NEWS & EVENTS
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT & COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Public Announcements
Did you find a dead bird on your property?
If you find a dead bird on your property, call our Environmental Health Division’s West Nile Surveillance Hotline at 815-740-7631 to determine if the bird can be sent for testing.
Second Confirmed Case of Measles in Will County
The Will County Health Department has confirmed an additional positive case of measles in Will County. The Will County Health Department’s Communicable Disease staff is working to collect additional details to identify and notify people that may have been exposed to measles, provide education, and recommend appropriate measures. Additionally, the WCHD is in close contact with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as the active investigation continues.
Will County Health Department Announces Positive Case Of Measles In Will County
The Will County Health Department’s Communicable Disease staff is working to collect additional details to identify and notify people that may have been exposed to measles, provide education, and recommend appropriate measures. Additionally, the Will County Health Department is in close contact with the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) as the investigation continues. Case investigation has determined this case is related to the ongoing situation in the City of Chicago.
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.
West Nile Virus Detected in Will County
The Will County Health Department’s Environmental Health division announced that mosquitoes collected in Joliet have tested positive for West Nile virus. (Link to Story).
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.
TB Testing Now available at WCHD Branch Offices
The Will County Health Department and Will County’s Sunny Hill Tuberculosis Clinic have announced a new collaboration to expand Tuberculosis (TB) testing availability to Will County residents. The expanded testing services are now available at the Will County Health Department’s branch offices in Monee and Bolingbrook, along with the existing Joliet location at the Will County Health Department’s main office.
Have You Tested Your Well Water?
Even if you’ve never gotten sick from your well water, it is your responsibility to properly maintain your well and regularly test it to ensure you have safe drinking water. See the Fact Sheet on well testing from the IDPH.
Our Environmental Health Lab can test for bacteria and nitrate well also testing chlorine, fluoride and hardness.
Learn more about our EH Lab here.
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.
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.
What to do After a Flood
Has your home experienced flooding recently? The Illinois Department of Public Health's "After the Flood" brochure helps flood victims protect themselves against diseases and other hazards in the days and weeks following a flood.
![Fourth and Fifth Rabid Bats of Year Found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Bats-sky.jpg)
Fourth and Fifth Rabid Bats of Year Found in Will County
The Will County Health Department is reporting two more bats being identified as positive for rabies, bringing the total number for this year to five. One was located in St. Peter's Church, 12 Sauk Trail, in Frankfort. The pastor was notified of a bat hanging from...
![Two More WNV-Positive Mosquito Samples Found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mosquito-trap.jpg)
Two More WNV-Positive Mosquito Samples Found in Will County
Two additional mosquito samples have been collected in Will County. One was from a Will County Health Department trap in Joliet, and the other from a WCHD trap in Lockport. In late August, the Will County Health Department collected a second mosquito sample from a...
![Extended Shelf Life Approved for Narcan Nasal Spray](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Narcan-Pic.png)
Extended Shelf Life Approved for Narcan Nasal Spray
The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has approved an extended shelf life for Narcan® (naloxone) Nasal Spray, increasing it from 24 months to 36 months. Narcan Nasal Spray is an opioid antagonist indicated for the emergency treatment of known or suspected opioid...
![Food Safety Should be on Your Back-to-School List](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/09/Food-safety.png)
Food Safety Should be on Your Back-to-School List
A new school year is approaching and with it, changes to your usual routine. “Parents are juggling many decisions as students may be returning to school for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic began, and others may still be distance learning,” said Dr. Mindy...
![August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Immunization-CHC-2B-front.png)
August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM)
This annual observance highlights the importance of getting recommended vaccines throughout your life. You have the power to protect your child against serious diseases [like whooping cough, cancers caused by HPV, and pneumonia] through on-time vaccination. During...
![Will and Grundy still among Now 30 Illinois Counties at Coronavirus Warning Level; Suburban Cook Now on List](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/01/Logo-1.png)
Will and Grundy still among Now 30 Illinois Counties at Coronavirus Warning Level; Suburban Cook Now on List
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 30 counties in Illinois are considered to be at a warning level for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A county enters a warning level when two or more COVID-19 risk indicators that...
![School Dental Exams: Call Community Health Center Dental Office for Your Child’s Check-Up](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/CHC-Dental-20-update-front-2.png)
School Dental Exams: Call Community Health Center Dental Office for Your Child’s Check-Up
Prepare your child for the coming school year by making an appointment for their back-to-school dental exam. Call the Will County Community Health Center Dental Office at 815-774-7300. There is no cost for these exams for children with Medicaid insurance. Sliding...
![“A Pathway to Hope and Healing”](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Red-Rose.png)
“A Pathway to Hope and Healing”
In Support of Suicide Prevention Awareness For the past five years the Village of New Lenox and the New Lenox Safe Community Coalition have hosted “A Pathway to Hope and Healing,” in support of suicide prevention and awareness. This event has typically...
![Priority for August: Will County Community Health Center Says MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR SCHOOL PHYSICALS](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/School-Physicals-Aug-2020-PIC.png)
Priority for August: Will County Community Health Center Says MAKE APPOINTMENTS FOR SCHOOL PHYSICALS
With everyone having their eyes on the next school year, not to mention the sports and camp seasons, the Will County Community Health Center reminds you that they are your YEAR ROUND HOME to take care of these physicals for your children. These physicals are available...
![Additional West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquito Batch found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Culex.jpg)
Additional West Nile Virus-Positive Mosquito Batch found in Will County
The Will County Health Department has collected a second mosquito sample from a WCHD operated trap in Plainfield that tested positive for West Nile Virus. Earlier this month, in Will County, a trap operated in Romeoville turned up a positive sample, after being...
![Governor Pritzker Holds Press Conference at New Will County Health Department Building, Discusses Mitigations for Region 7](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Gov-Visit-2020-1.jpg)
Governor Pritzker Holds Press Conference at New Will County Health Department Building, Discusses Mitigations for Region 7
Schools are Not Affected by “25 at Gatherings” Rule, but Must Follow Certain Guidelines The WCHD (Will County Health Department) welcomed Governor J.B. Pritzker on Tuesday, August 25, as he spoke about the newly announced Coronavirus mitigation efforts in...
![Third Rabid Bat of 2020 Found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/bat.jpg)
Third Rabid Bat of 2020 Found in Will County
The Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division has now reported the third Will County rabid bat of 2020. Rabid Bat number three was found in St Mary’s Nativity church, at 760 N Broadway in Joliet, on August 24th, and confirmed rabid on August 25th. ...
![For Cooling Shelters, Use this Information from the Will County EMA](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/07/heat.jpg)
For Cooling Shelters, Use this Information from the Will County EMA
The Will County Emergency Management Agency has this list of Cooling Shelters: https://www.willcountyema.org/warmingcooling
![State Public Health Officials Announce New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts to Take Effect in Region 7 On August 26](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coronavirus-world-2.png)
State Public Health Officials Announce New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts to Take Effect in Region 7 On August 26
Region 4 Continues Reporting Increased Positivity Rates, If Trend Continues Further Mitigations Will Likely Be Imposed On September 2nd JOLIET – Governor Pritzker and the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) are announcing new COVID-19 mitigation efforts...
![A Mask is Like a Bike Helmet: It Only Works if You Wear It (View these English and Spanish Videos)](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Helmet-front.png)
A Mask is Like a Bike Helmet: It Only Works if You Wear It (View these English and Spanish Videos)
During the Coronavirus Pandemic, it is important to remember that masks, like so many other items, must be worn to work properly. Please view these videos in English and Spanish: [video width="1920" height="1080"...
![State Public Health Officials Announce New COVID-19 Mitigation Efforts to Take Effect in Region 7 On August 26](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coronavirus-world-2.png)
Will County Remains among Now 20 Illinois Counties at Warning Level for Coronavirus Disease
Will on List for Second Straight Week, Grundy for Third Straight Week SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today reported 20 counties in Illinois are considered to be at a warning level for novel coronavirus disease (COVID-19). A county...
![Fourth and Fifth Rabid Bats of Year Found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/Bats-sky.jpg)
First Rabid Bats of 2020 Confirmed in Will County
The Will County Health Department Environmental Health Division is reporting the first two Will County rabid bats of 2020. One was found in the 1500 block of Marion Drive in Wilmington. A family of five was exposed to the bat, and no pets were in the house. PEP...
![Two More WNV-Positive Mosquito Samples Found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Mosquito-trap.jpg)
Another WNV-Positive Mosquito Sample Collected in Will County
Less than two weeks after the first two 2020 West Nile Virus positive mosquito samples were collected in Will County, the Will County Health Department has found another one, with a potency above the 640 mark. This means a high enough level of WNV that allows it to...
![Will County Community Health Center Awarded Silver Level Adolescent-Centered Environment Certification](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Kathleen-Release-Cover-2.png)
Will County Community Health Center Awarded Silver Level Adolescent-Centered Environment Certification
From 2018-2020, Will County Health Department Community Health Educators, with the support of the Will County Community Health Center (WCCHC) staff and management team, implemented changes within the Community Health Center to increase the adolescent...
![First Positive West Nile Virus Mosquito Samples of 2020 Found in Will County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/05/West-Nile-20-2.jpg)
First Positive West Nile Virus Mosquito Samples of 2020 Found in Will County
Although it has been a slow year thus far for West Nile Virus activity among mosquitoes, the Will County Health Department advises residents that caution still must be upheld during these summer months. The Illinois Department of Public Health is reporting at 11...