has committed her career to making a positive impact on individuals’ lives and advocating for alternative paths to living.

Frances Norlock, DO MPH FACP

Dr. Frances Norlock earned her Bachelor of Science in Sociology from the University of Illinois at Chicago, followed by a Master’s degree in Epidemiology from the University of Michigan and a Doctorate in Osteopathic Medicine from the Chicago College of Osteopathic Medicine. Her residency training in internal medicine was completed at Rush University, after which she joined John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital of Cook County in 1998.

As a primary care internist, Dr. Norlock provides care to patients at Cook County Health’s Austin Health Center and offers specialized services for individuals with substance use disorders at the General Medicine Clinic at the John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital campus.

For over a decade, Dr. Norlock facilitated educational initiatives for residents and faculty, supported by the Health Resources and Services Administration’s Primary Care Training and Enhancement grant. This included training faculty and staff to obtain licenses for prescribing medications to treat opioid use disorder.

Since 2008, Dr. Norlock has served as the Section Head of Medical Education for the Division of General Internal Medicine and Primary Care. Currently, she supervises the Addiction Medicine resident rotation, guiding internal medicine residents in evaluating and managing substance use disorders in their patients. Additionally, she co-authored and co-edited the book “Breast Health and Common Breast Problems: A Practical Approach” as part of the American College of Physicians Women’s Health book series. Dr. Norlock’s contributions extend to publications in esteemed journals such as the New England Journal of Medicine and the Journal of the American Medical Association.

Alexandra Albanese, MD FAAFP

Dr. Albanese serves as an attending physician in the Department of Family & Community Medicine and holds the role of Associate Program Director at the Cook County Family Medicine Residency Program. Dr. Albanese attended Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine for her medical education and completed her residency training at the University of Illinois Chicago.

Beyond addiction medicine, Dr. Albanese’s clinical interests encompass women’s health and chronic disease management.

Michael Nelson, MD

Dr. Michael Nelson, is a versatile medical professional specializing in emergency medicine, medical toxicology, and addiction medicine at John H. Stroger Jr., Hospital of Cook County. Dr. Nelson earned his medical degree from the Chicago Medical School at Rosalind Franklin University and completed his emergency medicine residency at Cook County Emergency Medicine Residency. Dr. Nelson furthered his expertise with a fellowship in medical toxicology at the Toxikon Consortium/Cook County Hospital/University of Illinois at Chicago Medical Center.

Dr. Nelson is actively involved in professional endeavors related to emerging drugs of abuse, substance use disorders, and the utilization of athletic performance-enhancing substances. Holding influential positions as the Chair of the Prescribing Practices Committee for the Illinois Opioid Advisory Council and as a member of the HOPE Taskforce for DuPage County and serves as a consultant for the Illinois Poison Control Center.

Janet Towns

Janet Towns serves as a community health worker, actively engaging with and assisting the community by facilitating access to resources, providing referrals, and offering support for Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT), drawing from her own lived experiences.