chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Cook County to fight opioid deaths by giving anti-overdose medication to police and other first resp

Cook County to fight opioid deaths by giving anti-overdose medication to police and other first responders

Calling it a “ critical moment ” in the opioid crisis , Cook County officials unveiled a plan Wednesday to supply suburban police and other agencies with medication to reverse overdoses — to keep users out of hospital emergency rooms or jail .
The “ deflection initiative ” is designed to curb a dramatic spike in overdoses by distributing naloxone to community partners and 12 law enforcement agencies in “ priority areas , ” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a virtual news conference .
The initiative was influenced by a rise in opioid-related deaths in 2020 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ treatment rather than incarceration .
Preckwinkle said the county is finishing out what is expected to be its second consecutive year of significant opioid overdose cases .
Last year the county saw 1,277 opioid deaths , making it the “ deadliest year for opioid overdoses the county had ever seen — until now , ” Dr. Ponni Arunkumar , the county ’ s medical examiner , said .
“ The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed the opioid crisis this year , but this crisis deserves our attention , ” Arunkumar said .
“ It @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and left families devastated in its wake.
” Arunkumar said the county is on track to exceed 2,000 opioid deaths this year after seeing a 50 % increase week over week in its opioid deaths this year over last year .
“ We ’ re in a very bad place , ” Preckwinkle said .
“ So , we ’ re at a critical moment , I think that ’ s the best thing to say.
” Jac Charlier , the executive director of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities , said deflection is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and other first responders when they encounter someone who ’ s at high risk of overdose , or who has overdosed or who ’ s in need of substance use disorder treatment .
Instead of arresting that person , or “ overburdening ” our emergency rooms , deflection acts as a “ warm handoff to treatment to case management or other supportive community resources , ” Charlier said .
Police departments in Harvey , Markham and Maywood participated in a pilot program for the initiative and , as of Wednesday , the county @ @ @ @ @ @ @ its partners have trained 78 officers and distributed 169 naloxone kits , officials said .
Naloxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to rapidly but temporarily reverse opioid overdoses , according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration .
Charlier said the other police departments that will take part in the initiative will be selected based on data that the county has provided and he and other county officials will work to select departments and communities that are “ experiencing the highest rates of opioid overdose and overdose @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to distribute 2,500 kits by the end of September 2021 and plans to train about 1,900 officers to administer those kits .

Calling it a “critical moment” in the opioid crisis, Cook County officials unveiled a plan Wednesday to supply suburban police and other agencies with medication to reverse overdoses — to keep users out of hospital emergency rooms or jail.
The “deflection initiative” is designed to curb a dramatic spike in overdoses by distributing naloxone to community partners and 12 law enforcement agencies in “priority areas,” Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle said in a virtual news conference.
The initiative was influenced by a rise in opioid-related deaths in 2020. Its goal is to connect people to treatment rather than incarceration.
La Voz Sidebar 2023 Lea este artículo en español en La Voz Chicago.
Preckwinkle said the county is finishing out what is expected to be its second consecutive year of significant opioid overdose cases.
Last year the county saw 1,277 opioid deaths, making it the “deadliest year for opioid overdoses the county had ever seen — until now,” Dr. Ponni Arunkumar, the county’s medical examiner, said.
“The COVID-19 pandemic has overshadowed the opioid crisis this year, but this crisis deserves our attention,” Arunkumar said. “It has quietly cut down so many lives and left families devastated in its wake.”
Dr. Ponni Arunkumar, Cook County’s chief medical examiner, in 2017. Ashlee Rezin Garcia/Sun-Times file
Arunkumar said the county is on track to exceed 2,000 opioid deaths this year after seeing a 50% increase week over week in its opioid deaths this year over last year.
“We’re in a very bad place,” Preckwinkle said. “So, we’re at a critical moment, I think that’s the best thing to say.”
Jac Charlier, the executive director of Treatment Alternatives for Safe Communities, said deflection is a “third option” for police and other first responders when they encounter someone who’s at high risk of overdose, or who has overdosed or who’s in need of substance use disorder treatment.
Instead of arresting that person, or “overburdening” our emergency rooms, deflection acts as a “warm handoff to treatment to case management or other supportive community resources,” Charlier said.
Police departments in Harvey, Markham and Maywood participated in a pilot program for the initiative and, as of Wednesday, the county’s department of public health and its partners have trained 78 officers and distributed 169 naloxone kits, officials said.
Naloxone is approved by the Food and Drug Administration to rapidly but temporarily reverse opioid overdoses, according to the U.S. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration.
Charlier said the other police departments that will take part in the initiative will be selected based on data that the county has provided and he and other county officials will work to select departments and communities that are “experiencing the highest rates of opioid overdose and overdose death.”
The county has enough funding to distribute 2,500 kits by the end of September 2021 and plans to train about 1,900 officers to administer those kits.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Congregation donates $270K to social-service organizations after historic Lake View church sale

Members of a Lake View church are donating a portion of the recent sale of their historic place of worship to several local social-justice organizations , the church announced Wednesday .
After selling its more than 100-year-old church building in September for nearly $ 3 million , the congregation of the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ voted to give $ 270,000 to 19 nonprofit social-service organizations that serve the Chicago area .
Recipients of the funds include the North Side Housing and Supportive Services , Lake View Pantry and Faith In Place , the church said .
The monetary @ @ @ @ @ @ @ another as each was tailored toward what each organization said it needed .
“ The coronavirus pandemic and the economic recession have made their work more difficult and stressed their shrinking budgets , ” pastor Ann-Louise Haak said .
“ They need the money now , and we know it will quickly be put to good use.
” The news comes one year after the congregation decided to put its historic sanctuary on the market .
With attendance dwindling , the church ’ s 48 members voted last November to continue to practice @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the large property that far exceeded their needs , Haak said .
The property , which also is the home of TimeLine Theater , includes a full performance auditorium with a green room and costume room , a two-story gymnasium and a sanctuary that seats up to 500 people .
There ’ s also a two-flat apartment building connected to it .
The property received a serious offer from a motivated buyer shortly after the church signed with a Realtor in March , Haak said .
It sold in September for $ 2.85 @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a local nonprofit Jewish community , Haak said .
“ It took about three months , which was not what we were expecting at all , ” Haak said .
“ And so our cart definitely is in front of our horse because we thought we had 12 to 18 months to sort of get things sorted out ... and instead , things just moved really quickly.
” For now , services will continue on what Haak playfully calls the “ Zoom Sanctuary.
” “ In a way , there couldn ’ t @ @ @ @ @ @ @ a building than this season where you can ’ t safely gather in a building even if you have on , ” Haak said .
“ We will definitely have some sort of physical space in the future , but I feel like we will probably continue to have some kind of hybrid worship experience where there ’ s an option to be in-person but there ’ s also the ability for folks to join in online .
”

Members of a Lake View church are donating a portion of the recent sale of their historic place of worship to several local social-justice organizations, the church announced Wednesday.
After selling its more than 100-year-old church building in September for nearly $3 million, the congregation of the Wellington Avenue United Church of Christ voted to give $270,000 to 19 nonprofit social-service organizations that serve the Chicago area.
Recipients of the funds include the North Side Housing and Supportive Services, Lake View Pantry and Faith In Place, the church said. The monetary amount of the grants differ from one another as each was tailored toward what each organization said it needed.
“The coronavirus pandemic and the economic recession have made their work more difficult and stressed their shrinking budgets,” pastor Ann-Louise Haak said. “They need the money now, and we know it will quickly be put to good use.”
The news comes one year after the congregation decided to put its historic sanctuary on the market.
With attendance dwindling, the church’s 48 members voted last November to continue to practice as a community of faith but sell the large property that far exceeded their needs, Haak said. The property, which also is the home of TimeLine Theater, includes a full performance auditorium with a green room and costume room, a two-story gymnasium and a sanctuary that seats up to 500 people. There’s also a two-flat apartment building connected to it.
The property received a serious offer from a motivated buyer shortly after the church signed with a realtor in March, Haak said. It sold in September for $2.85 million to Chabad of East Lakeview, a local nonprofit Jewish community, Haak said.
“It took about three months, which was not what we were expecting at all,” Haak said. “And so our cart definitely is in front of our horse because we thought we had 12 to 18 months to sort of get things sorted out... and instead, things just moved really quickly.”
For now, services will continue on what Haak playfully calls the “Zoom Sanctuary.”
“In a way, there couldn’t be a better time to be without a building than this season where you can’t safely gather in a building even if you have one,” Haak said. “We will definitely have some sort of physical space in the future, but I feel like we will probably continue to have some kind of hybrid worship experience where there’s an option to be in-person but there’s also the ability for folks to join in online.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Man fatally beat 71-year-old retired attorney in Evanston: prosecutors

An Indiana man has been charged with first-degree murder after the 71-year-old retired attorney he allegedly punched and stomped on at an Evanston clinic died late last month .
Cook County prosecutors didn ’ t say what prompted Cory Gilmartin to beat Daniel Murray in the back hallway of a NorthShore Immediate Care , at 524 Main St .
But they did say Gilmartin , 34 , remained at the scene of the crime , made several “ nonsensical statements ” and admitted to striking Murray , who had Parkinson ’ s Disease and was using a walker at the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Responding officers arrived at the clinic at 7 p.m. that night and found Gilmartin in a corridor , prosecutors said .
When asked for identification , Gilmartin , allegedly said it was in a book around the corner .
As the officers followed Gilmartin , they found an unresponsive Murray lying face down on the ground with blood coming out of his ears , prosecutors said .
Gilmartin and Murray did not know each other , authorities said .
Gilmartin told investigators that he first punched the “ 70-year-old white man with a @ @ @ @ @ @ @ him to the ground , prosecutors said .
He then allegedly said he punched Murray three more times in the back of his head .
Surveillance video inside the clinic didn ’ t capture the assault , but shows Gilmartin stomping on Murray more than eight times when he was on the ground , prosecutors said .
Murray ’ s wife went to look for him when he didn ’ t come home .
She eventually identified him as paramedics placed him in an ambulance and transported him to St. Francis Hospital in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in a coma until he died on Nov. 27 , according to Evanston police .
He died from blunt force trauma and his death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
Murray served in the U.S. attorney ’ s office from 1978 to 1991 , prosecutors said .
Gilmartin was initially charged with aggravated battery .
The charges were upgraded to attempted first-degree murder on Nov. 25 and were upgraded again to first-degree murder when Murray died .
Gilmartin , of Mishawaka , Indiana , was @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Jail .
Gilmartin was sentenced to a year in prison for a 2013 residential entry and stalking conviction in Indiana .
He missed his arraignment hearing Tuesday because he was in isolation at the jail , but he is expected back in court on Dec. 18 , according to the state ’ s attorney ’ s office .

An Indiana man has been charged with first-degree murder after the 71-year-old retired attorney he allegedly punched and stomped on at an Evanston clinic died late last month.
Cook County prosecutors didn’t say what prompted Cory Gilmartin to beat Daniel Murray in the back hallway of a NorthShore Immediate Care, at 524 Main St.
But they did say Gilmartin, 34, remained at the scene of the crime, made several “nonsensical statements” and admitted to striking Murray, who had Parkinson’s disease and was using a walker at the time of the Nov. 10 attack.
Responding officers arrived at the clinic at 7 p.m. that night and found Gilmartin in a corridor, prosecutors said. When asked for identification, Gilmartin allegedly said it was in a book around the corner. As the officers followed Gilmartin, they found an unresponsive Murray lying face down on the ground with blood coming out of his ears, prosecutors said.
Cory Gilmartin Cook County sheriff’s office
Gilmartin and Murray did not know each other, authorities said.
Gilmartin told investigators that he first punched Murray, knocking him to the ground, prosecutors said. He then allegedly said he punched Murray three more times in the back of his head.
Surveillance video inside the clinic didn’t capture the initial assault but shows Gilmartin stomping on Murray more than eight times when he was on the ground, prosecutors said.
Murray’s wife went to look for him when he didn’t come home. She eventually identified him as paramedics placed him in an ambulance and transported him to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston, prosecutors said.
Murray was in a coma until he died on Nov. 27, according to Evanston police.
He died from blunt force trauma, and his death was ruled a homicide by the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Murray served in the U.S. attorney’s office from 1978 to 1991, prosecutors said.
Gilmartin was initially charged with aggravated battery. The charges were upgraded to attempted first-degree murder on Nov. 25 and were upgraded again to first-degree murder when Murray died.
Gilmartin, of Mishawaka, Indiana, was ordered held without bail at Cook County Jail.
Gilmartin was sentenced to a year in prison for a 2013 residential entry and stalking conviction in Indiana.
He missed his arraignment hearing Tuesday because he was in isolation at the jail, but he is expected back in court on Dec. 18, according to the state’s attorney’s office.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--The Mix: Music Box Theatre sing-along, Andrew Bird in concert, Pasion Latina and more things to do D

The Mix: Music Box Theatre sing-along, Andrew Bird in concert, Pasion Latina and more things to do Dec. 10-16

As we ’ re learning this holiday season , a virus can ’ t get in the way of tradition .
With that in mind , two favorite holiday movie classics are transitioning to drive-in experiences this season .
The Music Box Christmas Shows — “ It ’ s a Wonderful Life ” and “ White Christmas ” — will receive four screenings each ( Dec. 11-24 ) at Chi-Town Drive-In , 2343 S. Throop St.
There ’ s also a recorded version of the Music Box ’ s holiday sing-along with house organist Dennis Scott , the Music Box @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Claus to enjoy before the show .
Tickets : $ 41/car .
The sing-along also is available in a stream to enjoy at home , for $ 7 .
Visit musicboxtheatre.com .
For the past five years , singer-songwriter Steve Earle has gathered his performer friends for a one-night-only concert to raise money for The Keswell School , an educational program for children and young adults with autism .
This year the sixth annual benefit is a streaming event .
John Henry ’ s Friends ( the event ’ s namesake is Earle @ @ @ @ @ @ @ by Earle and his band The Dukes , Emmylou Harris , Graham Nash , Jackson Browne , Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires , Lucinda Williams and many others .
To donate and access the event at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13 , visit luck.stream/johnhenrysfriends .
The music of the Spanish-speaking world is celebrated in “ Pasión Latina , ” a virtual concert starring and hosted by soprano Ana Maria Martinez .
Performing some of their favorite music from Puerto Rico , Mexico , Cuba , Guatemala , Argentina and Spain are tenors René Barbera @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba , soprano Denis Vélez and baritone Ricardo José Rivera .
The free concert streams at 6 p.m. Dec. 13 .
Visit lyricopera.org .
The second entry in the Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage series is Isaac Gomez ’ s “ Wally World , ” presented as a two-act radio play co-directed by Gomez and Lili-Anne Brown .
In the funny and poignant play , it ’ s Christmas Eve at the superstore Wally World and employees are trying to find purpose in a place that has never seen purpose in them @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Chamberlain , Audrey Francis , Sandra Marquez and Karen Rodriguez with Danny Bernardo , Sydney Charles , Kevin Curtis , Leslie Sophia Perez , Marvin Quijada and Jacqueline Williams .
The stream is available Dec. 16-Aug. 31 .
Tickets are $ 75 and include access to all six productions in the NOW series .
Visit steppenwolf.org/now .
Spending more time outside ?
Take a stroll and check out the six new public art sculptures found on the streets of Wicker Park and Bucktown as part of this year ’ s Chicago Sculpture Exhibit @ @ @ @ @ @ @ bring art to the neighborhoods .
The pieces are Sunghee Min ’ s “ Cube Red ” ( Paulina and North ) , Christopher Newman ’ s “ Totem V ” ( Milwaukee and Damen ) , Benjamin Pierce ’ s “ Through ” ( Honore and Milwaukee ) , Charles Pilkey ’ s “ Enigma ” ( Honore and North ) , Fisher Stolz ’ s “ Raptor ” ( Cortland and Ashland ) and Jaci Willis ’ “ Dream Traveler ” ( Honore and North ) .
The sculptures remain on @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Andrew Bird ’ s annual holiday “ Gezelligheid ” concert of instrumental violin pieces is livestreamed not from his usual venue , the Fourth Presbyterian Church , but outdoors amid the mountains , oak trees and orange groves of Ojai , California .
Bird has also released his first holiday album , “ Hark !
, ” which features a mix of seasonal standards , original tunes and covers of songs by John Cale and John Prine .
The concert livestreams Dec. 13 and is available on demand until Dec. 31 .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
Usually Heather McAdams ’ annual music-inspired calendar is celebrated with a fabulous show in December at FitzGerald ’ s .
While there ’ s no show this year , nothing can stop the 2021 edition of Heather ’ s Li ’ l Not Very Country Calendar .
Each month features a musical act and they are : Nick Lowe , Bonnie Raitt , D.L .
Menard , The Residents , Tiny Tim , The Swingle Singers , Herby Remington , Janis Joplin , Dan Hicks , Francoise Hardy , J.J. Cale and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of trivia , quotes , bios and more .
Find the calendar ( $ 20 ) at Laurie ’ s Planet of Sound ( 4639 N. Lincoln ) , Burgoo ( 1736 W. Greenleaf ) and Squeezebox ( 743 Main , Evanston ) .
There is also a PayPal/mail option ( $ 27 ) ; PayPal payments to chrisligon @ hotmail.com .

Holiday classics
As we’re learning this holiday season, a virus can’t get in the way of tradition. With that in mind, two favorite holiday movie classics are transitioning to drive-in experiences this season. The Music Box Christmas Shows — “It’s a Wonderful Life” and “White Christmas” — will receive four screenings each (Dec. 11-24) at Chi-Town Drive-In, 2343 S. Throop St. There’s also a recorded version of the Music Box’s holiday sing-along with house organist Dennis Scott, the Music Box Carolers and, of course, Santa Claus to enjoy before the show. Tickets: $41/car. The sing-along also is available in a stream to enjoy at home, for $7. Visit musicboxtheatre.com.
Steve Earle Tom Bejgrowicz
A friend’s benefit
For the past five years, singer-songwriter Steve Earle has gathered his performer friends for a one-night-only concert to raise money for The Keswell School, an educational program for children and young adults with autism. This year the sixth annual benefit is a streaming event. John Henry’s Friends (the event’s namesake is Earle’s son) features virtual performances by Earle and his band The Dukes, Emmylou Harris, Graham Nash, Jackson Browne, Jason Isbell and Amanda Shires, Lucinda Williams and many others. To donate and access the event at 7:30 p.m. Dec. 13, visit luck.stream/johnhenrysfriends.
Ana Maria Martinez Kyle Flubacker
World music
The music of the Spanish-speaking world is celebrated in “Pasión Latina,” a virtual concert starring and hosted by soprano Ana Maria Martinez. Performing some of their favorite music from Puerto Rico, Mexico, Cuba, Guatemala, Argentina and Spain are tenors René Barbera, David Portillo and Mario Rojas, bass-baritone Richard Ollarsaba, soprano Denis Vélez and baritone Ricardo José Rivera. The free concert streams at 6 p.m. Dec. 13. Visit lyricopera.org.
Isaac Gomez Courtesy Steppenwolf
Finding holiday cheer
The second entry in the Steppenwolf NOW virtual stage series is Isaac Gomez’s “Wally World,” presented as a two-act radio play co-directed by Gomez and Lili-Anne Brown. In the funny and poignant play, it’s Christmas Eve at the superstore Wally World and employees are trying to find purpose in a place that has never seen purpose in them. The cast features ensemble members Cliff Chamberlain, Audrey Francis, Sandra Marquez and Karen Rodriguez with Danny Bernardo, Sydney Charles, Kevin Curtis, Leslie Sophia Perez, Marvin Quijada and Jacqueline Williams. The stream is available Dec. 16-Aug. 31. Tickets are $75 and include access to all six productions in the NOW series. Visit steppenwolf.org/now.
“Enigma” by Charles Pilkey Garrett Karp
Walking tour
Spending more time outside? Take a stroll and check out the six new public art sculptures found on the streets of Wicker Park and Bucktown as part of this year’s Chicago Sculpture Exhibit, an organization with a mission to bring art to the neighborhoods. The pieces are Sunghee Min’s “Cube Red” (Paulina and North), Christopher Newman’s “Totem V” (Milwaukee and Damen), Benjamin Pierce’s “Through” (Honore and Milwaukee), Charles Pilkey’s “Enigma” (Honore and North), Fisher Stolz’s “Raptor” (Cortland and Ashland) and Jaci Willis’ “Dream Traveler” (Honore and North). The sculptures remain on display through next summer. Visit chicagosculptureexhibit.org.
Andrew Bird Scott Dudelson/Getty Images
Bird in nature
Andrew Bird’s annual holiday “Gezelligheid” concert of instrumental violin pieces is livestreamed not from his usual venue, the Fourth Presbyterian Church, but outdoors amid the mountains, oak trees and orange groves of Ojai, California. Bird has also released his first holiday album, “Hark!,” which features a mix of seasonal standards, original tunes and covers of songs by John Cale and John Prine. The concert livestreams Dec. 13 and is available on demand until Dec. 31. Tickets: $20. Visit andrewbird.net.
Heather’s Li’l Country Calendar by Heather McAdams Provided
New year, new calendar
Usually Heather McAdams’ annual music-inspired calendar is celebrated with a fabulous show in December at FitzGerald’s. While there’s no show this year, nothing can stop the 2021 edition of Heather’s Li’l Not Very Country Calendar. Each month features a musical act and they are: Nick Lowe, Bonnie Raitt, D.L. Menard, The Residents, Tiny Tim, The Swingle Singers, Herby Remington, Janis Joplin, Dan Hicks, Francoise Hardy, J.J. Cale and The Delta Rhythm Boys plus a mix of trivia, quotes, bios and more. Find the calendar ($20) at Laurie’s Planet of Sound (4639 N. Lincoln), Burgoo (1736 W. Greenleaf) and Squeezebox (743 Main, Evanston). There is also a PayPal/mail option ($27); PayPal payments to chrisligon@hotmail.com.
Mary Houlihan is a Chicago freelance writer.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--$8 million donation to U. of C. Medicine aims to improve health care in Black communities

An $ 8 million donation from a North Chicago drugmaker is intended to reduce health care disparities in Black communities on the South Side .
AbbVie ’ s donation , announced Wednesday , will boost efforts by University of Chicago Medicine ’ s Urban Health Initiative to build relationships with community leaders and organizations , with the goal of improving the quality of care for South Side residents .
Most of the money will go toward hiring 14 community health workers who will stay connected with patients once they leave the hospital or primary care office .
Those workers will @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Care program , who help keep patients educated about their care .
“ Community health workers will be deployed to help patients in the community , and at various health centers on the South Side , navigate to the resources they need to improve their health , ” said Brenda Battle , vice president of the Urban Health Initiative .
“ They will not simply link them to services and leave them , but stay with them to get over any barriers that pop up so they can achieve wellness.
” Battle said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ some patients may forget or misunderstand what they must do after going home from the hospital .
The community health workers can make sure people continue taking their medications and following their wellness plans .
More importantly , Battle said , these workers will have the trust of patients because they will work in the communities they live in .
“ These funds allow us to provide additional support to community members that will help reduce disparities , ” Battle said , noting that the work community health workers do for patients is @ @ @ @ @ @ @ is evidence that community health workers help with health care inequities.
” The Urban Health Initiative has relied on these workers since Michelle Obama helped launch the effort in 2005 .
Battle said the Initiative was behind the Violence Recovery Program , which helps victims being treated in U. of C. Medicine ’ s trauma center .
It also created the South Side Pediatric Asthma Center after learning communities where struggling to find asthma care for their children .
The donation also allows the Urban Health Initiative to do robust data collection and @ @ @ @ @ @ @ assess the impact of its programs .
The $ 8 million donation will also let the Urban Health Initiative donate a total of $ 50,000 per year for the next five years to community-based organizations to help those groups serve more residents .
AbbVie ’ s donation to the Urban Health Initiative is part of the drugmaker ’ s $ 50 million , five-year philanthropic efforts supporting Black communities across the United States .
Karen Hale , vice president and deputy general counsel at AbbVie , leads those philanthropic efforts .
She said @ @ @ @ @ @ @ her .
As a Black woman , she said , she saw firsthand the uncertainty her grandmother felt when she left the hospital .
“ This kind of philanthropy is extremely important , and there is so much needed in the world that in some ways it is overwhelming , ” said Hale .
“ This type of philanthropy will hopefully motivate others to come and give bigger donations and recognize we can do more together than individually.
” Manny Ramos is a corps member in Report for America , a not-for-profit journalism @ @ @ @ @ @ @ of issues affecting Chicago ’ s South and West sides .

An $8 million donation from a North Chicago drugmaker is intended to reduce health care disparities in Black communities on the South Side.
AbbVie’s donation, announced Wednesday, will boost efforts by University of Chicago Medicine’s Urban Health Initiative to build relationships with community leaders and organizations, with the goal of improving the quality of care for South Side residents.
Most of the money will go toward hiring 14 community health workers who will stay connected with patients once they leave the hospital or primary care office. Those workers will be part of the new Liaison in Care program, who help keep patients educated about their care.
“Community health workers will be deployed to help patients in the community, and at various health centers on the South Side, navigate to the resources they need to improve their health,” said Brenda Battle, vice president of the Urban Health Initiative. “They will not simply link them to services and leave them, but stay with them to get over any barriers that pop up so they can achieve wellness.”
Battle said one of the biggest hurdles is that some patients may forget or misunderstand what they must do after going home from the hospital. The community health workers can make sure people continue taking their medications and following their wellness plans.
More importantly, Battle said, these workers will have the trust of patients because they will work in the communities they live in.
“These funds allow us to provide additional support to community members that will help reduce disparities,” Battle said, noting that the work community health workers do for patients is not covered by Medicaid. “There is evidence that community health workers help with health care inequities.”
The Urban Health Initiative has relied on these workers since Michelle Obama helped launch the effort in 2005.
Battle said the Initiative was behind the Violence Recovery Program, which helps victims being treated in U. of C. Medicine’s trauma center. It also created the South Side Pediatric Asthma Center after learning communities were struggling to find asthma care for their children.
The donation also allows the Urban Health Initiative to do robust data collection and evaluations to help its team of epidemiologists assess the impact of its programs.
The $8 million donation will also let the Urban Health Initiative donate a total of $50,000 per year for the next five years to community-based organizations to help those groups serve more residents.
AbbVie’s donation to the Urban Health Initiative is part of the drugmaker’s $50 million, five-year philanthropic efforts supporting Black communities across the United States.
Karen Hale, vice president and deputy general counsel at AbbVie, leads those philanthropic efforts. She said what community health workers do resonated with her. As a Black woman, she said, she saw firsthand the uncertainty her grandmother felt when she left the hospital.
“This kind of philanthropy is extremely important, and there is so much needed in the world that in some ways it is overwhelming,” said Hale. “This type of philanthropy will hopefully motivate others to come and give bigger donations and recognize we can do more together than individually.”
Manny Ramos is a corps member in Report for America, a not-for-profit journalism program that aims to bolster Sun-Times coverage of issues affecting Chicago’s South and West sides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Coronavirus Christmas? State’s top doc says keep gatherings virtual:  ‘Let’s give the gift of health

Coronavirus Christmas? State’s top doc says keep gatherings virtual:  ‘Let’s give the gift of health’

The first doses of coronavirus vaccine will likely arrive in Illinois in a few days , but not soon enough for anyone to gather safely for the holidays .
So two weeks after a Zoom Thanksgiving , the state ’ s top doctor is urging families to start planning now for their video-conference Kwanzaas , Google Hangouts Hanukkahs , Facetime Christmas tidings and other socially distant celebrations .
Chicago and other parts of the state have already seen holiday-related upticks in COVID-19 infection rates , with hospitals on Wednesday reporting their biggest one-day jump in coronavirus patients since reaching an @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ll only get worse if people let their guard down with the vaccine — and a return to normalcy — tantalizingly close , Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike warned .
“ If we ’ ve made it this far in the pandemic with the finish line starting to come into sight , you deserve for you and your family and your friends to make it all the way to the other side , ” Ezike said .
“ Let ’ s give the gift of health this holiday season .
We @ @ @ @ @ @ @ it up now.
” That means canceling travel plans , sticking to virtual celebrations and strictly limiting in-person gatherings to people in your immediate household .
“ A negative test does not give you an ‘ all clear ’ forever and ever to gather with friends and family , ” Ezike said .
For those intent on getting the family together against experts ’ pleas , groups should be kept as small as possible , for as little time as possible , and outdoors if feasible , or else with increased ventilation , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to stay on .
“ Would it kill you to wear a mask indoors ?
No , it won ’ t , but not wearing one could kill someone , ” Ezike said .
The virus killed 179 more people by Wednesday , officials said , marking the fifth-highest daily death count of the pandemic .
The latest fatalities included 61 Cook County residents and 27 more from elsewhere across the Chicago area .
Wednesday ’ s toll trails only the spring peak of 191 and the three worst days of the pandemic @ @ @ @ @ @ @ over the last week — capped by the grisly record of 238 COVID-19 deaths reported Dec. 2 .
The respiratory disease has claimed 13,666 Illinois lives since early March — about 52 lives lost each day .
At least 812,430 people have contracted the virus over the past nine months .
Recent case numbers , while still dwarfing spring figures , have suggested the state might be easing down from its record-setting autumn resurgence .
The latest 8,256 infections reported statewide were diagnosed among 92,737 tests , decreasing the average positivity rate to @ @ @ @ @ @ @ almost five weeks .
Hospital admissions had been steadily decreasing since Nov. 20 , but by Tuesday night , 5,284 Illinois hospital beds were occupied by coronavirus patients , an increase of 85 from the previous night .
That included an increase of 105 intensive care patients ( raising the total to 1,176 ) , and 21 more patients requiring ventilators ( raising that total to 647 ) .
Statewide , 596 ICU beds were still open , but only 14 of those were available for the 20 counties that make up the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the downstate Metro East region , which comprises seven counties .
The state still might not yet be feeling the full effects of Thanksgiving transmission .
Positivity rates have gradually increased in suburban Cook County and Chicago since the holiday , now up to 12.7 % and 12.8 % , respectively .
If the Pfizer vaccine receives federal approval as expected Thursday , the state is slated to receive about 109,000 doses within a few days .
The first doses will go to frontline health care workers .
“ Even with all @ @ @ @ @ @ @ right now , it will be months before vaccines are available to the general public , ” Gov .
J.B. Pritzker said .
“ So it ’ s incredibly important that we do everything in our power to temper the spread of this virus in the coming weeks and months .
”

The first doses of coronavirus vaccine will likely arrive in Illinois in a few days, but not soon enough for anyone to gather safely for the holidays.
So two weeks after a Zoom Thanksgiving, the state’s top doctor is urging families to start planning now for their video-conference Kwanzaas, Google Hangouts Hanukkahs, Facetime Christmas tidings and other socially distant celebrations.
Chicago and other parts of the state have already seen holiday-related upticks in COVID-19 infection rates, with hospitals on Wednesday reporting their biggest one-day jump in coronavirus patients since reaching an all-time high before Thanksgiving.
It’ll only get worse if people let their guard down with the vaccine — and a return to normalcy — tantalizingly close, Illinois Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike warned.
“If we’ve made it this far in the pandemic with the finish line starting to come into sight, you deserve for you and your family and your friends to make it all the way to the other side,” Ezike said. “Let’s give the gift of health this holiday season. We’ve come too far to give it up now.”
That means canceling travel plans, sticking to virtual celebrations and strictly limiting in-person gatherings to people in your immediate household.
“A negative test does not give you an ‘all clear’ forever and ever to gather with friends and family,” Ezike said.
For those intent on getting the family together against experts’ pleas, groups should be kept as small as possible, for as little time as possible, and outdoors if feasible, or else with increased ventilation, she said. And the mask has to stay on.
Illinois Department of Public Health Director Dr. Ngozi Ezike during a daily COVID-19 update last month. Anthony Vazquez/Sun-Times file
“Would it kill you to wear a mask indoors? No, it won’t, but not wearing one could kill someone,” Ezike said.
The virus killed 179 more people by Wednesday, officials said, marking the fifth-highest daily death count of the pandemic. The latest fatalities included 61 Cook County residents and 27 more from elsewhere across the Chicago area.
Wednesday’s toll trails only the spring peak of 191 and the three worst days of the pandemic, all of which have been tallied over the last week — capped by the grisly record of 238 COVID-19 deaths reported Dec. 2.
The respiratory disease has claimed 13,666 Illinois lives since early March — about 52 lives lost each day. At least 812,430 people have contracted the virus over the past nine months.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
Recent case numbers, while still dwarfing spring figures, have suggested the state might be easing down from its record-setting autumn resurgence. The latest 8,256 infections reported statewide were diagnosed among 92,737 tests, decreasing the average positivity rate to 9.6%, its lowest point in almost five weeks.
Hospital admissions had been steadily decreasing since Nov. 20, but by Tuesday night, 5,284 Illinois hospital beds were occupied by coronavirus patients, an increase of 85 from the previous night. That included an increase of 105 intensive care patients (raising the total to 1,176), and 21 more patients requiring ventilators (raising that total to 647).
Statewide, 596 ICU beds were still open, but only 14 of those were available for the 20 counties that make up the southern Illinois region. Eighteen were available in the downstate Metro East region, which comprises seven counties.
Graph not displaying properly? Click here.
The state still might not yet be feeling the full effects of Thanksgiving transmission. Positivity rates have gradually increased in suburban Cook County and Chicago since the holiday, now up to 12.7% and 12.8%, respectively.
If the Pfizer vaccine receives federal approval as expected Thursday, the state is slated to receive about 109,000 doses within a few days. The first doses will go to frontline health care workers.
“Even with all the well deserved excitement around a vaccine right now, it will be months before vaccines are available to the general public,” Gov. J.B. Pritzker said. “So it’s incredibly important that we do everything in our power to temper the spread of this virus in the coming weeks and months.”


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--Hunter Biden tax probe examining Chinese business dealings

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department ’ s investigation scrutinizing Hunter Biden ’ s taxes has been examining some of his Chinese business dealings , among other financial transactions , a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Wednesday .
The investigation was launched in 2018 , a year before his father , Joe Biden , announced his candidacy for the presidency , but it isn ’ t clear which entities might be tied up in the probe .
Hunter Biden has a history of international affairs and business dealings in a number of countries .
The revelation @ @ @ @ @ @ @ about his financial dealings that dogged his father ’ s successful White House campaign .
Federal investigators served a round of subpoenas on Tuesday , including for Hunter Biden , according to another person familiar with the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing probe .
The tax investigation centers on his business dealings , the person said .
Investigators did not reach out in the weeks prior to the election because of a Justice Department policy surrounding elections that prohibits overt investigative acts , one of the people @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the president-elect ’ s transition office , Hunter Biden said he learned about the investigation on Tuesday , but he did not disclose specifics about what was being scrutinized .
“ I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately , including with the benefit of professional tax advisors , ” he said in a statement .
He has long been a target of President Donald Trump and his allies , who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ connections .
Trump and his supporters also raised unsubstantiated charges of corruption related to Hunter Biden ’ s work in Ukraine at the time his father was vice president and leading the Obama administration ’ s dealings with the Eastern European nation .
The disclosure of the federal investigation , led by the U.S. attorney ’ s office in Delaware , comes at an awkward moment for the incoming president , who is assembling his Cabinet .
His pick for attorney general could have oversight of the investigation into the new president ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ when Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20 .
The transition team said in a statement : “ President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son , who has fought through difficult challenges , including the vicious personal attacks of recent months , only to emerge stronger.
” The probe could also add to the scrutiny of Biden ’ s handling of China .
Trump took a tough line on China during the campaign as he tried to deflect blame for the coronavirus and accused Biden of being weak .
Biden has rejected @ @ @ @ @ @ @ he would rebuild global coalitions to check China ’ s power .
Biden ’ s younger son has been caught up in controversies before .
While his father was vice president , Hunter joined the Naval Reserve only to be discharged after testing positive for cocaine in his system , later revealing a yearslong struggle with addiction .
He also joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma in 2014 , sparking concerns about the perceptions of a conflict of interest given the elder Biden was deeply involved in U.S. policy toward Ukraine @ @ @ @ @ @ @ identify any policies that were directly affected by Hunter Biden ’ s work .
In the weeks before the election , Trump supporters used the existence of a laptop they said was connected to Hunter Biden — and the emergence of someone who maintains he had business discussions with him — to raise questions about Joe Biden ’ s knowledge of his son ’ s activities in Ukraine and China .
The president-elect has said he did not discuss his son ’ s international business dealings with him and has denied having ever @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The laptop surfaced publicly in October when The New York Post reported on emails that it said had come from Hunter Biden ’ s laptop and that it said it received from Rudy Giuliani , Trump ’ s personal lawyer .
A third person familiar with the matter said the tax investigation does not have anything to do with the laptop .
Like the other people who spoke to the AP , the person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity .
In a CNN interview @ @ @ @ @ @ @ business dealings of his son Hunter and his brothers , pledging that they would avoid any perceived conflicts of interest during his time in office .
“ My son , my family will not be involved in any business , any enterprise that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict , where there ’ s appropriate distance from the presidency and government , ” Biden said .
Lemire reported from Wilmington , Del .
Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report .

WASHINGTON — The Justice Department’s investigation scrutinizing Hunter Biden’s taxes has been examining some of his Chinese business dealings, among other financial transactions, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Wednesday.
The investigation was launched in 2018, a year before his father, Joe Biden, announced his candidacy for the presidency, but it isn’t clear which entities might be tied up in the probe. Hunter Biden has a history of international affairs and business dealings in a number of countries. The revelation puts a renewed spotlight on the questions about his financial dealings that dogged his father’s successful White House campaign.
Federal investigators served a round of subpoenas on Tuesday, including for Hunter Biden, according to another person familiar with the investigation who spoke on condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing probe. The tax investigation centers on his business dealings, the person said.
Investigators did not reach out in the weeks prior to the election because of a Justice Department policy surrounding elections that prohibits overt investigative acts, one of the people said.
In a statement released by the president-elect’s transition office, Hunter Biden said he learned about the investigation on Tuesday, but he did not disclose specifics about what was being scrutinized.
“I take this matter very seriously but I am confident that a professional and objective review of these matters will demonstrate that I handled my affairs legally and appropriately, including with the benefit of professional tax advisors,” he said in a statement.
He has long been a target of President Donald Trump and his allies, who have accused him of profiting off his political connections. Trump and his supporters also raised unsubstantiated charges of corruption related to Hunter Biden’s work in Ukraine at the time his father was vice president and leading the Obama administration’s dealings with the Eastern European nation.
The disclosure of the federal investigation, led by the U.S. attorney’s office in Delaware, comes at an awkward moment for the incoming president, who is assembling his Cabinet. His pick for attorney general could have oversight of the investigation into the new president’s son if it is still ongoing when Biden is sworn in on Jan. 20.
The transition team said in a statement: “President-elect Biden is deeply proud of his son, who has fought through difficult challenges, including the vicious personal attacks of recent months, only to emerge stronger.”
The probe could also add to the scrutiny of Biden’s handling of China. Trump took a tough line on China during the campaign as he tried to deflect blame for the coronavirus and accused Biden of being weak. Biden has rejected this, saying that unlike Trump, he would rebuild global coalitions to check China’s power.
Biden’s younger son has been caught up in controversies before. While his father was vice president, Hunter joined the Naval Reserve only to be discharged after testing positive for cocaine in his system, later revealing a yearslong struggle with addiction.
He also joined the board of Ukrainian energy company Burisma in 2014, sparking concerns about the perceptions of a conflict of interest given the elder Biden was deeply involved in U.S. policy toward Ukraine. A Republican-led Senate investigation did not identify any policies that were directly affected by Hunter Biden’s work.
In the weeks before the election, Trump supporters used the existence of a laptop they said was connected to Hunter Biden — and the emergence of someone who maintains he had business discussions with him — to raise questions about Joe Biden’s knowledge of his son’s activities in Ukraine and China. The president-elect has said he did not discuss his son’s international business dealings with him and has denied having ever taken money from a foreign country.
The laptop surfaced publicly in October when The New York Post reported on emails that it said had come from Hunter Biden’s laptop and that it said it received from Rudy Giuliani, Trump’s personal lawyer.
A third person familiar with the matter said the tax investigation does not have anything to do with the laptop. Like the other people who spoke to the AP, the person was not authorized to discuss the matter publicly and spoke on condition of anonymity.
In a CNN interview last week, President-elect Biden addressed the business dealings of his son Hunter and his brothers, pledging that they would avoid any perceived conflicts of interest during his time in office.
“My son, my family will not be involved in any business, any enterprise that is in conflict with or appears to be in conflict, where there’s appropriate distance from the presidency and government,” Biden said.
___
Lemire reported from Wilmington, Del. Associated Press writer Zeke Miller in Washington contributed to this report.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-09--8 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

8 shot, 2 fatally, Tuesday in Chicago

Eight people were shot , two of them fatally , Tuesday in Chicago , including a 41-year-old man who was killed by two gunmen as he approached a car in Lawndale on the West Side .
The man was standing on a sidewalk about 8:10 a.m. in the 2700 block of West Harrison Street , when a gray car pulled up , and he walked toward it , Chicago police said .
That ’ s when two people inside the car shot him in the chest before driving away .
The 41-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital , where he @ @ @ @ @ @ @ was shot to death Tuesday evening in Englewood on the South Side .
About 5:15 p.m. , he was standing outside a home in the 7300 block of South Stewart Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain , Chicago police said .
James Wilcox was struck multiple times in the body , according to the Cook County medical examiner ’ s office .
Police said he died at the University of Chicago Medical Center .
In non-fatal shootings , a 17-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were wounded in separate shootings in @ @ @ @ @ @ @ boy was walking on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue , when he heard shots and felt a pain , police said .
He was struck in the left arm and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in good condition .
At the same time , a 31-year-old man was driving on the same block when someone fired shots at him from the street , police said .
He was struck in the left leg and taken to Mt .
Sinai Hospital in serious condition .
The two shootings @ @ @ @ @ @ @ A 31-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery Tuesday evening in Austin on the West Side .
He was on the sidewalk about 6:40 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone approached him , pulled out a gun and demanded his property , police said .
The man tried to flee and the suspect opened fire , striking him in the abdomen .
He was taken to Stroger Hospital , where his condition was stabilized .
In Rogers Park , a person was wounded in a shootout with @ @ @ @ @ @ @ on the North Side .
Officers conducting a follow-up investigation on a domestic violence incident stopped a suspect ’ s vehicle about 4:56 p.m. in the 6900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue , according to preliminary information from police .
A male got out of the vehicle and fired shots at the officers .
The officers returned fire , striking the male .
He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in serious-to-critical condition , according to Chicago fire officials .
Earlier Tuesday afternoon , another person was wounded in a shooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ towards a car about 4:20 p.m. in the 4800 block of West Kamerling Avenue when someone opened fire , striking him in the leg , police said .
He was taken to West Suburban Medical Center , where his condition was stabilized .
In the day ’ s first reported shooting , a 19-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in Humboldt Park on the West Side .
About 2 p.m. , officers responded to a call of a shooting and found the man inside a home in the 3300 block of @ @ @ @ @ @ @ He was taken to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest .
Eight people were shot and two killed Monday in Chicago as well .
Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

Eight people were shot, two of them fatally, Tuesday in Chicago, including a 41-year-old man who was killed by two gunmen as he approached a car in Lawndale on the West Side.
The man was standing on a sidewalk about 8:10 a.m. in the 2700 block of West Harrison Street, when a gray car pulled up, and he walked toward it, Chicago police said. That’s when two people inside the car shot him in the chest before driving away. The 41-year-old was taken to Stroger Hospital, where he was pronounced dead.
A 27-year-old man was shot to death Tuesday evening in Englewood on the South Side.
About 5:15 p.m., he was standing outside a home in the 7300 block of South Stewart Avenue when he heard shots and felt pain, Chicago police said. James Wilcox was struck multiple times in the body, according to the Cook County medical examiner’s office. Police said he died at the University of Chicago Medical Center.
In non-fatal shootings, a 17-year-old boy and a 31-year-old man were wounded in separate shootings in Lawndale.
About 10:10 p.m., the boy was walking on the sidewalk in the 800 block of South Karlov Avenue, when he heard shots and felt a pain, police said. He was struck in the left arm and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in good condition.
At the same time, a 31-year-old man was driving on the same block when someone fired shots at him from the street, police said. He was struck in the left leg and taken to Mt. Sinai Hospital in serious condition. The two shootings are not believed to be related.
A 31-year-old man was shot during an attempted robbery Tuesday evening in Austin on the West Side.
He was on the sidewalk about 6:40 p.m. in the 5000 block of West Jackson Boulevard when someone approached him, pulled out a gun and demanded his property, police said. The man tried to flee and the suspect opened fire, striking him in the abdomen. He was taken to Stroger Hospital, where his condition was stabilized.
In Rogers Park, a person was wounded in a shootout with Chicago police Tuesday afternoon in Rogers Park on the North Side.
Officers conducting a follow-up investigation on a domestic violence incident stopped a suspect’s vehicle about 4:56 p.m. in the 6900 block of North Ravenswood Avenue, according to preliminary information from police. A male got out of the vehicle and fired shots at the officers. The officers returned fire, striking the male. He was taken to St. Francis Hospital in Evanston in serious-to-critical condition, according to Chicago fire officials.
Earlier Tuesday afternoon, another person was wounded in a shooting in Austin.
The 29-year-old was walking towards a car about 4:20 p.m. in the 4800 block of West Kamerling Avenue when someone opened fire, striking him in the leg, police said. He was taken to West Suburban Medical Center, where his condition was stabilized.
In the day’s first reported shooting, a 19-year-old man was critically wounded in a shooting in Humboldt Park on the West Side.
About 2 p.m., officers responded to a call of a shooting and found the man inside a home in the 3300 block of West Thomas Street, police said. He was taken to Stroger Hospital with a gunshot wound to his chest.
Eight people were shot and two killed Monday in Chicago as well.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-10--Man fatally shot inside his home in Burnside: police

A 39-year-old man was fatally shot Thursday inside his home in Burnside on the South Side .
He was inside @ @ @ @ @ block of East 89th Street about 5:35 a.m. , when three males entered and fired @ @ @ @ @ .
He was struck in his left buttocks , once in his lower right abdomen @ @ @ @ @ back , police said .
The man was rushed to Trinity Hospital where he was @ @ @ @ @ County medical examiner ’ s office has not yet identified him .
Area Two detectives @ @ @ @ @ Read more on crime , and track the city ’ s homicides .

A 39-year-old man was fatally shot Thursday inside his home in Burnside on the South Side.
Darnell Mack was inside his home in the 500 block of East 89th Street about 5:35 a.m., when three males entered and fired shots, according to Chicago police and the Cook County medical examiner’s office.
Mack was struck in his left buttocks, once in his lower right abdomen and once in his lower back, police said. He was rushed to Trinity Hospital where he was pronounced dead.
An autopsy said Mack died of his injuries, and ruled his death a homicide, according to the medical examiner’s office.
Area Two detectives are investigating the shooting.
Read more on crime, and track the city’s homicides.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-10--At 15, Isamary Medina is putting her Puerto Rican culture on display through music

Originally from Puerto Rico , Medina has built a special connection to her homeland through music .
The 15-year-old Jones College Prep freshman , who now resides on the North Side of Chicago in the North Center neighborhood , is grateful her mother introduced her to the cuatro eight years ago .
“ She took me to this place and the first thing I told my mom was that I already play guitar , ” Medina explains .
“ But as soon as I picked up the cuatro I fell in love with the way the fingers move.
” Medina @ @ @ @ @ @ @ would get if a guitar and violin had a baby , but the sound is much more like a mandolin that has 10 strings .
“ The instrument is originally from Puerto Rico and used a lot in Ibero music , ” Medina says .
“ It ’ s used for traditional and party music and is just an overall instrument in Puerto Rican music.
” Medina initially started learning the guitar because her father played .
From there , she decided to try out the cuatro , which she now plays as @ @ @ @ @ @ @ Puerto Rican Art Alliance .
The Alliance was created by Carlos Hernandez as a program where children could learn the violin , guitar and cuatro .
Medina is part of the Alliance ’ s main ensemble .
“ Our mission is to find music from other backgrounds and give a little Latin twist to it , ” Medina says .
“ I used to practice with my ensemble twice a week , but now because of COVID it ’ s down to once a week.
” The coronavirus pandemic has created several challenges @ @ @ @ @ @ @ It is really hard to be six feet apart and wearing masks , ” Medina explains .
“ You can ’ t make jokes the same way because people are so scattered .
It ’ s not great , but at least I get to see [ the ensemble ] and that ’ s all I care about.
” Medina ’ s fellow musicians have become family to her throughout the years , offering her social and emotional support in addition to the space she needs to freely express herself through her craft @ @ @ @ @ @ @ motivated during COVID-19 .
In addition to her Alliance family , Medina ’ s mother is her biggest supporter .
“ She is always in the crowd and cheering me on , ” she says .
Medina recalls one of her most memorable moments performing with her mother in the audience watching .
“ It was a couple of years ago when Puerto Rico went through some pretty high-category hurricanes , ” Medina says .
“ It was the kickoff to the National Cuatro Festival and I had to sing the song called @ @ @ @ @ @ @ remember singing and having to choke back on the words .
I had to push through and I saw my mom give me a face .
It was the first time I genuinely felt what I was signing.
” Medina ’ s experiences in Chicago have also inspired her music .
“ We have such a rich history of music , and when I think about performing in places like Millennium Park , I just think , wow , I get to do what I love in the place I live , ” @ @ @ @ @ @ @ younger musicians , especially in Chicago , to be aware of this as well — and to keep practicing no matter what .
“ If I had to give advice to younger kids , I would say you just have to do it , ” Medina explains .
“ Your fingers are going to hurt .
It ’ s going to be terrible at first and you are going to want to cry because you can ’ t learn a song .
But as long as you love it , it doesn ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ because it ’ s going to be great either way.
” She hopes to take this approach and attitude and apply it throughout her ongoing musical journey .
“ My dreams of being a musician in the future is what I do with the ensemble now , ” Medina says .
“ I want to be able to take any song and just give it a little Latin twist .
I want to eventually be able to teach my children that this [ cuatro ] is our instrument , this is our culture @ @ @ @ @ @ @ embrace.
” Francesca Gattuso is a writer for the Sun-Times marketing department .

Playing the Puerto Rican cuatro makes Isamary Medina proud.
Originally from Puerto Rico, Medina has built a special connection to her homeland through music.
The 15-year-old Jones College Prep freshman, who now resides on the North Side of Chicago in the North Center neighborhood, is grateful her mother introduced her to the cuatro eight years ago.
“She took me to this place and the first thing I told my mom was that I already play guitar,” Medina explains. “But as soon as I picked up the cuatro I fell in love with the way the fingers move.”
Medina describes the cuatro as the instrument you would get if a guitar and violin had a baby, but the sound is much more like a mandolin that has 10 strings.
“The instrument is originally from Puerto Rico and used a lot in Ibero music,” Medina says. “It’s used for traditional and party music and is just an overall instrument in Puerto Rican music.”
Medina initially started learning the guitar because her father played. From there, she decided to try out the cuatro, which she now plays as a member of an ensemble at the Puerto Rican Art Alliance.
The Alliance was created by Carlos Hernandez as a program where children could learn the violin, guitar and cuatro. Medina is part of the Alliance’s main ensemble.
“Our mission is to find music from other backgrounds and give a little Latin twist to it,” Medina says. “I used to practice with my ensemble twice a week, but now because of COVID it’s down to once a week.”
The coronavirus pandemic has created several challenges for Medina as a musician.
“It is really hard to be six feet apart and wearing masks,” Medina explains. “You can’t make jokes the same way because people are so scattered. It’s not great, but at least I get to see [the ensemble] and that’s all I care about.”
Allstate Rising Star Isamary Medina. Brian Ernst/Sun-Times
Medina’s fellow musicians have become family to her throughout the years, offering her social and emotional support in addition to the space she needs to freely express herself through her craft. This encouragement has helped her stay motivated during COVID-19.
In addition to her Alliance family, Medina’s mother is her biggest supporter. “She is always in the crowd and cheering me on,” she says.
Medina recalls one of her most memorable moments performing with her mother in the audience watching.
“It was a couple of years ago when Puerto Rico went through some pretty high-category hurricanes,” Medina says. “It was the kickoff to the National Cuatro Festival and I had to sing the song called En Vivo San Juan, and I remember singing and having to choke back on the words. I had to push through and I saw my mom give me a face. It was the first time I genuinely felt what I was signing.”
Medina’s experiences in Chicago have also inspired her music.
“We have such a rich history of music, and when I think about performing in places like Millennium Park, I just think, wow, I get to do what I love in the place I live,” Medina says.
The teen musician wants younger musicians, especially in Chicago, to be aware of this as well — and to keep practicing no matter what.
“If I had to give advice to younger kids, I would say you just have to do it,” Medina explains. “Your fingers are going to hurt. It’s going to be terrible at first and you are going to want to cry because you can’t learn a song. But as long as you love it, it doesn’t matter how much time it takes because it’s going to be great either way.”
She hopes to take this approach and attitude and apply it throughout her ongoing musical journey.
“My dreams of being a musician in the future is what I do with the ensemble now,” Medina says. “I want to be able to take any song and just give it a little Latin twist. I want to eventually be able to teach my children that this [cuatro] is our instrument, this is our culture and this is what we have to embrace.”
Francesca Gattuso is a writer for the Sun-Times marketing department.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-10--Dear Abby: Fiancee insists I replace my big home with a bigger one

DEAR ABBY : My fiancee , “ Diane , ” and her two sons live in a nice home .
I also have a nice home , newly constructed .
It ’ s located 1,200 miles away , near my parents , my son and my job .
Diane currently has no job nor family within 500 miles of her town .
Her boys ’ father ( whom she shares custody with ) lives within 50 miles of me .
My job and the custody arrangement for my son preclude me from living where Diane does .
Together , she @ @ @ @ @ @ @ The spacious five-bedroom house I own is more than adequate .
Diane has made clear that if I sell my home and buy my neighbor ’ s , which is a larger seven-bedroom manor , she will be on the next flight .
If not , she won ’ t leave .
We could buy the manor with cash if I sell my home and she sold hers and put her savings into the purchase , but she doesn ’ t want to use her savings .
Diane is my everything , but @ @ @ @ @ @ @ chasing a dream .
I worry that if I ’ m not enough , will I be enough when I own a manor ?
— IT ’ S COMPLICATED DEAR IT ’ S COMPLICATED : I ’ m proud of you .
You are seeing things clearly , which is unusual when emotions are involved .
It appears your dream girl , the fair Diane , is attempting to blackmail you .
If she can ’ t be the “ lady of the manor , ” she ’ s not interested in uprooting @ @ @ @ @ @ @ to her now , do not do it without an ironclad prenuptial agreement .
Please stay strong , because if you don ’ t , you may regret it for a long time .
DEAR ABBY : My sisters and I are beside ourselves trying to deal with our 90-year-old mother .
She doesn ’ t live in the same state as any relatives .
She needs help paying bills , managing money , personal hygiene , taking medication and understanding things she reads .
She refuses to give anyone power of attorney @ @ @ @ @ @ @ health care directive .
She claims she ’ s not going to die .
At the very least , she likely has some form of dementia .
We want nothing more than to protect her interests , but our hands are tied .
We have all spoken to her about the situation , but she insists that no one is going to tell her what to do .
Any advice would be greatly appreciated .
— JUST TRYING TO HELP HER DEAR JUST TRYING : Believe me , you have my sympathy .
@ @ @ @ @ @ @ do , perhaps it ’ s time to reframe the conversation .
Ask her what she would like done in the event of an emergency .
Does she want “ extraordinary measures ” taken , such as CPR , and exactly what that means — a defibrillator , dialysis , treatment in an intensive care unit .
Explain what all of them entail in detail .
You should also ask , in a separate conversation , if she wants “ the state ” to take a chunk of her assets and decide FOR @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , or whether she would prefer to make her wishes clear while she ’ s still able .
Point out that NO ONE lives forever .
If your mother is really as demented as you fear she is , you may need the help of a social worker to ensure that she ’ s getting proper care .
Failure to do that could be considered elder abuse .
TO MY READERS : The eight days of Hanukkah begin at sundown .
( A bit early this year ! )
Happy Hanukkah , everyone @ @ @ @ @ @ @ all of us .
— Love , ABBY Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren , also known as Jeanne Phillips , and was founded by her mother , Pauline Phillips .
Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O .
Box 69440 , Los Angeles , CA 90069 .
For everything you need to know about wedding planning , order “ How to Have a Lovely Wedding.
” Send your name and mailing address , plus check or money order for $ 8 ( U.S. funds ) , to : Dear Abby @ @ @ @ @ @ @ 447 , Mount Morris , IL 61054-0447 .
( Shipping and handling are included in the price . )

DEAR ABBY: My fiancee, “Diane,” and her two sons live in a nice home. I also have a nice home, newly constructed. It’s located 1,200 miles away, near my parents, my son and my job. Diane currently has no job nor family within 500 miles of her town. Her boys’ father (whom she shares custody with) lives within 50 miles of me. My job and the custody arrangement for my son preclude me from living where Diane does.
Together, she and I would have three sons. The spacious five-bedroom house I own is more than adequate. Diane has made clear that if I sell my home and buy my neighbor’s, which is a larger seven-bedroom manor, she will be on the next flight. If not, she won’t leave. We could buy the manor with cash if I sell my home and she sold hers and put her savings into the purchase, but she doesn’t want to use her savings.
Diane is my everything, but it feels like I may just be chasing a dream. I worry that if I’m not enough, will I be enough when I own a manor? — IT’S COMPLICATED
DEAR IT’S COMPLICATED: I’m proud of you. You are seeing things clearly, which is unusual when emotions are involved. It appears your dream girl, the fair Diane, is attempting to blackmail you. If she can’t be the “lady of the manor,” she’s not interested in uprooting her life. If you give in to her now, do not do it without an ironclad prenuptial agreement. Please stay strong, because if you don’t, you may regret it for a long time.
DEAR ABBY: My sisters and I are beside ourselves trying to deal with our 90-year-old mother. She doesn’t live in the same state as any relatives. She needs help paying bills, managing money, personal hygiene, taking medication and understanding things she reads. She refuses to give anyone power of attorney over her finances or to create a health care directive. She claims she’s not going to die.
At the very least, she likely has some form of dementia. We want nothing more than to protect her interests, but our hands are tied. We have all spoken to her about the situation, but she insists that no one is going to tell her what to do. Any advice would be greatly appreciated. — JUST TRYING TO HELP HER
DEAR JUST TRYING: Believe me, you have my sympathy. Instead of telling your mother what to do, perhaps it’s time to reframe the conversation.
Ask her what she would like done in the event of an emergency. Does she want “extraordinary measures” taken, such as CPR, and exactly what that means — a defibrillator, dialysis, treatment in an intensive care unit. Explain what all of them entail in detail. You should also ask, in a separate conversation, if she wants “the state” to take a chunk of her assets and decide FOR her to whom they should be distributed, or whether she would prefer to make her wishes clear while she’s still able. Point out that NO ONE lives forever.
If your mother is really as demented as you fear she is, you may need the help of a social worker to ensure that she’s getting proper care. Failure to do that could be considered elder abuse.
TO MY READERS: The eight days of Hanukkah begin at sundown. (A bit early this year!) Happy Hanukkah, everyone! A joyous Festival of Lights to all of us. — Love, ABBY
Dear Abby is written by Abigail Van Buren, also known as Jeanne Phillips, and was founded by her mother, Pauline Phillips. Contact Dear Abby at www.DearAbby.com or P.O. Box 69440, Los Angeles, CA 90069.
For everything you need to know about wedding planning, order “How to Have a Lovely Wedding.” Send your name and mailing address, plus check or money order for $8 (U.S. funds), to: Dear Abby, Wedding Booklet, P.O. Box 447, Mount Morris, IL 61054-0447. (Shipping and handling are included in the price.)


chicagosun-times--2020-12-10--‘I’m Your Woman’: Rachel Brosnahan stuns as another marvelous Mrs. — an endangered mom on the run

When you ’ re as marvelous and memorable as Rachel Brosnahan is as Mrs. Maisel , there ’ s a risk of being typecast in what might be the role of a lifetime — but in the skillfully crafted 1970s period piece drama/thriller “ I ’ m Your Woman , ” the Highland Park High alum immediately disappears into her role as a disconnected housewife who finds herself on the run with an infant because her career criminal husband was in the worst of places at the worst possible time .
It is a wondrous performance to behold , reminiscent @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ladies such as Jill Clayburgh and Ellen Burstyn .
On the surface , “ I ’ m Your Woman ” might sound like a conventional crime story , with the main character rousted awake in the middle of the night to go into hiding and try to stay one step ahead of the very bad men with guns who would like a word or two .
But imagine if “ Goodfellas ” had been told primarily from Karen Hill ’ s P.O.V .
as opposed to husband Henry ’ s .
That ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ say , for “ I ’ m Your Woman.
” We ’ re in the Pittsburgh area in the early 1970s , where Brosnahan ’ s Jean is lazing about in the backyard in a booze-soaked backyard ennui , lamenting in voice-over about the state of her life : “ Eddie and Jean met and fell in love .
Eddie and Jean got married and bought a house .
Eddie and Jean were going to have a kid but didn ’ t. ” It ’ s eventually revealed Jean has had more than @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the dream of having a child — and that ’ s when her husband Eddie ( Bill Heck ) comes home with a baby in his arms and tells Jean , “ It ’ s all worked out .
He ’ s our baby.
” What ’ s the point in asking any questions , when Jean knows she doesn ’ t want to know the answers ?
Eddie comes and goes as he pleases , meeting with his shady associates upstairs while Jean struggles with making eggs and tending to baby Harry @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in the kitchen , which is bathed in those memorably and borderline terrible 1970s shades of brown and yellow .
All is well , if not normal — until the night when Eddie isn ’ t home , and Eddie ’ s friend Jimmy comes bursting in the house and tells Jean she ’ s got to leave with the baby , NOW , and here ’ s $ 200,000 and she should give $ 20,000 to the associate of Eddie ’ s who ’ s waiting outside to take her someplace safe @ @ @ @ @ @ @ ” shifts gears and becomes a rain-soaked noir as Jean and Eddie ’ s former friend and associate Cal ( Arinze Kene in a powerful performance ) go on the lam , with a crying baby Harry in tow .
With pop tunes such as “ Glad and Sorry ” by Faces and “ Follow ” by Richie Havens on the soundtrack and the production design and costume teams doing a first-rate job of keeping us ensconced in a time period where you made calls by landline and it ’ s not so @ @ @ @ @ @ @ in plain sight , “ I ’ m Your Woman ” alternates between quiet , dialogue-driven moments in which Jean learns increasingly darker truths about Eddie , and sudden bursts of violence .
Not everyone is getting out of this story alive or intact .
( In one perfectly constructed sequence , Jean has taken residence in a quiet house on a suburban street and is hosting a dinner for nosy but ostensibly harmless neighbor named Evelyn — expertly played by Marceline Hugot — when Evelyn slips and say something that sets off @ @ @ @ @ @ @ possible this matronly , mousy lady is a hired killer ?
No , it can ’ t be .
Or can it ? )
Julia Hart directed one of my favorite movies of the 2010s in “ Fast Color , ” and if you haven ’ t seen it please do and I believe you ’ ll thank me .
With “ I ’ m Your Woman , ” Hart ( who co-wrote the nomination-level screenplay with her husband , Jordan Horowitz ) solidifies her standing as a filmmaker with something to say @ @ @ @ @ @ @ arresting way of saying it .
With spare and precise dialogue that often sounds inspired by Dashiell Hammett , a labyrinthine story with a few heart-stopping twists and pitch-perfect performances by Brosnahan and the supporting cast , this is one of the best movies of the year .

“I’m a terrible cook.”
“You feed your family yeah? Then you’re the world’s greatest cook.” – Exchange between two mothers in “I’m Your Woman.”
When you’re as marvelous and memorable as Rachel Brosnahan is as Mrs. Maisel, there’s a risk of being typecast in what might be the role of a lifetime — but in the skillfully crafted 1970s period piece drama/thriller “I’m Your Woman,” the Highland Park High alum immediately disappears into her role as a disconnected housewife who finds herself on the run with an infant because her career criminal husband was in the worst of places at the worst possible time. It is a wondrous performance to behold, reminiscent of 1970s work by great character actors/leading ladies such as Jill Clayburgh and Ellen Burstyn.
‘I’m Your Woman’
Untitled Amazon Studios presents a film directed by Julia Hart and written by Hart and Jordan Horowitz. Rated R (for violence and language). Running time: 120 minutes. Available Friday on Amazon Prime.
On the surface, “I’m Your Woman” might sound like a conventional crime story, with the main character rousted awake in the middle of the night to go into hiding and try to stay one step ahead of the very bad men with guns who would like a word or two. But imagine if “Goodfellas” had been told primarily from Karen Hill’s P.O.V. as opposed to husband Henry’s. That’s the elevator pitch, as they say, for “I’m Your Woman.”
We’re in the Pittsburgh area in the early 1970s, where Brosnahan’s Jean is lazing about in the backyard in a booze-soaked backyard ennui, listening to “I Wouldn’t Be Surprised” by Bobbi Gentry and lamenting in voice-over about the state of her life: “Eddie and Jean met and fell in love. Eddie and Jean got married and bought a house. Eddie and Jean were going to have a kid but didn’t.”
It’s eventually revealed Jean has had more than one miscarriage and has given up on the dream of having a child — and that’s when her husband Eddie (Bill Heck), who looks a little like 1970s Clint Eastwood and carries a hint of menace about him even when he’s smiling and being ever so polite, comes home with a baby in his arms and tells Jean, “It’s all worked out. He’s our baby.” The stunned Jean asks what his name is, and Eddie replies in the same even tones that it would be up to her, because that’s HER baby. What’s the point in asking any questions, when Jean knows she doesn’t want to know the answers?
Eddie comes and goes as he pleases, meeting with his shady associates upstairs while Jean struggles with making eggs and tending to baby Harry (she just liked that name) in the kitchen, which is bathed in those memorably and borderline terrible 1970s shades of brown and yellow. All is well, if not normal — until the night when Eddie isn’t home, and Eddie’s friend Jimmy comes bursting in the house and tells Jean she’s got to leave with the baby, NOW, and here’s $200,000 and she should give $20,000 to the associate of Eddie’s who’s waiting outside to take her someplace safe.
Arinze Kene is powerful as a former friend of Jean’s husband who aids in her escape. Amazon Video
Eddie remains a pivotal character throughout the story — but as an offscreen presence whose actions have had a ripple effect on multiple lives. “I’m Your Woman” shifts gears and becomes a rain-soaked noir as Jean and Eddie’s former friend and associate Cal (Arinze Kene in a powerful performance) go on the lam, with a crying baby Harry in tow.
With pop tunes such as “Glad and Sorry” by Faces and “Follow” by Richie Havens on the soundtrack and the production design and costume teams doing a first-rate job of keeping us ensconced in a time period where you made calls by landline and it’s not so easy to find someone who is hiding in plain sight, “I’m Your Woman” alternates between quiet, dialogue-driven moments in which Jean learns increasingly darker truths about Eddie, and sudden bursts of violence. Along the way, we meet Cal’s wife, Teri (Marsha Stephanie Blake in a raw and authentic performance), who becomes a pivotal player in the proceedings; like Jean, she has been through the wringer and then some, and like Jean, she has innate survival instincts.
But not everyone is getting out of this story alive or intact. (In one perfectly constructed sequence, Jean has taken residence in a quiet house on a suburban street and is hosting a dinner for nosy but ostensibly harmless neighbor named Evelyn — expertly played by Marceline Hugot — when Evelyn slips and say something that sets off alarm bells for Jean. Is it possible this matronly, mousy lady is a hired killer? No, it can’t be. Or can it?)
Julia Hart directed one of my favorite movies of the 2010s in “Fast Color,” and if you haven’t seen it please do and I believe you’ll thank me. With “I’m Your Woman,” Hart (who co-wrote the nomination-level screenplay with her husband, Jordan Horowitz) solidifies her standing as a filmmaker with something to say and a stylish, literary, visually arresting way of saying it. With spare and precise dialogue that often sounds inspired by Dashiell Hammett, a labyrinthine story with a few heart-stopping twists and pitch-perfect performances by Brosnahan and the supporting cast, this is one of the best movies of the year.


chicagosun-times--2020-12-10--Seniors’ COVID-19 vaccine consumer guide: What to expect once the shots are available

With vaccines to protect against COVID-19 coming soon , what should older adults expect ?
The first candidates , from Pfizer and Moderna , could arrive before Christmas , according to Alex Azar , who heads the federal Department of Health and Human Services .
Both vaccines are notably effective in preventing illness due to the coronavirus , according to information released by the companies , though much of the data from clinical trials is still to come .
Both have been tested in adults 65 and older , who mounted a strong immune response .
Seniors in nursing homes @ @ @ @ @ @ @ the first Americans vaccinated , under recommendations by a federal advisory panel .
Older adults living at home will need to wait a while longer .
Many questions remain .
Among them : • How often will these occur ?
• Will the vaccines offer meaningful protection to seniors who are frail or have multiple chronic illnesses ?
Here ’ s a look at what ’ s known , what ’ s not and what lies ahead .
How vaccine supplies will be allocated At a Dec. 1 meeting of the Advisory Commission @ @ @ @ @ @ @ federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines , experts recommended that people living in long-term care — primarily nursing homes and assisted living facilities — and health care workers be the first groups to get COVID-19 vaccines .
This recognizes the extraordinary burden of the coronavirus in long-term care facilities .
Though their residents represent fewer than 1 % of the U.S. population , they account for 40 % of COVID deaths — more than 100,000 deaths to date .
The commission ’ s decision comes despite a lack of evidence @ @ @ @ @ @ @ s vaccines are effective and safe for frail , vulnerable seniors in long-term care .
Vaccines weren ’ t tested in this population .
Federal officials have said side effects will be carefully monitored .
Next in line likely would be essential workers who can not work from home , such as police , firefighters , teachers and people employed in food processing and transportation , according to commission deliberations Nov. 23 that have not come to a formal vote .
Then would be adults with high-risk medical conditions such as diabetes , @ @ @ @ @ @ @ heart disease and autoimmune diseases and all adults 65 and older .
Though states typically follow ACIP guidelines , some states might choose , for instance , to vaccinate high-risk older adults before some categories of essential workers .
Left off the list are family caregivers , who provide essential support to vulnerable older adults living in the community — an unpaid workforce of tens of millions of people .
“ If someone is providing day-to-day care , it makes sense they should have access to the vaccine , too , to keep @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , vice president of care and support for the Chicago-based Alzheimer ’ s Association .
Setting priorities for who gets the shots The priority groups constitute nearly half of the U.S. population — 21 million health care workers , 3 million long-term care residents , 66 million essential workers , more than 100 million adults with high-risk conditions and 53 million adults 65 and older .
With initial supplies of vaccines limited , setting priorities will be inevitable .
Hospitals and physicians might try to identify older adults who are at the highest @ @ @ @ @ @ @ and offer them vaccines before other seniors .
A study of more than 500,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older provides new evidence that could influence these assessments .
It found the conditions that most increase older adults ’ chances of dying from the coronavirus are sickle cell disease , chronic kidney disease , leukemia and lymphomas , heart failure , diabetes , cerebral palsy , obesity , lung cancer and heart attacks , in that order .
“ Out of all Medicare beneficiaries , we identified just under 2,500 who had no medical @ @ @ @ @ @ @ said Dr. Martin Makary , co-author of the study and a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore .
“ We knew risk was skewed toward comorbidity ” — underlying medical conditions — “ but we didn ’ t realize it skewed this much.
” How much vaccine will be available The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses administered three to four weeks apart .
The companies have said about 40 million doses of their vaccines should be available this year , enough @ @ @ @ @ @ @ .
After that , 50 million doses might become available in January , followed by 60 million doses in both February and March , according to Dr. Larry Corey , a virologist who heads the COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network .
That translates to enough vaccine for another 85 million people and should be sufficient to vaccinate older adults in addition to medical personnel on the front lines and many other at-risk individuals , Corey suggested at a recent panel on coronavirus sponsored by the National Academy of Medicine and American Public Health Association @ @ @ @ @ @ @ based on information he has been given .
Pfizer and Moderna haven ’ t said yet how much vaccine will be delivered and when .
Nor is it clear when other vaccines under investigation will become available — 13 are in phase 3 clinical trials — or what their monthly production capacity might be .
As Pfizer ’ s and Moderna ’ s vaccines are rolled out , a very vulnerable group might have difficulty getting them : 2 million seniors who are homebound and another 5.3 million with physical impairments who have @ @ @ @ @ @ @ handling and cold storage requirements .
Pfizer ’ s vaccine needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius , requiring special equipment not available in small hospitals , clinics or doctors ’ offices .
Moderna ’ s vaccine needs long-term storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius .
Landmark Health provides in-home medical care to more than 120,000 frail , chronically ill homebound seniors in 15 states .
“ We don ’ t have the capabilities to store and distribute these vaccines to our population , ” said Dr. Michael Le , the @ @ @ @ @ @ @ officer .
Instead , Le said , Landmark is working to arrange transportation for its patients to centers where COVID-19 vaccines will be administered and educating them about the benefits of the vaccines .
Many will choose to wait Advocates have a big job .
According to a recent poll from the University of Michigan , only 58 % of adults 50 to 80 years old said they were very or somewhat likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine .
A significant number of these older adults — 46 % — thought they ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ others to go first .
Only 20 % wanted to get it as soon as possible .
Most important in making decisions is knowing how well the vaccine works , according to 80 % of the 1,556 older adults surveyed .
Just over half — 52 % — said a recommendation from their doctor would be influential .
Dr. Sharon Inouye , a geriatrician at Hebrew Senior Life in Boston and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School , is among the physicians impatiently awaiting the publication of data from Pfizer ’ @ @ @ @ @ @ @ clinical trials .
Among the things she wants to know : • How many older adults with chronic health conditions participated ?
• How many participants were 75 and older ?
“ What I worry about most is the side effects , ” Inouye said .
“ We may not be able to know about serious but rare side effects until millions of people take them.
” But that ’ s a gamble she ’ s willing to take .
Not only will Inouye get a vaccine , she just told her 91-year-old @ @ @ @ @ @ @ , to say “ yes ” when one is offered .
“ My whole family lives in fear that something will happen to her every day , ” Inouye said .
“ Even though there ’ s a lot we still don ’ t know about these vaccines , it ’ s compelling that we protect people from this overwhelming illness.
” Kaiser Health News ( KHN ) is a national health policy news service .
It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated @ @ @ @

With vaccines to protect against COVID-19 coming soon, what should older adults expect?
The first candidates, from Pfizer and Moderna, could arrive before Christmas, according to Alex Azar, who heads the federal Department of Health and Human Services.
Both vaccines are notably effective in preventing illness due to the coronavirus, according to information released by the companies, though much of the data from clinical trials is still to come. Both have been tested in adults 65 and older, who mounted a strong immune response.
Seniors in nursing homes and assisted living centers will be among the first Americans vaccinated, under recommendations by a federal advisory panel. Older adults living at home will need to wait a while longer.
Many questions remain. Among them:
What side effects can older adults anticipate?
How often will these occur?
Will the vaccines offer meaningful protection to seniors who are frail or have multiple chronic illnesses?
Here’s a look at what’s known, what’s not and what lies ahead.
How vaccine supplies will be allocated
At a Dec. 1 meeting of the Advisory Commission on Immunization Practices, which guides the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention on vaccines, experts recommended that people living in long-term care — primarily nursing homes and assisted living facilities — and health care workers be the first groups to get COVID-19 vaccines.
This recognizes the extraordinary burden of the coronavirus in long-term care facilities. Though their residents represent fewer than 1% of the U.S. population, they account for 40% of COVID deaths — more than 100,000 deaths to date.
The commission’s decision comes despite a lack of evidence that Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines are effective and safe for frail, vulnerable seniors in long-term care. Vaccines weren’t tested in this population. Federal officials have said side effects will be carefully monitored.
Next in line likely would be essential workers who cannot work from home, such as police, firefighters, teachers and people employed in food processing and transportation, according to commission deliberations Nov. 23 that have not come to a formal vote.
Then would be adults with high-risk medical conditions such as diabetes, cancer, kidney disease, obesity, heart disease and autoimmune diseases and all adults 65 and older.
Beth Kallmyer. Alzheimer’s Association
Though states typically follow ACIP guidelines, some states might choose, for instance, to vaccinate high-risk older adults before some categories of essential workers.
Left off the list are family caregivers, who provide essential support to vulnerable older adults living in the community — an unpaid workforce of tens of millions of people.
“If someone is providing day-to-day care, it makes sense they should have access to the vaccine, too, to keep everyone safe,” said Beth Kallmyer, vice president of care and support for the Chicago-based Alzheimer’s Association.
Setting priorities for who gets the shots
The priority groups constitute nearly half of the U.S. population — 21 million health care workers, 3 million long-term care residents, 66 million essential workers, more than 100 million adults with high-risk conditions and 53 million adults 65 and older.
With initial supplies of vaccines limited, setting priorities will be inevitable. Hospitals and physicians might try to identify older adults who are at the highest risk of becoming seriously ill from COVID-19 and offer them vaccines before other seniors.
Dr. Martin Makary. Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health
A study of more than 500,000 Medicare beneficiaries 65 and older provides new evidence that could influence these assessments. It found the conditions that most increase older adults’ chances of dying from the coronavirus are sickle cell disease, chronic kidney disease, leukemia and lymphomas, heart failure, diabetes, cerebral palsy, obesity, lung cancer and heart attacks, in that order.
“Out of all Medicare beneficiaries, we identified just under 2,500 who had no medical problems and died of COVID-19,” said Dr. Martin Makary, co-author of the study and a professor of health policy and management at Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health in Baltimore. “We knew risk was skewed toward comorbidity” — underlying medical conditions — “but we didn’t realize it skewed this much.”
How much vaccine will be available
The Pfizer and Moderna vaccines require two doses administered three to four weeks apart. The companies have said about 40 million doses of their vaccines should be available this year, enough to fully vaccinate about 20 million people.
Dr. Larry Corey. Fred Hutchinson Cancer Research Center
After that, 50 million doses might become available in January, followed by 60 million doses in both February and March, according to Dr. Larry Corey, a virologist who heads the COVID-19 Prevention Trials Network.
That translates to enough vaccine for another 85 million people and should be sufficient to vaccinate older adults in addition to medical personnel on the front lines and many other at-risk individuals, Corey suggested at a recent panel on coronavirus sponsored by the National Academy of Medicine and American Public Health Association.
He acknowledged these were estimates, based on information he has been given. Pfizer and Moderna haven’t said yet how much vaccine will be delivered and when. Nor is it clear when other vaccines under investigation will become available — 13 are in phase 3 clinical trials — or what their monthly production capacity might be.
Cold storage, distribution issues
As Pfizer’s and Moderna’s vaccines are rolled out, a very vulnerable group might have difficulty getting them: 2 million seniors who are homebound and another 5.3 million with physical impairments who have problems getting around.
The reason: handling and cold storage requirements. Pfizer’s vaccine needs to be stored at minus 70 degrees Celsius, requiring special equipment not available in small hospitals, clinics or doctors’ offices. Moderna’s vaccine needs long-term storage at minus 20 degrees Celsius.
Dr. Michael Le. Landmark Health
Landmark Health provides in-home medical care to more than 120,000 frail, chronically ill homebound seniors in 15 states.
“We don’t have the capabilities to store and distribute these vaccines to our population,” said Dr. Michael Le, the company’s co-founder and chief medical officer.
Instead, Le said, Landmark is working to arrange transportation for its patients to centers where COVID-19 vaccines will be administered and educating them about the benefits of the vaccines.
Many will choose to wait
Advocates have a big job. According to a recent poll from the University of Michigan, only 58% of adults 50 to 80 years old said they were very or somewhat likely to get a COVID-19 vaccine. A significant number of these older adults — 46% — thought they’d get the vaccine eventually but wanted others to go first. Only 20% wanted to get it as soon as possible.
Most important in making decisions is knowing how well the vaccine works, according to 80% of the 1,556 older adults surveyed. Just over half — 52% — said a recommendation from their doctor would be influential.
Dr. Sharon Inouye, a geriatrician at Hebrew Senior Life in Boston and a professor of medicine at Harvard Medical School, is among the physicians impatiently awaiting the publication of data from Pfizer’s and Moderna’s phase 3 clinical trials. Among the things she wants to know:
How many older adults with chronic health conditions participated?
How many participants were 75 and older?
Did side effects differ for older adults?
“What I worry about most is the side effects,” Inouye said. “We may not be able to know about serious but rare side effects until millions of people take them.”
But that’s a gamble she’s willing to take. Not only will Inouye get a vaccine, she just told her 91-year-old mother, who lives in assisted living, to say “yes” when one is offered.
Dr. Sharon Inouye. Provided
“My whole family lives in fear that something will happen to her every day,” Inouye said. “Even though there’s a lot we still don’t know about these vaccines, it’s compelling that we protect people from this overwhelming illness.”
Kaiser Health News (KHN) is a national health policy news service. It is an editorially independent program of the Henry J. Kaiser Family Foundation which is not affiliated with Kaiser Permanente.