ChicagoCHEC is monitoring the global and national outbreak of the novel Coronavirus (COVID-19), as well as confirmed cases in the Chicago community and has created this webpage to share the latest information with the ChicagoCHEC community. Please check back regularly for the most recent guidance and communications.
COVID-19 Response and Recommendations
For other important updates please visit:
Cancer Patients
Some types of cancer and treatments such as chemotherapy can weaken your immune system and may increase your risk of any infection, including with SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19.
If you have cancer or are undergoing cancer treatment, please see the below resources for tips on keeping yourself healthly during the Coronavirus Pandemic.
Coronavirus: What People with Cancer Should Know published by the National Cancer Institute (NCI)
Community Resources
| Find food assistance, help paying bills, and other free or reduced cost programs | find help.org | https://findhelp.org/ |
| Compiled COVID-19 Resource Support | ChicagoCHEC -Community Health Educator’s Compiled Resource List | https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1__2CyxfGoGmPCrsTGpcULugBTOVcgDPnByLMSMWQebg/edit?usp=sharing |
| Community Resources During COVID-19 | UIC Cancer Center | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1s8nxxVc7as7tonuZaYAOhO_mDk3RaRic/view?usp=sharing |
| Repository of Community Resources | Northwestern University’s Center for Community Health & Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities (ARCC) | https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1iAyhLARy2Rljj2uVBmq9BQ-Efa3pEphpDDxfA5mkdxQ/edit?usp=sharing |
| Resources for the Immigrant and Refugee Community | Illinois Coalition for Immigrant & Refugee Rights | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1CvVQDrWhKRHMvVpfFYe5ulh388w1O58D/view?usp=sharing |
| Getting food – Greater Chicago Food Depository resources during COVID-19 (updated) | Greater Chicago Food Depository | https://www.chicagosfoodbank.org/coronavirus-updates/ |
| Getting food – Lakeview Pantry resources during COVID-19 (updated) | Lakeview Pantry | https://www.lakeviewpantry.org/lakeview-pantrys-response-to-coronavirus/ |
| Free meals for school-age children (three meals per meal bag) | Chicago Public Schools (CPS) | https://cps.edu/oshw/Pages/HealthyCPS.aspx |
| Food and hand sanitizer, health supplements, toiletries for seniors | My Block, My Hood, My City | https://www.formyblock.org/ |
| Working with Your Personal Attendant to Keep you Safe from Coronavirus | UIC Cancer Center | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1ngeAOf6QTBkgmfB0v9tbBSyj8gI7g4DN/view?usp=sharing |
| Federal Stimulus Packages – Summary of Key Provisions | Cancer Action Network | https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NE6wt7PAhV1rNjR4cN4bjcZB7QGn-wiR/view?usp=sharing |
Resources for the Research Community
Resources for Community-Engaged Research Partnerships During COVID-19 Pandemic: The Alliance for Research in Chicagoland Communities (ARCC) at Northwestern University developed three resources to help community-academic research collaborations consider and address the impact of COVID-19 on health equity and their research projects and partnerships.
COVID-19 Resources for the Oncology Community presented by the American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO)
Other Resources
Social Distancing Nutrition Tips
Scholastic Learn at Home is offering free online courses with daily projects so your kids can keep learning while schools are closed
Chicago Public Library cardholders can access library resources and information, including eBooks, audiobooks, music, video and online resources, 24/7 on the CPL website.
How to Help
“When I was a boy and I would see scary things in the news, my mother would say to me, “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.” ― Fred Rogers
Disaster Volunteerism for the State of Illinois
and Northwestern University’s Center for Health Equity Transformation