EDGE Chicago

Despite the City of Chicago’s budget crunch, the Chicago Department of Public Health is moving to fill the vacant position of director of the Office of LGBT Health, a CDPH spokesman said July 23.

"We fully understand the importance and support the work of the CDPH LGBT Health Office," CDPH’s Tim Hadac said. "We are moving forward with the process of hiring a director."

The job has been unfilled since its former director, Simone Koehlinger (right), left CDPH June 14, and some in the community have speculated that the City’s budget woes might be why. Those concerns led the Chicago Commission on Human Relations’ Advisory Council on LGBT Issues, whose members are appointed by Mayor Richard M. Daley, to approve a letter July 21 to CDPH Comm. Bechara Choucair urging CDPH to fill the position and continue to support the office.

"As one of only a few of its kind in the U.S., the Chicago Department of Public Health’s Office of LGBT Health has consistently played a leading role in addressing the specific needs of the city’s LGBT communities since its establishment in 1999," ACLGBTI’s letter stated. "Continued support of the Office of LGBT Health and the timely appointment of a new director of that office will send a strong message that CDPH is committed to the health and wellbeing of the city’s LGBT communities."

But Hadac said last week that CDPH plans to advertise the position soon and that the office would continue to have the City’s support.

"When we are ready to accept applications, the position will be posted publicly - both on the City of Chicago website and in other media," Hadac said. "We look forward to this office continuing its proud and important history of service to people all across the city."

Koehlinger took over the post in July 2005, succeeding Lora Branch. Under her leadership, the Office of LGBT Health took a leading role in fighting crystal meth abuse and other substance abuse in the LGBT community. Koehlinger also worked to reduce the prevalence of smoking among LGBTs in Chicago.

Koehlinger left CDPH to take a position that deals with obesity and health with the Cook County Department of Public Health.