Celebrating Progress in Diabetes Prevention and Management Across Cook County
November is American Diabetes Month, an opportunity to recognize the importance of diabetes prevention, education, and ongoing management. In recognition of this month, the Illinois Public Health Institute (IPHI) is highlighting the work of healthcare and community-based organizations across Cook County through the Collaboration to Advance Reach, Effectiveness, and Systems (CARES): Cook County Diabetes Prevention & Management initiative.
What is CARES Cook County?
Convened by IPHI, CARES Cook County works to expand access to evidence-based diabetes prevention and management services while strengthening the capacity of the workforce supporting individuals and families at risk for or living with type 2 diabetes.
To advance these goals, CARES works alongside healthcare and community-based organizations to improve access to the programs across Cook County and to tailor programs to the specific needs of their communities. CARES aims to address barriers to participation, strengthen partnerships across sectors, and help organizations build the infrastructure needed to deliver and sustain effective diabetes prevention and management services.
Celebrating Partner Progress and Accomplishments
CARES Cook County brings together healthcare and community-based partners working to improve diabetes prevention and management across the county. Current healthcare partners include:
- Chicago Family Health Center
- Howard Brown Health
- AHS Family Health Services
- Lawndale Christian Health Center
- PCC Community Wellness Center
- Tapestry 360 Health
- Saint Anthony Hospital
- Endeavor Health/Swedish Hospital
These stories demonstrate the many ways organizations are translating technical assistance, partnerships, and programmatic support into meaningful improvements in diabetes prevention and management.
Throughout November, IPHI will spotlight all eight of these partner stories on LinkedIn in recognition of American Diabetes Month. Together, they offer a closer look at the people, partnerships, and approaches helping advance access to diabetes prevention and management programs across Cook County.
CARES Cook County is supported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
Read the Full Success Stories
Chicago Family Health Center
The first of these stories highlights an important part of that work: building the organizational capacity and infrastructure needed to expand access to diabetes education and support. The Chicago Family Health Center (CFHC) has taken important steps toward establishing American Diabetes Association (ADA)-recognized Diabetes Self-Management Education and Support (DSMES) services.
Howard Brown Health
Building the foundation for diabetes services is an important first step, but putting those services into practice and achieving meaningful results is where that work comes to life. Howard Brown Health demonstrated this by launching its first National Diabetes Prevention Program (NDPP) cohort in May 2025, reaching its enrollment goal of fifteen participants through coordinated provider referrals, targeted outreach, and thoughtful project planning. By the end of the program, eight participants had met their weight loss and/or physical activity goals.
Moving Diabetes Prevention and Management Forward, Together
Together, these partner stories demonstrate how collaboration, tailored support, and investments in organizational capacity can strengthen diabetes prevention and management across Cook County. From launching new evidence-based programs and building a skilled diabetes workforce to addressing barriers to care and connecting services across healthcare settings, CARES partners are making meaningful progress toward expanding access and improving the systems that support long-term health. As this work continues, IPHI remains committed to supporting partners as they build on these successes and identify new opportunities to improve diabetes prevention and care throughout the county.
Cook County needs the support of more passionate collaborators interested in joining in the fight against diabetes. To explore opportunities to partner with CARES Cook County on ways to expand access to effective diabetes prevention and management initiatives, contact Rebeca Gordenstein at rebeca.gordenstein@iphionline.org