NEWS & EVENTS
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT & COMMUNITY HEALTH CENTER
Public Announcements
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.
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.
WCHD To Offer Free Bus Vouchers For Well-Woman Visits
The Will County Health Department is offering free Pace Suburban Bus vouchers for women seeking preventative medical care.
2022 WCHD Annual Report
The Will County Health Department’s 2022 Annual Report is now available.
WCHD to Offer Free COVID Vaccine Clinics
The Will County Health Department will be offering three free COVID Vaccine Clinics in the upcoming weeks.
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.
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.
Denise Bergin Named 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.
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.
CLOSED on Monday, July 4th
The Will County Health Department and the Community Health Center will be CLOSED on Monday, July 4th in observance of Independence Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, July 5.
Will County Board Of Health Meeting June 15, 2022
Due to the sharp reduction in COVID-19 positive cases in Will County, the movement from substantial community transmission to low community transmission, the increase in icu bed availability, and the lifting of the mask mandate by governor Pritzker, the board of health president has determined that meeting in person is both practical and prudent for all meetings of the Will County Board of Health effective march 11, 2022.
As Second Bat in Will County Tests Positive for Rabies, WCHD Cautions Public
As summer begins and people begin to enjoy the outdoors more, Will County Health Department wants to remind everyone about the potential for rabies exposure.
First Mosquitoes In Will County Testing Positive For West Nile Virus Reported In Mokena
The Will County Health Department’s Environmental Health division announced that mosquitoes trapped in Mokena on May 17, 2022, tested positive for West Nile virus [WNV].
CLOSED on Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day
The Will County Health Department and the Community Health Center will be CLOSED on Monday, May 30 in observance of Memorial Day. We will resume normal business hours on Tuesday, May 31. Please remember, honor and never forget the brave men and women who fought for our country.
Will County’s COVID-19 Community Level Moves to RED
As of Friday, May 27, 2022, Will County is one of 15 Illinois Counties now Rated at High Community Level for COVID-19
Public Health Officials Stress the Importance of Being Updated on Vaccinations and Boosters; Vulnerable People Should Exercise Caution in Indoor Spaces.
Board of Health Agenda May 18, 2022
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Will County Board of Health meeting will be held in person at:501 ELLA AVENUEJOLIET, IL 60433 CONFERENCE ROOM 1005A / 1005B Due to the sharp reduction in COVID-19 positive cases in Will County, the movement from substantial community...
Will County’s COVID-19 Community Level Moves to Yellow
Local health departments belonging to the Northern Illinois Public Health Consortium (NIPHC) are advising people who live and work in the region that COVID-19 case rates are rising and now is the time to work together to avoid a surge in cases, hospitalizations and deaths.
Will County Community Health Center Governing Council
The Will County Community Health Center Governing Council meetings will be will be held via TELECONFERENCE on Wednesday, May 4th.
Will County Board of Health Meeting April 20, 2022
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Due to the sharp reduction in COVID-19 positive cases in Will County, the movement from substantial community transmission to low community transmission, the increase in ICU bed availability, and the lifting of the mask mandate by...
Area Organizations Bring Vital Resources to the Community
On February 26, the Will County Health Department working with a number of local organizations brought COVID-19 vaccinations, health testing and screenings, gift cards, employment services, mental health and substance use resources, hygiene products, hot meals and food boxes, and much more to Will County residents in need.
Will County Board of Health Meeting March 16, 2022
Due to the sharp reduction in COVID-19 positive cases in Will County, the movement from substantial community transmission to low community transmission, the increase in ICU bed availability, and the lifting of the mask mandate by Governor Pritzker, the Board of Health President has determined that meeting in person is both practical and prudent for all meetings of the will county board of health effective march 11, 2022.
WCHD’s Medical Reserve Corps Donate Over 10,000 Volunteer Hours During COVID-19
By the end February, Will County Health Department’s Medical Reserve Corps (MRC) volunteers had donated 10,040 hours valued at $379,074.00 during the COVID-19 response mission (and counting). During the pandemic, staffing at most organizations proved difficult. The dedication of the WCHD MRC volunteers made scheduling over 200 on-site clinics and over 60 off-site clinics significantly more manageable.
Ongoing Community Survey Gives Residents Voice in Identifying Community Needs for Programs
Will County residents are urged to complete the 2022 Will County Community Survey so that the county’s public health system can better understand the needs of the community and can develop plans to address those needs. Previous surveys have brought about many important programs to the people of Will County.
Mask Wearing in Schools Still Recommended
Aware of the most recent judicial rulings regarding schools and their practices with respect to COVID-19 mitigation strategies, Will County Health Department [WCHD] wants to reaffirm its recommendation that schools follow the most recent Illinois Department of Public Health [IDPH] school guidance concerning masking, testing, quarantine and isolation.
Will County Board of Health Meeting February 16, 2022
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor’s recent disaster proclamation, the number of COVID-19 cases in will county, and the CDC guidelines regarding COVID-19, it is determined by the president of the Will County Board of Health that in-person meetings are not practical nor prudent.
6th Annual WCHD State of the Agency Address
On Friday, January 21, Susan Olenek, Executive Director of the Will County Health Department [WCHD], gave her annual State of the Agency address. Director Olenek praised the department for its work during the pandemic. Even with staffing short-ages and the challenges COVID-19 creates, WCHD and the Community Health Center [CHC] maintained their 38 programs and continued to serve the people of Will County.
February is National Children’s Dental Health Month
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, tooth decay is one of the most common chronic disease of childhood, and it is largely preventable.
Get a FREE developmental screening for your children ages 3 and younger
Developmental screenings provide parents and professionals with information on whether a child’s development is similar to children of the same age. Screenings cannot diagnose but can target areas of concern that may indicate further assessments.
January is Radon Awareness Month and a great time to test your home
Children, families, and pets are spending plenty of time INDOORS. Remember, testing your home for Radon Gas can be done at any time. Get your testing kit from WCHD’s Environmental Health Division.