RESOLUTION
WHEREAS, Doctor Carolyn C. Lopez, MD, has diligently served on the Chicago Board of Health for nineteen years and led as its President for thirteen of those years, including during the Board's centennial anniversary and the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic, where her commitment and tireless guidance was expeditiously needed and graciously provided; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has been a tireless advocate for public health and helped activate the Board of Health to speak out publicly on important issues, resulting in the introduction of innovative legislation, including the City of Chicago becoming the first big city to add e-cigarettes to its Clean Indoor Air Ordinance, the first big city to impose a vaping tax, and the first national jurisdiction to include menthol in its flavored tobacco sales ban. These combined efforts have contributed to Chicago's youth smoking rates decreasing over the past decade and saved a generation from a lifetime of chronic diseases and a shorter life span; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez oversaw each Board of Health meeting fairly and effectively, never failing to treat every member of the Board, Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) staff, and public commenters with respect and warmth; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has never failed to educate the public on the history of the Department and the importance of CDPH to the history and future of our City; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has been a beacon of calm wisdom and gentle humor, helping the Board provide effective counsel to CDPH through many challenges, most notably the COVID-19 pandemic; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez has been committed to responding to the public and citizens' concerns and ensuring their perspective is present in Board deliberations; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez exemplifies incredible leadership as a Latina healthcare executive. She is an exemplary role model and true trailblazer for us all; and
WHEREAS, Dr. Lopez's level of commitment and service to the City of Chicago's residents will be an enduring benchmark for future Chicago Board of Health presidents to grow and sustain a culture of service that will allow the City to not only prepare for the future but to fully embrace it; and
WHEREAS, the Board wishes to honor and thank Dr. Lopez for her leadership and tireless service to the health of Chicagoans; now, therefore,
BE IT RESOLVED, that we, the Mayor and the members of the City Council of the City of Chicago, assembled this twenty-second day of June, 2022, recognize Dr. Carolyn Lopez for her extensive commitment to the people of Chicago, the Chicago Board of Health, and the Chicago Department of Public Health; and
BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that a suitable copy of this resolution be prepared and presented to Dr. Lopez as a token of our appreciation and esteem.