Originally posted on the Cook County HHS website April 4th, 2013  In April, National Minority Health Month is commemorated by raising awareness about health disparities that persist, affecting racial and ethnic minorities.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and the State of Illinois' Office of the Executive Inspector General today announced a five-year, intergovernmental lease agreement for the 34th floor of the George W. Dunne Building, a move that will bring in roughly $500,000 a year. “The County is pleased to provide a new home to another government agency,” President Preckwinkle said. “We are also thrilled we were able to find a tenant earlier than expected. This is part of our continued efforts to increase efficiency and consolidate space.

Monday, April 22 is Earth Day. Throughout the second half of April the Forest Preserve District of Cook County will hold special events and volunteer workdays to celebrate the occasion. “The Forest Preserve District of Cook County manages nearly 69,000 acres of beautiful preserves, perfect for hiking, biking, bird-watching, fishing, and many other healthy, family-friendly activities,” said Forest Preserve District President Toni Preckwinkle. “Earth Day is an invitation to explore and reaffirm our commitment to the natural environment.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and Mayor Rahm Emanuel announced today that more than 18,000 Chicago young adults ages 16 to 24 will gain valuable job training and work experience this summer as part of 2013’s One Summer Chicago program. Additionally, over 190,000 opportunities to participate in educational and recreational opportunities will be made available for young Chicagoans, ages 6 to 24.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today announced a new Economic Growth Agenda outlining strategies to strengthen economic development throughout Cook County and the Chicago metropolitan region. President Preckwinkle and her Council of Economic Advisors (CEA), a group of business, non-profit and civic leaders who promote regional economic growth, offered nine recommendations to foster a robust business environment, encourage greater productivity and innovation, and support the economic vitality of the region.

Lawyers for Cook County Clerk David Orr have filed a brief opposing the motion to dismiss a lawsuit to overturn Illinois' ban on gay marriage. The motion to dismiss had been filed by intervenors Webb and Hitzel, downstate county clerks who are opposed to same-sex marriage. Despite being the original defendant in the suit, Darby v.

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle today stood with gun safety advocates, gun victims' families and members of the faith-based community to highlight the County's firearm tax. Beginning today, a $25 tax will be imposed on all firearm purchases made within Cook County.

Experienced fishermen and novices alike can enjoy trout fishing at the Forest Preserve District of Cook County’s three trout fishing locations – Axehead and Belleau Lakes in Park Ridge and Sag Quarry-East in Lemont – when the 2013 season opens on Saturday, April 6. From Monday, April 1 through dawn on Saturday, April 6, the three lakes will be closed to all fishing while the Districts stocks approximately 3,000 pounds of catchable-sized rainbow trout (1/2 – ¾ lbs. average).

Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle, along with Chicago Heights Mayor David A. Gonzalez, local elected officials and top leadership from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Authority (HUD), on Friday, March 22nd, toured nearly $11 million of federal and county-funded strategic investments in roadway construction, city housing rehabilitation, and other development projects, including job anchoring industrial locations within Chicago Heights.