Mayor Rahm Emanuel on Tuesday outlined a new plan by the local Department of Public Health with 12 goals to make Chicago healthier.
From reducing tobacco use and improving heart health to preventing HIV, the goals were touted by Emanuel as the "first-ever comprehensive plan for public health put forth by the city."
The announcement follows a study released Monday by Northwestern University that found the city's south and southwest sides are the least healthy in Chicago. The results were based on prevelence of breast cancer and AIDS, as well as access to medical care and availability of healthy food that's affordable.
Emanuel, who isn't shy about touting his own workout routine, told reporters Tuesday he swam a mile in Lake Michigan and ran two miles in preparation for a triathlon.
“Strong public health is critical to quality of life of residents across Chicago,” Emanuel said in a statement. "This agenda addresses the real health concerns facing our city so we can make Chicago a healthier place.”
The project, called Healthy Chicago, is guided by these 12 "priority areas":
Tobacco Use
Obesity Prevention
HIV Prevention
Adolescent Health
Cancer Disparities
Heart Disease and Stroke
Access to Health Care
Healthy Mothers and Babies
Communicable Disease Control and Prevention
Healthy Homes
Violence Prevention
Public Health Infrastructure
The plan will serve as blueprint, Emanuel said, to implement policy changes over the next five years.
“This agenda is an aggressive call to action," said CDPH Commissioner Bechara Choucair, "and we are already working with City departments and agencies, healthcare providers and community organizations to realize our vision for a Healthy Chicago.”
