NEWS & EVENTS
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT & COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Public Announcements
WCHD Closed on July 4th
Teaser: The Will County Health Department & Community Health Center will be closed on Thursday, July 4, in observance of Independence Day. Normal business hours will resume on Friday, July 5
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.
Rabid Bat 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. A rabid bat was recently detected in Elwood.
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.
CHC Seeking Governing Council Members
The Will County Community Health Center is seeking leaders to serve on its Governing Council to assist in promoting the voices of traditionally underserved populations.
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.
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.
Tips for Surviving the Holiday Blues
The holidays are often viewed as a time of happiness and cheerfulness. But for some, the holiday season can evoke feelings of sadness, depression and anxiety, often simplified as the holiday blues. Dr. Joe Troiani, Will County Health Department’s Director of Behavioral Health, offers some tips to alleviate the blues.
Will County Health Department Meetings Update
The Will County Board of Health Selection Committee Meeting scheduled for November 28, 2022 has been canceled. The Will County Board of Health Selection Committee will meet on November 29, 2022 at 1:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at 501 Ella Ave, (Joliet, IL 60433) in conference room 1005A.
U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week
Antibiotics can save lives, but they aren’t always the answer. November 18-24 is U.S. Antibiotic Awareness Week.
Will County Board Of Health Meeting
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Will County Board of Health will hold its regular meeting on November 16, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at 501 Ella Ave, (Joliet, IL 60433) in conference room 1005A/1005B. View Agenda.