Chicago Department of Public Health Weekly Media Brief, 11/26/2025

Chicago Mpox Outbreak Contained

While Chicago has made remarkable progress against the recent mpox outbreak, with new cases down to about two per week, CDPH will continue to ensure Chicagoans are protected and make the vaccine accessible and available. CDPH, with community and healthcare partners, will hold mpox vaccination clinics at various locations through winter.

The mpox vaccine is available at CDPH's Sexual Health Clinics in Roseland (Mondays, 9 am-12 pm), Austin (Tuesdays, 1-4 pm), and Lakeview (Fridays, 1-3:30 pm).

Other upcoming vaccination clinics include:

• November 26 and December 3, 10, and 17, 5:30-7:30 pm, Steamworks, 3246 N. Halsted St.
• Monday, December 1 and 15, 5:30-9:30 pm, Meeting House Tavern, 5025 N. Clark St.
• December 3, 7, and 8, 6-9 pm, Touche Bar, 6412 N. Clark St.

World AIDS Day

Monday, December 1 is World AIDS Day, a global observance that for nearly 40 years has recognized the impact of HIV/AIDS, honored lives lost, and shown support for people living with HIV. While major medical advances mean the end of the HIV crisis is in sight, it remains a significant public health issue, particularly amid new funding challenges that threaten to unravel recent progress.

Ways to observe World AIDS Day:

Wear:

The red ribbon is the universal symbol of HIV/AIDS awareness. Wearing one-or simply wearing red-shows solidarity with those affected.

Watch:

The CDPH-produced three-part documentary "HIV and the Journey Toward Zero " highlights the experiences of Chicagoans living with and who've been fighting HIV from the early days of the crisis to today. All three parts are available at journeytowardzero.com

Visit:

AIDS Garden Chicago, a 2.5 acre park along Lake Michigan at Belmont Avenue, honors the early days of the epidemic in Chicago, and those who continue to fight.

The AIDS Memorial Quilt, an epic 54-ton tapestry, with about 50,000 panels honoring more than 110,000 people whose lives were lost to HIV/AIDS, is online to view and search, presenting stories of hope, courage, compassion, and love.

Prevent:

HIV prevention medications, including PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis) and PEP (Post-Exposure Prophylaxis) are highly effective. PrEP can be taken daily by pill or long-acting injection. For information about PrEP or PEP, or help getting connected to a provider, trained navigators at Chicago's HIV HUB (844) 482-4040 can assist.

Upcoming Mental Wellness Event

This winter season, CDPH reaffirms its commitment to mental wellness and suicide prevention through accessible, community-based programs across the city. Every week, residents can take part in activities that support emotional well-being, build resilience, and strengthen connectedness.

Thursday, December 4 - Englewood Mental Health Clinic (641 W. 63rd St., Chicago, IL 60621)

Suicide Prevention Training (5:00-6:00 pm)

A Question, Persuade, and Refer (QPR) certified instructor-led training that teaches participants how to recognize suicide warning signs, take immediate steps to reduce risk, and connect someone to professional care. QPR Suicide Prevention Training helps build awareness, skills, and confidence to support others in crisis and encourage more open, supportive dialogue about suicide.

Healing Arts: Meditative Session (6:00-7:00 pm)

A guided meditative experience led by global artist and wellness expert Shannon Harris, whose four-decade career spans music, sound, and mindfulness therapies. His specialized meditation techniques support participants in restoring balance and calming the mind.

Visit Eventbriteto register and join us on December 4. For the full calendar of mental wellness programs and events, visit chicago.gov/behavioralhealth.

Happy Thanksgiving from CDPH!

All CDPH offices and clinics will be closed on Thursday, November 27 in observance of Thanksgiving Day. All CDPH offices and clinics will resume regular hours on Friday, November 28. For information on hours, services, and locations of the City's medical clinics, visit the CDPH website.

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