Latest news with #CDPH
Chicago Tribune
21-07-2025
- Health
- Chicago Tribune
Public health officials: Ending the HIV epidemic is in sight. We can't stop now.
Thanks to decades of sustained federal investment, Chicago, Cook County and Illinois are on the cusp of ending the HIV epidemic in our city, county and state. This remarkable progress is a testament to programs such as the Ryan White Comprehensive AIDS Resources Emergency (CARE) Act, established in 1990 to provide crucial health care to those living with HIV and AIDS. This critical legislation, named in honor of young AIDS activist Ryan White, marked a turning point in our fight against HIV. It wasn't just a humanitarian response; it was sound public health policy. Within that decade, the spread of HIV, the progression of HIV to AIDS and the mortality rates due to AIDS all peaked and have been declining ever since. Funding channeled through state and city agencies such as the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH), the Cook County Department of Pubic Health (CCDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH), alongside direct support to community organizations, made medical treatment and support services accessible, especially for low-income individuals. Coupled with Centers for Disease Control and Prevention grant programs for monitoring, testing and prevention with lifesaving tools such as the prophylaxis medicines PrEP and Doxy PEP, we've built a robust system that works. It is thanks to this funding and the work of hundreds of epidemiology teams at local health agencies including IDPH, CCDPH and CDPH that we have data that shows how many people have received an HIV diagnosis and how many people are receiving HIV care. Thirty-five years later, Chicago, Cook County and Illinois, along with the rest of the country, have seen a dramatic decrease in new diagnoses thanks to these prevention, testing and treatment programs. We also see higher percentages of those living with HIV getting vital care and treatment and living long, full lives. But this progress is fragile. To pull back now would be a catastrophic mistake, especially for our most vulnerable communities. Despite hitting a significant low in new HIV cases, the burden of HIV/AIDS still falls disproportionately on communities of color. And while medical advancements allow those living with HIV to survive and thrive, their care demands continuous, costly services. More work is needed to see basic investment and improvements to HIV monitoring and infrastructure while also making use of more advanced technology. Consider the immediate impact: In 2024 alone, nearly 14,000 Chicagoans and thousands more Illinoisans relied on Ryan White funding for their HIV care. A staggering 70% of those served by CDPH-funded programs are Black, Latino, or Hispanic — the very communities most affected by HIV/AIDS. The lifeline for these programs? Federal funding. In fact, more than 90% of CDPH's annual budget for managing infectious diseases, including HIV, comes directly from federal sources. Yet, despite this clear success and urgent need, Washington, D.C., is debating draconian cuts to these vital programs in next year's budget, even threatening to rescind funds already allocated for 2025. The consequences of these cuts would be devastating. AmfAR, the Foundation for AIDS Research, projects that a 50% reduction in HIV prevention funding from the CDC could lead to 75,000 new HIV infections across the U.S. by 2030 — and that number would nearly double if all funding is eliminated. Here in Illinois, we could face over 5,500 additional new HIV cases, leading to sicker populations and a tragic rise in deaths due to lack of treatment. Without these federal dollars, our neighbors would lose access to critical prevention tools such as PrEP, essential testing for HIV and sexually transmitted infections, and lifesaving treatments. We stand at a crossroads. We have the knowledge, tools and proven programs to end the HIV epidemic. We are so close. To retreat now, when the finish line is in sight, would be an act of profound negligence. We urge our elected officials in Washington, D.C., to reject these dangerous cuts and continue investing in the programs that protect the health and well-being of all Illinoisans. We cannot afford to backtrack and lose the tremendous progress that has been made in fighting HIV. The health of our communities depends on it.
CBS News
16-07-2025
- Health
- CBS News
First human case of West Nile virus of 2025 reported in Lake County, Illinois
The Lake County Health Department reported the first human case of West Nile virus in Lake County for the year. The infected resident is in their 70s and became sick in early July, health officials confirmed in a written release. According to the Lake County Health Department, nine out of 214 batches of mosquitoes have tested positive for West Nile virus so far this year. West Nile virus peaks in late summer, usually from July through September, when the mosquito population is at its peak. West Nile virus is spread to people from infected mosquitoes, most commonly in the summer. Eight out of 10 people infected do not develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The public is advised to do their best to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and, if possible, avoiding peak mosquito feeding times, typically around dusk and dawn. "As the weather gets warmer, all Chicago residents are encouraged to Fight the Bite and protect themselves against mosquito bites so they can remain safe and healthy this summer," CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige said. It is also encouraged to check often overlooked places that may contain water, such as bird baths, water pails, and flower pots. While most people infected with the virus do not feel sick, about one in five will develop a fever and flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms include body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness can occur in about one in 150 people and is most likely to occur in people over age 55 or with weakened immune systems. The department said there are no specific medications to treat the virus in people. The best way to prevent getting sick is to prevent mosquito bites.
The Sun
02-07-2025
- Business
- The Sun
AliExpress is selling a tiny home with bathroom AND kitchen for just £1.4k & it's delivered in a week
BUYING a home may seem like a far off goal these days, but AliExpress could have a cheap solution. The online retailer is selling a 20ft tiny home for just £1,400, and it includes a bathroom, bedroom and kitchen. 3 3 The small but stylish home offers floor to ceiling windows, meaning you could feel at one with nature working from home with natural lighting. There is only a ￡197.66 delivery fee, and your home could arrive next week. According to the listing: ' CDPH apple cabin is a modular dwelling constructed off-site and delivered to the location as a complete unit. 'The compact design, inspired by apple crates, features a rustic aesthetic and can accommodate several people. 'It comes equipped with a kitchen, bathroom, and sleeping area, making it an ideal option for minimalist living or weekend getaways.' Forget having to apply for a mortgage and battle a dreading house chain, the home could be yours with a click of a button. Pictures show the home with curved edges and a wooden slatted design for the interior. The bathroom is contained privately inside, with the kitchen built into the living space. While it isn't huge, it could provide the perfect excuse to live more simply, and keep belongings and expenses low. It also said the colour can be "customised", meaning you could tweak it if you weren't a fan of the white exterior on the listing. Amazon is selling an 'insulated' tiny home for just $9,350 – it comes with 2 bedrooms and an 'enclosed' hall Given the national average house price in the UK was reported at £264,500 in 2024, it could be an affordable alternative. Of course, you could use the home to earn some extra cash, if you rent it out, or it could be an extra bedroom for friends and family. Alternatively it could be used as an office or gym in your garden. 3 Tiny homes in the UK have boomed in popularity in recent years and typically range from 100 to 400 square feet in size. Prices vary, but a basic tiny home can cost between £5,000 and £80,000, depending on size, materials, and whether it's custom-built. If a tiny home is on wheels, it may be classified as a caravan under UK law, meaning it might not require traditional planning permission. Are tiny homes legal in the UK? TINY houses can be in the UK regardless of whether they are on a trailer base or not. The legality of tiny houses is all to do with where it is and what you use it for. According to Planning Geek, constructing a granny annexe in your garden usually means you'll need planning permission, especially if it has a bedroom, bathroom, and kitchen. This is because it's seen as a separate living space rather than just an extension of your main home. However, if you're thinking about converting an existing outbuilding, like a garage, into a granny annexe or a tiny home, you might not need planning permission. That said, it's important to make sure the space doesn't end up being a fully self-contained unit – for instance, if the converted area doesn't include cooking facilities, it might not be classified as a separate dwelling. It's also worth noting that, while certain small outbuildings can be constructed under permitted development rights, the NAPC points out that this usually applies to structures like sheds or garages, rather than self-contained annexes. According to The Tiny Housing, a tiny home on wheels must not exceed 2.55 meters in width to be road-legal in the UK. Also, with a standard car licence, the length cannot be more than seven meters. While tiny homes offer an alternative living solution, they must comply with local planning and building regulations. Always check with your local council to ensure compliance with all regulations.
Forbes
16-06-2025
- Health
- Forbes
California Governor Seeks Permanent Ban On Hemp THC Products
California Gov. Gavin Newsom's administration hopes to make a controversial temporary ban on ... More intoxicating hemp products permanent, according to a notice from the state health department. The administration of California Gov. Gavin Newsom is seeking a permanent ban on consumable hemp products that contain THC, according to a rulemaking proposal the state health department released on Friday and reported on by SFGate. The ban would make permanent temporary emergency regulations enacted last year over the objections of hemp business operators, who argue that the rules threaten the viability of California's hemp industry. Newsom first proposed the ban on hemp products with THC, the compound largely responsible for the well-known 'high' associated with marijuana, in September. The emergency regulations limit the sale of hemp foods, beverages and dietary supplements to consumers aged 21 and older and set a limit of five servings per package for such products. The rules from the California Department of Public Health (CDPH) also prohibit products that contain any detectable amount of THC or other intoxicating cannabinoids, including many CBD products already being used by California consumers. The governor said at the time that the emergency regulations were needed to protect children from intoxicating hemp products, which are generally considered legal under the federal 2018 Farm Bill. Consumable hemp products are not regulated by the federal government, however, leading many smoke shops, gas stations and other retailers to offer products containing delta-8 THC and other psychoactive compounds. California Gov. Gavin Newsom 'We will not sit on our hands as drug peddlers target our children with dangerous and unregulated hemp products containing THC at our retail stores,' Newsom said in September when he announced the ban. 'We're taking action to close loopholes and increase enforcement to prevent children from accessing these dangerous hemp and cannabis products.' The emergency regulations went into effect on September 23 and were extended in March. Last month, Newsom announced the ban on hemp THC was more than 99% effective in eradicating intoxicating hemp products from California alcohol retailers. The Notice of Proposed Rulemaking from CDPH released last week seeks to permanently extend the rules in place since last year. In the notice, the health department acknowledges that the rules will have a negative effect on the California economy. CDPH estimates that the rules will lead to a $602 million decrease in revenue for California businesses over the first 12 months and a $3.14 billion reduction over five years. The hemp THC ban is also likely to lead to 100 hemp manufacturing business closures and the loss of 18,478 jobs over five years. State tax revenue would take a hit of $192 million, according to the CDPH estimate. The ban on intoxicating hemp products is supported by many in the regulated cannabis industry, who face stiff regulations and steep taxes. Laura A. Bianchi, co-founding partner of the cannabis and psychedelic law firm Bianchi and Brandt, says that it is 'incredibly important to be cognizant of the economic challenges facing small businesses and the importance of job preservation, but not at the expense of public health and safety.' 'Currently, intoxicating hemp products are being manufactured and sold without being subject to the same testing, quality control, or regulatory oversight as products within the licensed cannabis industry,' Bianchi writes in an email. 'This regulatory gap leaves consumers extremely vulnerable, as there are no assurances that these products are even safe for consumption.' 'To address this, these products should fall under the existing state-regulated cannabis framework or in the case of low-THC beverages, perhaps a separate regulatory program is created,' she continues. 'There is a path forward that allows for the continued availability of these products, but it needs to include clear standards, mandatory testing, and enforceable safeguards to ensure consumer safety and public confidence.' Lou Samuels, CEO of licensed cannabis delivery service Golden State Canna, says that he is 'categorically in favor of requiring THC to be sold through the regulated channel regardless of whether it is derived from hemp or derived from cannabis, since the end compound is exactly the same and claiming a difference is clearly exploiting a loophole.' 'I am not however, in favor of requiring hemp derived CBD to have no detectable trace of THC in order to be sold OTC and not at a dispensary,' he writes in an email. 'While selfishly I recognize it would be good for business, I think keeping the cost of CBD down for the public is important, and closing the hemp derived THC loophole is possible without onerous over regulation of legitimate CBD products, which are sure to be mailed into' California from unregulated sources. The CDPH proposal to make the ban on intoxicating hemp products permanent is now in a 45-day public written comment period. The agency has also scheduled a hearing on the proposal for July 28 in Sacramento.
CBS News
13-06-2025
- Health
- CBS News
First batch of West Nile-positive mosquitoes found in Chicago, health officials say
The Chicago Department of Public Health announced on Friday that the first batch of mosquitoes that tested positive for the West Nile virus were found in the city. This comes after other batches tested positive for the virus in Glenview and in McHenry and DuPage counties. The Illinois Department of Public Health confirmed the first positive batch in the state on May 13. However, no human cases have been reported in Illinois so far this year. What is West Nile virus? How to prevent it. West Nile virus is spread to people from infected mosquitoes, most commonly in the summer. Eight out of 10 people infected do not develop symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. The public is advised to do their best to protect themselves from mosquito bites, including using an EPA-registered insect repellent, wearing loose-fitting clothing, and, if possible, avoiding peak mosquito feeding times, typically around dusk and dawn. "As the weather gets warmer, all Chicago residents are encouraged to Fight the Bite and protect themselves against mosquito bites so they can remain safe and healthy this summer," CDPH Commissioner Dr. Olusimbo Ige said. It is also encouraged to check often overlooked places that may contain water, such as bird baths, water pails, and flower pots. What are the symptoms of West Nile virus? While most people infected with the virus do not feel sick, about one in five will develop a fever and flu-like symptoms. Other symptoms include body aches, vomiting, diarrhea, or rash. Severe illness can occur in about one in 150 people and is most likely to occur in people over age 55 or with weakened immune systems. The department said there are no specific medications to treat the virus in people. The best way to prevent getting sick is to prevent mosquito bites.
