News & Events

The University of Illinois Cancer Center was among the more than 40 government and local agencies, health providers and community partners who participated this summer in Mobile City Hall, a project hosted by Chicago City Clerk Anna M. Valencia’s office that continues through September 20.

The effort brings city and other services to communities around Chicago so residents can, for example, ask questions, purchase city vehicle stickers, buy dog licenses, and get to know more about the services of community organizations and other participating partners.

The Cancer Center’s Office of Community Engagement and Health Equity participated in six Mobile City Hall events, sharing information on cancer research and raising awareness of disparities. The Cancer Center is part of the University of Illinois Chicago (UIC) and UI Health, the UIC academic health system.

Pictured: Cancer Center Community Affairs Specialist Kourtney Lewis and Research Specialist Osei Bekoe, MPH

One of those events took place on August 23 at B.U.I.L.D. Chicago, where elected officials, Illinois State Representative Le Shawn K. Ford (8th District), Alderman Chris Taliaferro (29th Ward) and Congressman Danny K. Davis (7th District) also attended.

Cancer Center Community Affairs Specialist Kourtney Lewis and Research Specialist Osei Bekoe, MPH, were on hand to administer Community Health Needs Assessments, which are surveys completed by community members to assess and obtain feedback on their views of current health needs and factors that impact them.

The pair also shared information about the Cancer Center’s BREATHE program, which seeks to expand access to lung cancer education, screening awareness and smoking cessation resources for communities to support residents in their efforts to quit tobacco and vape products.

The next Mobile City Hall event is September 20, from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Branch Community Church, 6125 W. Foster Ave., in Chicago.