The Cook County Medical Examiner’s Office has seen an increase in deaths attributed to fentanyl and fentanyl analogues, which chemical derivatives of fentanyl.

Fentanyl is an opiate that is up to 100 times more potent than morphine, which is the active component of heroin. Fentanyl analogues are typically not pharmaceutical-grade drugs like those administered by medical professionals for severe pain.Since mid-December, at least seven deaths were caused, at least in part, by furanyl fentanyl, according to toxicology tests results received this year.

I’ve been briefed on the task force’s findings and recommendations and I want to commend Lori Lightfoot and members of the task force on their work and their honesty in bringing long-needed official focus to these issues.

This report serves as a critical voice for thousands of Chicago residents and entire communities. I have long believed, and have often stated, that the institutional mindset within CPD needs drastic reform. CPD must act quickly and effectively to establish confidence with Chicago residents, especially in communities of color.

Cook County Department of Animal and Rabies Control will begin its 2016 rabies clinics at the site of its inaugural 2006 season in Crestwood. The inaugural low-cost rabies vaccine clinic of 2016 will take place June 7 from 10 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. at the Southwest Ice Arena, 5550 W. 127th St., Crestwood.

Finance Committee, then Board to consider team to lead mixed-use project A private redevelopment agreement and land lease for Old Cook County Hospital and adjacent land will be presented to the Cook County Board of Commissioners April 13 and referred to the County Board’s Finance Committee following conclusion of an extensive Request for Proposal (RFP) process. Civic Health Development Group (CHDG) has been selected to redevelop Old County Hospital and set the stage for dramatic economic development in the medical campus and neighboring area.

Cook County is home to what is arguably the country's largest civic tech community. The heart of this community is arguably Chi Hack Night, whose weekly event regularly draws crowds of over 100. But the crowd that shows up on any given Tuesday night is small compared to the civic tech army who participate in projects and conversations through GitHub. The local civic tech community expands well beyond Chi Hack Night.

The Cook County Health & Hospitals System and the Cook County Department of Environmental Control are encouraging people to poison-proof their homes in recognition of National Poison Prevention Week, March 20-26.

Poisoning is the number one cause of injury-related death in the U.S., surpassing motor vehicle accidents. While poisonings can happen at work, school, outdoors, and anywhere else, 91 percent occur at home.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced the appointment of Brian Hamer as her new Chief of Staff effective March 23.

Hamer brings to the County extensive public sector experience. Most recently, he served 12 years as Director of the Illinois Department of Revenue, from 2003-15, making him the longest-serving Revenue Director in Illinois history.

Cook County Animal and Rabies Control is advising pet owners to prepare and protect their pets from the distemper virus and the canine flu.

The department has seen an increase in cases of confirmed canine distemper virus found in raccoons tested after displaying abnormal neurologic signs.

The untimely death of Henry English leaves a great void for those of us who believe in the pursuit of fairness and equity. Henry was a driving force in progressive causes and a constant presence in our communities for more than 40 years. As a young man, Henry lived his activism as a leader of the Black Panther Party and political organizer. As founder and CEO of the Black United Fund of Illinois, Henry continued his advocacy for equal opportunity in job training and the workplace.

I was saddened to hear of the death of Dr. Quentin Young. Dr. Young spent a lifetime devoted to progressive causes in the political, social and health arenas. A lifelong South Sider and former Chairman of Medicine at Cook County Hospital, he was an early advocate of single-payer national health care and a relentless advocate of fairness and justice for all citizens. My condolences to his family.