Active Trans Joins Launch of Healthy Chicago 2.0
CHICAGO, IL – The Active Transportation Alliance joined the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) and more than 400 community leaders and organizations to unveil a new four-year plan to improve health and well-being of Chicago residents. Healthy Chicago 2.0 provides more than 200 strategies to close persistent health disparities facing Chicago communities.
Chicago has made tremendous progress over the past several years addressing health issues; however, significant disparities still remain, impacting specific communities and neighborhoods disproportionately. Healthy Chicago 2.0 focuses on those remaining disparities with strategies that address not only traditional health conditions, but also the root causes of health including education, economic development and housing opportunities. Active Trans was integral in the development of the new plan and will work hard to ensure its implementation, helping provide greater health equity across Chicago.
Active Trans was invited to help shape the Healthy Chicago 2.0 plan by participating in three separate committees. Along with other champions representing city agencies, non-profits, health care and social justice organizations, among others, Active Trans helped ensure that the built environment and safe streets were prominently featured as priorities in creating a healthier, more livable Chicago.
“If we want every Chicago resident to live a healthy and safe life, we must work together to develop and improve every neighborhood and invest in every community,” said Melody Geraci, Active Trans deputy executive director. “We are proud to stand with CDPH and so many other great organizations. Today is the huge step toward health equity for our city.”
As part of today’s announcement, Mayor Emanuel has asked CDPH to conduct a series of town hall meetings to engage residents in the implementation of the plan. Active Trans will work with CDPH to promote these events in May, focusing on communities facing the greatest health disparities.
“This innovative plan is an essential first step in making long lasting improvements in the health of our communities and the people who live, work and play in them,” said Dr. Julie Morita, Commissioner of the Chicago Department of Public Health. “With the support of residents and organizations like Active Trans, we will make Chicago a healthy city for everyone.”
Healthy Chicago 2.0’s Town Hall Meetings Schedule:
- May 4th – 5pm | Center on Halsted, 3656 N. Halsted St
- May 5th – 5:30pm | Metropolitan Family Services, 235 E. 103rd St.
- May 11th – 5pm | Little Village Lawndale High School, 3120 S. Kostner St.
- May 16th – 6pm | By the Hand, 415 N. Laramie Ave.
- May 18th, 5:30pm | Asian Health Coalition and Chinese American Service League,2141 S. Tan Court.
- May 25th – 6pm | Hamilton Park, 513 W. 72nd St.
The Active Transportation Alliance is a non-profit, member-based advocacy organization that works to make bicycling, walking and public transit so safe, convenient and fun that we will achieve a significant shift from environmentally harmful, sedentary travel to clean, active travel. The organization builds a movement around active transportation, encourages physical activity, increases safety and builds a world-class transportation network. Formerly the Chicagoland Bicycle Federation, the Active Transportation Alliance is supported by more than 7,000 members and 1,000 volunteers.
For more information about the Active Transportation Alliance, visit www.activetrans.org or call 312.427.3325.
