During my visit to the University of Illinois Chicago in February 2025, I lodged in a hotel with unique exterior and interior. The hotel has a small museum about its history. This hotel building was the old Cook County Hospital building which has a rich history of addressing healthcare disparity across Chicago. It was an eye-opener for me.

Cook County Hospital, established in 1857, has long been a vital institution for Chicago’s most vulnerable populations, providing care regardless of a patient’s ability to pay. Over the decades, it became a leader in medical innovation, including the country’s first blood bank and trauma care advancements. However, the hospital also reflected deep racial and economic disparities in healthcare. People of color, immigrants, and low-income patients were disproportionately sent to Cook County receiving care in overcrowded and underfunded conditions. The quality of care at Cook County, however, was often exceptional due to dedicated doctors and nurses. During public health emergencies, the hospital remained a critical safety net despite limited resources.

In 2002, the historic hospital building was replaced by John H. Stroger Jr. Hospital in an effort to modernize public healthcare. Cook County Health continues its mission of serving the uninsured, but its history underscores the ongoing fight for health equity. The hospital’s legacy is one of both progress and inequality, highlighting the urgent need for systemic reform to ensure healthcare access for all.