Commissioners Garcia and Corral Sepúlveda present a resolution honoring Illinois Unidos’ work serving, representing, and protecting the Latino community throughout the COVID-19 pandemic.

RESOLUTION FOR BOARD MEETING OF OCTOBER 7, 2021

RESOLUTION sponsored by the Board of Commissioners recognizing Illinois Unidos

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos first convened as a coalition of healthcare centers, advocacy organizations, and elected officials representing Latino constituencies at the onset of the novel coronavirus pandemic; and

WHEREAS, Xavier Nogueras and Cesar Rolon co-founded Illinois Unidos in March of 2020; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos has grown in membership to over 100 partners since its formation; and

WHEREAS, Sylvia Puente has been central to strategy development and growth of Illinois Unidos; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos has engaged in advocacy, education, and vaccination efforts to address the disproportionate impact the novel coronavirus has had on Latino communities; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos has provided valuable data analysis about the impact of the novel coronavirus on Latino communities and recommended relevant policy, outreach, and messaging changes; and

WHEREAS, leaders within Illinois Unidos, such as Dr. Marina del Rios, Dr. Pamela Vergara, and Dr. Geraldine Luna have been recognized as trusted community figures who have helped promote adherence to novel coronavirus precautions and vaccines; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos has served as a liaison between the Latino community and various government agencies, such as the State of Illinois, Cook County, and the City of Chicago; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos has connected over 1,000 Cook County residents with novel coronavirus vaccines through events they have hosted; and

WHEREAS, Illinois Unidos continues to grow and establish itself as a permanent public health organization representing Latino communities across Illinois; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that we, the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago, on behalf of ourselves and our staff, do hereby recognize Illinois Unidos; and

BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED, that this Resolution be spread upon the permanent Record of Proceedings of the Board of Commissioners of the Metropolitan Water Reclamation District of Greater Chicago.

Dated:  October 7, 2021

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