Cook County Members In Action: Awards & Advocacy

Doctors Council Member and Stroger Hospital pediatrician, Dr. Marjorie Fujara, was recently named a recipient of the 10th annual Chicago Safe Start Community Spirit Award for her outstanding efforts in leading and mobilizing against Childhood Exposure to Violence (CEV).

For the past 10 years, Chicago Safe Start has been working to engage providers, decision-makers, and community leaders on CEV issues and has led an annual CEV Prevention Week campaign to build awareness in support of CEV prevention and response. Because childhood exposure to violence can lead to a lifetime of social, emotional, and psychological difficulties, Chicago Safe Start and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) Office of Violence Prevention & Behavioral Health created the Community Spirit Award as a way to lift up inspiring individuals and encourage others to get involved in protecting every child in Chicago every single day.

Members Marjorie Fujara and Emily Sifferman have organized many events for patients and staff for Child Abuse Prevention Month. At their table in Fantus Clinic, they gave families information and resources they need to develop peaceful parenting strategies. While organizing the events, Drs. Fujara and Sifferman encountered much resistance from management. Rather than back down, they fought hard to find common ground in order to benefit their patients.