CDPH Weekly Media Brief, 05/29/2026

PlayStreets Returns for Summertime Chi

As warmer months begin, CDPH is bringing back PlayStreets, building on last year's pilot that showed how community-led programming can create safe, active spaces for families and children across Chicago. Last year, more than 23,000 residents participated in 53 neighborhood-hosted events, turning local blocks into places for play, movement, and connection.

This summer, CDPH is partnering with Phalanx Family Services (South Region) and Building Brighter Futures Center for the Arts (West Region) to expand to more than 200 events across Priority Community Areas, with a special focus on communities that have historically had fewer opportunities for safe outdoor play and health supportive programming.

We look forward to another uplifting summer of safe, joyful, community driven play across our city.

Find out more about PlayStreets on the CDPH website.

Keep an Eye on Air Quality

Memorial Day kicks off the unofficial beginning of summer, and warmer temperatures can bring about worse air quality and health risks for some sensitive groups. As we approach wildfire season and see hotter days, Chicagoans can visit Open Air Chicago to understand the air they breathe and make informed choices to protect their health and communities. Users of the Clarity Open Map can find nearby air sensors, learn about updated health recommendations, and sign up to receive alerts when air quality is unhealthy.

Healthy Chicago Newsletter

The newest Healthy Chicago Newsletter is here! This issue is packed with information and resources to help you stay healthy and safe this summer. You'll find information about PlayStreets, details on an upcoming Black Men's Health event, and safe sleep tips for babies.

Since May is Mental Health Awareness Month, this edition also includes guidance on how to access mental health services and support, regardless of insurance or immigration status. You'll also discover no-cost programs and resources available through CDPH.

Read the latest edition of the Healthy Chicago Newsletter.

Sign up for CDPH's free Healthy Chicago Newsletter at this link.

Healthy Chicago Podcast

Joabe Barbosa is a graduate student at Roosevelt University studying clinical psychology, but that's likely not how you know him. If you've watched local news or been on Instagram lately, you likely know Joabe as the Brazilian guy wearing the Chicago flag as a cape, who is trying to run every street in the city. He's also the guy who ran a half marathon in an inflatable bee costume, ran a long-distance race in rubber rainboots, and has the Guinness World Record for the fastest trip visiting every single Chicago CTA Subway Station.

Our discussion covers why Joabe runs, what it has unlocked for him and those around him, how exercise affects his mental well-being, and the purpose that drives his journey.

In mid-June, Joabe will make his final run to complete every street in Chicago, and he has invited the whole city to join him. The run will start at Oak St. and Michigan Ave. at 10 a.m. on Sunday, June 14 and will end at Buckingham Fountain. Follow Joabe's journey on IG at @heyjoabe.

Listen and Watch a new episode in English.

Listen and Watch a new episode in Spanish.

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