Cicero, Illinois: A Unified Path Toward Better Health

A suburb of Chicago—Cicero, Illinois—is empowering residents of all ages to improve community health and outcomes. In a Latino-majority town where 45 percent of residents identify as immigrants, community members and organizations have rallied to keep their school-based health clinic open, prevent violence on school routes, provide safe and enriching afterschool programming, and increase access to early education. Community providers offer mental health counseling and trainings to help generate trauma awareness and combat its negative effects. Cicero’s efforts are guided by a collaborative of community stakeholders. Direct engagement with residents, parents, and young people has shaped solutions, setting the stage for a stronger community for future generations. Thanks to a strong collaborative spirit, Cicero is united in its mission to enhance quality of life for all. Learn more about Cicero's story and the rest of the 2018 RWJF Culture of Health Prize winners at www.rwjf.org/prize.