Commissioner Bill Lowry Launches Initiative for Free Cancer Screenings in Cook County (Cook County, IL) — Cook County Commissioner Bill Lowry has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative aimed at encouraging Cook County residents to receive vital prostate cancer screenings and mammograms during their birthday month. In partnership with Cook County Health, this program seeks to provide life-saving screenings to residents, regardless of their insurance status, as part of a broader effort to promote early detection and equitable access to healthcare.
A Personal Mission
Commissioner Lowry, a cancer survivor himself, has been developing this initiative for over a year. Diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2019, Lowry underwent surgery in 2020 to remove his prostate. Despite having no symptoms, a routine health check in May 2023 led to the discovery of kidney cancer, which resulted in the removal of his right kidney. His experience underscored the importance of proactive health screenings and motivated him to find a way to make such screenings more accessible to Cook County residents.
“When I go around my district and all of Cook County, I tell people to gift themselves a health screening around their birthday,” Lowry explained. “You won’t forget your birthday, so you won’t forget to get your screening.”
How the Initiative Works
The Birthday Health Screening Program encourages eligible residents to schedule their screenings during their birthday month at any Cook County hospital or clinic. The age qualifications align with federal guidelines: women aged 40 and older can receive mammograms, while men aged 45 and older are eligible for prostate screenings. The goal is to facilitate early detection, improve preventative healthcare measures, and ultimately increase life expectancy, particularly in communities that have historically faced health disparities.
“We are going to save lives,” said Lowry. “We are going to see life expectancy increase in communities where, for so long, residents have been victimized by health inequity.”
Addressing Health Disparities
Lowry emphasized that health inequities in Cook County remain a pressing issue. For example, residents of Englewood have a 30-year shorter life expectancy compared to those in Edgewater. Through programs like this, Lowry hopes to bridge the gap by providing accessible, preventive healthcare.
The commissioner’s efforts also highlight the importance of consistent medical care. “Individuals who come in for their screenings will also have the opportunity to connect with a primary care physician if they don’t already have one,” he noted, underscoring the need to move away from emergency rooms as the primary source of medical care.
Comprehensive Support from Cook County Health
The initiative extends beyond just screenings—Cook County Health is committed to supporting patients throughout their entire healthcare journey. If a screening reveals a cancer diagnosis, patients will be provided with comprehensive care and treatment options, regardless of their financial situation.
“We do not turn anyone away,” Lowry stated. “Cook County Health provides 50% of all charity care in Cook County, ensuring that everyone has access to necessary medical treatments.”
Expanding the Impact
Building on the success of this initiative, Commissioner Lowry is working with Cook County Clerk Monica Gordon and Dr. Kesha McCall to expand healthcare access further. In addition to his annual September Men’s Health Fair, he is planning a Southland Health Fair in October to align with Breast Cancer Awareness Month.
By dedicating September and October to these critical health initiatives, Lowry aims to make early detection and preventive care an integral part of Cook County’s healthcare landscape.
A Call to Action
Commissioner Lowry urges all eligible Cook County residents to take advantage of this initiative and prioritize their health. “Gift yourself the opportunity to know what’s going on in your body. Early detection saves lives.”
Residents can contact Cook County Health during their birthday month to schedule their free screenings and take a proactive step toward their well-being.
Commissioner Bill Lowry Launches Initiative for Free Cancer Screenings in Cook County
