NEWS & EVENTS
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT & COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Public Announcements
Board of Health Meeting on 9/20/23
The Will County Board of Health will hold its regular meeting on September 20, 2023 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at 501 Ella Ave, (Joliet, IL 60433) in conference room 1005A/1005B.
Rabid Bats Found in Will County
The Will County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals. Rabid bats have recently been detected in Joliet, Plainfield and Homer Glen.
First Human Case of WNV Found in Will County
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Will County. The Will County Health Department’s Environmental Health Division has also reported that mosquito batches in ten different communities have tested positive for WNV this summer.
CHC Tree Dedication Ceremony
As part of National Health Center Week, the Will County Community Health Center held a tree dedication ceremony on August 11 to celebrate Dr. Daniel Gutierrez’s 57-years in medicine and his service to the Will County Health Department and Community Health Center.
West Nile Virus Detected in Will County
The Will County Health Department’s Environmental Health division announced that mosquitoes trapped in Bolingbrook, Crete, Mokena, Frankfort and Plainfield have tested positive for West Nile virus.
Community Health Center’s Blood Pressure Program Earns Honors
The Will County Community Health Center’s blood pressure monitoring program has been honored for Excellence in Transforming Patient Outcomes from CAREMINDr.
Need an Immigration Physical?
The Will County Community Health Center is not authorized to perform immigration physicals. To find a civil surgeon, visit www.uscis.gov, click on tools and select “Find a Civil Surgeon”.
WCHD Now Offers Vaccinations at Three Locations
Will County Health Department now offers Adult & Child Vaccines and FREE COVID vaccines for all ages at both of our branch offices in addition to our main office location. Medicare and Medicaid are accepted, and low-cost vaccinations are available for the uninsured or underinsured.
Call 815-740-8143 to book your appointment.
2022 WCHD Annual Report
The Will County Health Department’s 2022 Annual Report is now available.
Learn about the WCHD’s Medical Reserve Corps
The Will County Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps is actively recruiting new members. View the video above to learn more about the Medical Reserve Corps.
Federal Government to Offer Free COVID Tests
The federal government is offering free COVID-19 at-home tests this winter. Every U.S. household is eligible to order 4 free at-home COVID-19 tests.
Visit covidtests.gov to order your free at-home tests.
Keep Cool During Extreme Heat
With an upcoming stretch of high temperatures expected in Illinois, the Will County Emergency Management Agency is advising residents of measures they can take during severe heat conditions to stay safe and healthy. These measures include being mindful of heat-related illnesses and being aware of the availability of local cooling centers.
WCHD Reminds Residents to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses
The Will County Health Department is reminding everyone of basic food safety tips they should follow in order to reduce the chance of getting a foodborne illness during this summer cookout season.
Community Health Center earns The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval
The Will County Community Health Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Care Medical Home, Ambulatory Health Care and Behavioral Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards
Community Health Center Celebrates New Behavioral Health Suite Grand Opening
The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center kicked off national Behavioral Health Awareness Month by hosting a grand opening event for a new behavioral health suite at the Will County Community Health Center (WCCHC) in Joliet on May 1.
New Mpox Texting Program
The Illinois Public Health Association has introduced a new texting program to stay up-to-date on Mpox.
Avoid Flooded Areas After Heavy Rainfall
Flooding can follow heavy rainfall. Flood waters and sewer overflows can contain bacteria, fecal material, viruses and other organisms that may cause disease. Read IDPH’s After the Flood to protect yourself from diseases and other hazards in the days and weeks following a flood.
Pharmacy in Community Health Center Closed
Basinger Pharmacy at the Will County Health Center has closed. A new pharmacy is coming soon, but in the meantime, here is a list of other 340B participating pharmacies you may bring your prescription to.
Become a Health Hero with the Medical Reserve Corps!
You can become a Community Health Hero by joining the Will County Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps. View the video above to learn more.
IDPH Expands Free COVID Test Kits
IDPH has expanded the distribution of its free COVID home testing kits. All zip codes in Illinois located outside the City of Chicago are now eligible to request free COVID rapid tests for home deliver.
Visit accesscovidtests.org to enter your zip code and sign up.
Rabid Bats Found in Will County
The Will County Health Department and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) is reminding the public to be aware of the potential for exposure to rabies from infected animals.
First Human Case Of West Nile Virus Detected In Will County
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) announced the first human case of West Nile Virus (WNV) in Will County.
WCHD Accepting Bids for Learning Management System
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTTHE WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, AS BIDDING AGENT FOR THE WILL COUNTY BOARD OF HEALTH, WILL ACCEPT SEALED BIDS FOR THE PREPARATION AND IMPLEMENTATION OF A LEARNING MANAGEMENT SYSTEM FOR THE WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT, 501 ELLA AVENUE,...
CHC To Celebrate National Health Center Week
The Will County Community Health Center will be celebrating National Health Center Week from August 6-12, 2023 with a full schedule of events open to the public.
Keep Cool During Extreme Heat
With an upcoming stretch of high temperatures expected in Illinois, the Will County Emergency Management Agency is advising residents of measures they can take during severe heat conditions to stay safe and healthy. These measures include being mindful of heat-related illnesses and being aware of the availability of local cooling centers.
First Cases of Mosquitoes With West Nile Virus Detected in Will County
The Will County Health Department’s Environmental Health division announced that mosquitoes trapped in Mokena, Frankfort and Plainfield tested positive for West Nile virus [WNV]. These results represent the first WNV positive mosquitoes identified in Will County this year. Will County residents are reminded to protect themselves from mosquito bites and mosquito-borne diseases.
Will County Community Health Center’s Blood Pressure Monitoring Program Honored By CAREMINDr
The Will County Community Health Center (WCCHC) has been honored for Excellence in Transforming Patient Outcomes from CAREMINDr.
WCHD Reminds Residents to Prevent Foodborne Illnesses
The Will County Health Department is reminding everyone of basic food safety tips they should follow in order to reduce the chance of getting a foodborne illness during this summer cookout season.
Community Health Center earns The Joint Commission Gold Seal of Approval
The Will County Community Health Center has earned The Joint Commission’s Gold Seal of Approval® for Primary Care Medical Home, Ambulatory Health Care and Behavioral Health Care Accreditation by demonstrating continuous compliance with its performance standards
It’s National Women’s Health Week!
Beginning each year on Mother’s Day, we celebrate National Women’s Health Week to encourage women and girls to make their health a priority. View some of the best ways women can prioritize their physical and emotional health.
Will County Community Health Center Celebrates Grand Opening Of New Behavioral Health Suite
The Will County Health Department and Community Health Center kicked off national Behavioral Health Awareness Month by hosting a grand opening event for a new behavioral health suite at the Will County Community Health Center (WCCHC) in Joliet on May 1.
Salmonella Outbreak Lined to Flour Recall
The Illinois Department of Public Health and the Centers for Disease Control are investigating an outbreak of Salmonella infections linked to Golf Medal Brand Flour.
Will County Health Department to Host Mobile Markets
The Will County Health Department will host four Northern Illinois Food Bank Mobile Markets on May 8, May 24, June 1, and June 30.
Denise Bergin Named Will County Health Department Assistant Executive Director
Will County Health Department Executive Director Elizabeth Bilotta has announced the promotion of Denise Bergin to Assistant Executive Director, effective on April 17, 2023. Bergin takes over the Assistant Executive Director position following Bilotta’s promotion to Executive Director after Sue Olenek’s retirement in February. Bergin has spent nearly 30 years working at the Will County Health Department in the accounting and finance departments.
Will County Health Department Offers Free Pace Vouchers For Well-Woman Visits
The Will County Health Department (WCHD) is offering free Pace Suburban Bus vouchers for women seeking preventative medical care. The vouchers are available to any woman of child-bearing age (18-44) who is impacted by a transportation barrier and can be used for a preventative care visit and/or follow up visits. The bus vouchers include full day rides for multiple trips/transfers in that day, as well as single ride vouchers.
WCHD to Offer Free COVID Vaccine Clinics
The Will County Health Department will be offering three free COVID Vaccine Clinics in the upcoming weeks.
Will County Health Department’s Dr. Kathleen Burke Named To Nationwide Commission On Mental Health & Wellbeing
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENTWill County Health Department’s Dr. Kathleen Burke Named To Nationwide Commission On Mental Health & Wellbeing The National Association of Counties (NACo) has announced 14 county leaders appointed to the new Commission on Mental Health...
Armando Reyes Named to NAMI Will-Grundy Advisory Board
Will County Health Department’s Armando Reyes has been selected to serve on the advisory board on the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) Will-Grundy.
ELIZABETH BILOTTA NAMED WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR
The Will County Board of Health has appointed Elizabeth Bilotta as Will County Health Department’s next Executive Director, effective February 4, 2023. Bilotta takes over the executive director role following the retirement of Susan Olenek after 33 years of service. “After 33 years of public service to this community, leaving is bittersweet,” said Olenek. “But I leave knowing this agency and the community will be in very capable, dedicated hands.”
Health Insurance Enrollment Events
The deadline for the ACA marketplace open enrollment is January 15th. Our certified enrollment counselors are here to help with marketplace and Medicaid open enrollment events. The Will County Health Department will be hosting the following three enrollment events. All the events are first come, first serve for walk-ins and appointments are not available.