No Programs, No Screenings

In a series of requests under the Illinois Freedom of Information Act, the Reporter sought details on what kind of work Frank Barnes does on behalf of Cook County residents. Barnes told the Reporter he arranges prostate cancer screenings at suburban black churches, but Cook County Department of Public Health documents reveal little about what he actually does.

A:
Request: The name of Frank Barnes’ program, its goals and objectives, and all related memoranda and reports.
“There are no documents responsive to your request, inasmuch as Frank Barnes has no ‘program.’ There seems to be some confusion on your part regarding Mr. Barnes’ job. … Mr. Barnes does not conduct screenings or provide programs—he engages in outreach to various constituencies to share information regarding the many CCDPH services and activities provided by other CCDPH personnel.”

B:
Request: A complete list of all Cook County Public Health programs addressing prostate cancer in any aspect for the last six years.
“Prostate cancer screening was first established as a service activity goal of the Cook County Department of Public Health in the Fiscal Year 1999 budget. … This activity has no separate employees.”

C:
Request: The exact date of prostate cancer screenings conducted by Barnes. Please include locations of the screenings, the number of people treated, and a contact person at the church.
“Mr. Barnes does not conduct prostate cancer screenings. Such screenings are conducted by public health nurses.”

Source: Cook County Department of Public Health