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.
Will County Board Of Health Selection Committee Meeting
The Will County Board of Health Selection Committee will meet on November 15, 2022 at 3:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in person at 501 Ella Ave, (Joliet, IL 60433) in conference room 1005A.
WCHD Offers Tips To Preventing Respiratory Illnesses
The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recently issued a health advisory noticing elevated respiratory illnesses, especially in children, caused by multiple viruses occurring simultaneously.
Will County Health Department Reminds Residents To Stay Current On All Vaccinations
With flu season quickly approaching and certain diseases attempting a comeback, Will County Health Department (WCHD) is encouraging residents to stay up to date on all of their vaccinations. Parts of the United States are seeing a resurgence in some diseases that haven’t been seen in a long time, including polio, a disease that paralyzed more than 35,000 people every year in the late 1940’s. Polio has surfaced in a New York City suburb, resulting in the first case of paralytic polio in the U.S. in over a decade.
This Thursday WCHD to Offer Monkeypox Vaccine Clinic
Will County Health Department will hold a by appointment only monkeypox vaccine clinic on Thursday, September 8 from 1PM-6PM at its 501 Ella Ave., Joliet location. First and second dose appointments are available. Call 779.230.6051 to schedule an appointment.
WCHD Announces First Probable Case of Monkeypox in County
Today, Will County Health Department [WCHD] announces the first reported case of probable monkeypox infection in a resident of Will County. Confirmatory testing is pending at the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).
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.