The purpose of the CDPH is to create a thriving and healthy community within the city of Chicago, Illinois by providing guidance, services and strategies.

This includes promoting values of diversity, excellence, informed decision making, and teamwork within all residents and smaller communities within the city.

[2] The department participated in a series of pandemic preparedness exercises called Crimson Contagion, taking place between August 13 and 16, 2019.

In order to measure progress towards each goal, the Chicago Department of Public Health and community partners identified 75 indicators to serve as annual benchmarks towards 2020 targets that are posted on the Chicago Health Atlas[10] addressing the following 10 areas: On August 16, 2011, Mayor Rahm Emanuel and Commissioner Bechara Choucair, M.D.

[11] Healthy Chicago identifies 16 health outcome targets and 12 key priority areas and over 200 supporting strategies including: