A fundamental responsibility of Cook County is to ensure all its residents have access to quality health care.  The Cook County Health and Hospital System provides the safety net on which all health care in the County rests, with some of the best doctors and nurses around.

Despite the best intentions of these dedicated providers, the system is wrought with inefficient policies and poor administration. Recent attempts solve these problems have fallen short.  As Cook County Board President, Toni will establish the transparency and accountability necessary to cut wasteful and inefficient policies, while also ensuring that all residents have access to vital services of the highest quality.  Some specific actions Toni will take as Board President include:Commission a full audit of the County's Health Care System and establish financial accountability. Before we can reform the system, we need to know where we are. 

  • Bring the healthcare system into the 21st Century, upgrading the financial system and using federal funds to invest in health information technology. This will not only improve efficiency, but will also improve quality of care.
  • Work with other counties to ensure each pays their fair share. Cook County provides necessary care that others counties in the region are unable to provide, but those counties should share the costs.
  • Make permanent the Health and Hospital System's Board of Directors. This will improve the autonomy of the Board and enable true reform. 
  • Provide the leadership necessary to facilitate collaboration among all the hospitals in the region. We must work together to ensure that all Cook County residents receive quality health care. 
  • Augment County Services and fill in the gaps between the Federally Qualified Health Centers. We cannot allow our most vulnerable to fall through the cracks.

The Cook County Health and Hospital System is the foundation of quality care for all Cook County residents.  We must act to ensure its survival, and work to make our System the national model for quality and efficiency.  As Cook County Board President, Toni will pledge to make the health of Cook County a top priority.