OUR PRIORITIES

HEALTH CARE & QUALITY OF LIFE

Health Equity and Access: A Priority for Commissioner Bill Lowry

For over 25 years, the United States has grappled with the challenge of providing universal healthcare. While many nations have established national healthcare systems, the U.S. continues to wrestle with this fundamental concept. Even Medicare, the federal health insurance program for individuals aged 65 and older, faced significant resistance before its passage.

Research consistently shows that neighborhood conditions—such as the quality of public schools, housing stability, access to medical care and nutritious foods, levels of violence, opportunities for physical activity, and exposure to environmental hazards—are powerful predictors of health outcomes. These social determinants of health help explain why many Chicagoans face barriers to care, often due to lack of insurance, mistrust of the healthcare system, or other obstacles. Tragically, when care is finally sought, the outcomes are frequently worse.

As your Commissioner, I am committed to addressing these health disparities and improving health equity across Cook County. I stand with my state and federal colleagues in protecting the Affordable Care Act and working tirelessly to expand access to quality healthcare for all.

My Commitments as Commissioner

  • Breaking Barriers to Healthcare
    Advocate for the elimination of obstacles to high-quality, affordable healthcare for individuals and families with low income.

  • Improving Social Determinants of Health
    Promote and support initiatives that tackle the social, economic, and structural factors impacting health outcomes.

  • Reducing Environmental Risks
    Advance policies that reduce exposure to environmental and occupational hazards, particularly for the most vulnerable communities.

  • Community-Based Health Interventions
    Develop and assess programs aimed at reducing health disparities and improving outcomes at the community level.

  • Expanding Workforce Diversity
    Support and grow training programs to attract new, diverse talent into the healthcare and public health sectors.

Together, we can work toward a Cook County where every resident has the opportunity to achieve their best possible health.

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SUPPORT SMALL BUSINESSES & ENCOURAGE ENTREPRENEURSHIP

Small Businesses: The Backbone of Cook County's Economy

Small businesses are the lifeblood of the American economy. Here in Cook County, entrepreneurship is a driving force behind prosperity and job creation. Supporting small businesses and fostering entrepreneurship are vital to strengthening our community and economy as a whole.

As the president of a law firm employing over 50 attorneys and more than 100 staff members, I have firsthand knowledge of the transformative power of entrepreneurism. This experience underscores my commitment to creating opportunities for all aspiring business owners in Cook County.

As your Commissioner, I remain dedicated to:

  • Encouraging Private Investment: Promoting partnerships with private investors to finance hundreds of new and expanding businesses across Cook County, the City of Chicago, and the State of Illinois.
  • Empowering Women Entrepreneurs: Advancing initiatives that support entrepreneurship among women of color, with a special focus on Black and Hispanic women, who represent some of the fastest-growing entrepreneurial demographics in our region.
  • Expanding Access to Capital: Developing innovative solutions to increase access to funding for women and minority entrepreneurs. These efforts aim to address the significant disparities in access to capital, particularly for minority business owners and female entrepreneurs who often face systemic barriers.
  • Prioritizing MWBE and PDBE Support: Allocating resources to strengthen Minority-, Women-, and Person with Disability-Owned Business Enterprises, ensuring they have the tools they need to thrive.

Together, we can build a stronger, more inclusive Cook County economy where entrepreneurship is not just encouraged but empowered.

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COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Community Outreach: Partnering for a Stronger Cook County

Community Outreach: Partnering for a Stronger Cook County

At the heart of Commissioner Bill Lowry’s work is a steadfast commitment to strengthening Cook County’s communities by ensuring every resident has access to the resources they need to thrive. Through innovative community outreach and meaningful partnerships, we are building bridges to opportunity and making a lasting impact across the county.

Partnering to Make a Difference

We know that building a stronger community requires collaboration. That’s why Commissioner Lowry’s office actively partners with local organizations, nonprofits, schools, and businesses to deliver programs and services directly to those who need them most. Together, we work to address critical issues such as housing insecurity, job training, health care access, and education equity.

Whether it’s hosting community resource fairs, supporting local food pantries, or coordinating with healthcare providers for wellness initiatives, these partnerships allow us to leverage our shared resources and expertise to meet the diverse needs of Cook County residents.

Empowering Families and Youth

One key focus of our outreach efforts is supporting families and empowering youth. By collaborating with parenting organizations, we’ve been able to expand access to parenting resources, educational workshops, and childcare support. These efforts not only help parents navigate the challenges of raising a family but also ensure that children have the tools they need to succeed academically, socially, and emotionally.

Programs like back-to-school supply drives, mentorship initiatives, and mental health support services reflect Commissioner Lowry’s dedication to building a brighter future for the next generation.

How You Can Get Involved

Community outreach thrives on engagement. If you’re an individual or organization passionate about making a difference, we invite you to join us in creating meaningful change. From volunteering to sponsoring events, there are countless ways to get involved and contribute to the well-being of our community.

To learn more about our community outreach programs or to explore partnership opportunities, please contact our office at [email protected] or call us at 312-603-6391.

Together, we can create a Cook County where everyone has access to opportunity and a pathway to success.

 
 

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