Cook County Health (CCH) is proud to announce the launch of its new three-year strategic plan for fiscal years 2026-2028, reaffirming the health system’s historic mission to care for all residents, regardless of income, immigration status, or insurance coverage.

At a moment when health systems across the country are bracing for the consequences of devastating federal cuts to health and social service programs, CCH’s strategic plan underscores the importance of disciplined stewardship, innovation, and an unwavering commitment to equity.

“Cook County Health is a lifeline for our residents, and at a time when federal programs are under attack, our responsibility to protect access to care has never been greater,” said Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle. “By centering equity, access, and fiscal responsibility, this strategic plan ensures that every resident will continue to have a dependable place to turn for quality, compassionate care.”

Under the banner of “Transforming Care Together,” the strategic plan charts a bold, forward-looking course to meet today’s current needs while being responsive to the rapid changes in the health care and political landscape.The plan reflects CCH’s commitment to expand access to care, strengthen quality, advance health equity, and sustain fiscal strength and operational excellence over the next three years.

The strategic plan was approved by the Cook County Board of Commissioners and the CCH Board of Directors.

“Our role as stewards of this historic health system demands that we plan thoughtfully and act decisively. This strategic plan does both. It positions Cook County Health to be resilient in the face of uncertainty while continuing to expand services that meet the evolving needs of our communities. We are deeply committed to carrying this work forward in partnership with our staff, our patients, and our county leaders,” said Raul Garza, Chair, CCH Board of Directors.

The 2026-28 plan was developed through an in-depth review of CCH operations, a regional market scan and policy assessment, and input from community partners and employees. The plan focuses the health system’s strategic pillars into four key areas:

• Quality, Safety and Experience: Ensure patients, members and the community have access to the highest-quality service and dignified care at the right place at the right time in a manner that is consistent and tailored to support the patients’ needs.
• Personal: Serve as the employer of choice by supporting and investing in our workforce, recruiting the best talent, and fostering robust teamwork to ensure we are able to meet the comprehensive healthcare needs of our patients.
• Transformation and Growth: Transform the delivery of care to ensure care is accessible, standardized, reliable and effective by optimizing systems to advance growth for our patients and communities.
• Resiliencia Fiscal: Optimize revenue capture to continue expansion of services and advance the mission of access to care for all patients and communities of Cook County.

The CCH plan reflects and reinforces the objectives outlined in departmental-level plans including the Cook County Department of Public Health’s Community Health Assessment & Improvement Plan, the Cook County Office of Behavioral Health’s Regional Behavioral Health Strategic Plan, and the CCH Department of Nursing Strategic Plan. By aligning with these complementary frameworks, CCH ensures a unified, coordinated approach to improving health outcomes, advancing equity, and strengthening service integration across Cook County.

“This strategic plan builds on CCH’s successes and boldly confronts the challenges ahead. It supports a framework that centers quality, innovation, and the wellbeing of our workforce. We are charting a course that will strengthen our system and elevate the care experience for every patient we serve,” said Commissioner Bill Lowry, Cook County 3^Tercera District, and Vice Chair, CCH Board of Directors.

“Cook County Health has a proud legacy of providing care to anyone who comes through our doors,” said Dr. Erik Mikaitis, CEO, CCH. “As we navigate these uncertain times, we will look to solidify the services we provide by strengthening the work we do internally. Doing so will allow us to enter this next chapter with a steadfast commitment to improving health outcomes and fostering healthier communities across the region.”

CCH’s 2026-2028 strategic plan builds off a solid foundation laid by the health system’s previous plan, “Impact, Change Equity.”  Among the highlights of the organization since the last strategic plan was announced:

• CountyCare achieved a 4-Star NCQA rating, making it the top-rated Medicaid plan in Illinois
• Provident designated as a “Top General Hospital” by Leapfrog
• CCH launched birthday screenings to encourage patients to engage in annual cancer and wellness screenings
• CCH awarded 53 “Stronger Together” grants from the Office of Behavioral Health, totaling $44M
• Offered grants from the Provident Scholarship Fund to support education of future healthcare professionals
• Executed value-based care agreements
• Upgraded services, including new neurosciences intensive care unit y robotic lung cancer biopsy system, and an 11-bed short stay observation unit at Provident Hospital.
• Servicios de salud de Cermak earned accreditation from the National Commission on Correctional Health Care (NCCHC) for demonstrating full compliance with NCCHC’s nationally recognized standards of care for correctional health services in jails.
• Cook County Department of Public Health launched awareness campaigns for West Nile, Naloxone, Measles, STIs, and more.

“Cook County Health’s values, including a focus on equity, compassion, accountability and innovation, remain unchanged. By aligning resources, strengthening partnerships and advancing innovation, the plan positions the system to continue to deliver high-quality care, affirms its role as a leader in public health and reinforces the vital role of CountyCare in connecting tens of thousands of residents to coordinated, patient-centered care across our network,” said Andrea Gibson, Chief Strategy Officer, CCH.