...therapy Surgery Genetic testing Biomarker and genomic assessment Psychological counseling Oncology Research Cook County Health’s oncology program is approved by the American College of Surgeons Commission on Cancer and we have an extensive clinical research commitment funded by the National Cancer Institute. Clinical Trials Stroger Hospital’s Minority/Underserved National Cancer Institute Community Oncology Research Program (MU-NCORP) is a grant-funded, nonprofit program...
...of insulin alone verses two oral diabetic drugs; and (3) The study of glycemic control and safety over one year in subject with Type 2 Diabetes under diet control and exercise. Minority-Based Community Clinical Oncology Program (SHCC MBCCOP) John H. Stroger, Jr. Hospital is a recipient of a large grant from the National Cancer Institute to provide access to NCI-sponsored...
...you are experiencing an overdose or a medical emergency. Ways to Get Help Contact us today if you or a loved one need quick access to addiction treatment services. The Bridge Clinic is here for you, regardless of your ability to pay or your stage in recovery. Call to Make Appointment 312-864-4MAT (312-864-4628) Monday-Friday 8AM-2PM Leave a voicemail after hours;...
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...Board and Committee meeting calendar. Click here to view the Rules of the Board, as amended and approved on 4/30/20 Submit Public Testimony Electronically Updated 8/14/21: Written public comment on any of the items listed on the Agenda for CCH Board and Committee Meetings will be accepted electronically, to be read into the record by the Secretary. Testimony can be...
...provider shortage and creating a pipeline of APRNs for Cook County Health’s primary care clinics and other underserved settings. Learn from the Best! Cook County Health (CCH) has served the people of Cook County for over 180 years. Today it is the home to top health care practitioners, leading the field in caring for vulnerable populations. CCH holds ambulatory care...
...the program. Residents also participate in scholarly activities, as well as a quality improvement project. The Department of Pediatrics has an academic and clinical affiliation with Rush University Medical Center. Medical students from Rush University Medical Center rotate in our department for their core Pediatrics rotation, giving our residents ample opportunity to teach. In addition to General Academic Pediatrics, the...
...not. Having poor oral health can affect the rest of your body, not just your teeth. Dental Services We offer basic, diagnostic and preventive dental services including: Oral exams Hygiene instruction Fillings Cleanings / scalings Extractions Dentures and partials Crowns and bridges Some root canals X-rays Call one of our dental sites today for more information or to make an...
...Cross, MSN, RN Cook County Health Board/Committee Meeting Location: Updated May 2023- 1950 West Polk Street, Room 5301 Chicago, Illinois Click here to view the 2024 Board and Committee meeting calendar. Click here to view the 2023 Board and Committee meeting calendar. Click here to view the Rules of the Board, as amended and approved on 4/30/20 Public Testimony Updated...
As a native of Chicago, Kaelin Long grew a passion for developing connections, addressing substantial health concerns, and advocating for diversity and inclusion in underserved communities. Her love for community became evident through her passionate and persistent work both professionally and in her personal life. Kaelin is dedicated to giving back to the community through public service with non-profit organizations. Her work with the Ronald McDonald House Charities, allows her to provide support, health resources, and a sense of stability for families and children who are receiving medical attention.
Kaelin obtained a Masters Degree in Public Health from Indiana State University and began her journey into the field of public health and social services. In previous roles, Kaelin worked for Chicago Commons Adult Day Service in the Englewood community and Catholic Charities of the Archdioceses located in Harvey Il. During her time spent with both organizations, Kaelin honed in on improving quality of life, implementing health initiatives, providing senior support services and advocating for seniors diagnosed with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. Her goal has always been to make a difference in the lives of others, while maintaining their dignity and respect.
Kaelin accepted her role as a Community Outreach Worker with Cook County Health and immediately saw it as an opportunity to engage and build lasting relationships with community members and leaders across the Chicagoland area. She began helping individuals to connect with our health system, County Care, and broaden their knowledge and access to all the services that are available to them. Kaelin is committed to the empowerment, advancement, and acknowledgement of those who make our community feel like home.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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 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.
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