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.
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.
Children and Teens Should Get Vaccinated for COVID-19
There are approximately 28 million children between the ages of 5 and 11 years old in the United States, and there have been nearly 2 million cases of COVID-19 within this age group during the pandemic.
Will County Board of Health Meeting January 19, 2022
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT The Will County Board of Health meeting will be held via TELECONFERENCEvia TELECONFERENCE – TEAMS APP1- 708-566-6764 Phone / Conference ID 585 612 530#JANUARY 19, 2022 – 3:00PM Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the governor's recent disaster...
Open Enrollment has started for the ACA Marketplace and runs until January 15th!
Will County Community Health Center Affordable Care Act Enrollment Counselors can help take the confusion out of applying and choosing a plan that fits your budget and your health care needs.
¡La inscripción abierta ha comenzado para el Mercado de ACA y se extiende hasta el 15 de enero!
Los consejeros de inscripción de la Ley de Cuidado de Salud Asequible del Centro de Salud Comunitario del Condado pueden ayudar a eliminar la confusión de solicitar y elegir un plan que se ajuste a su presupuesto y a sus necesidades de atención médica.
Open Enrollment has started for the ACA Marketplace!
WILL COUNTY HEALTH DEPARTMENT Will County Community Health Center Affordable Care Act Enrollment Counselors can help take the confusion out of applying and choosing a plan that fits your budget and your health care needs. Give them a call today at 815-774-6090. Get a...
View and Compare 2022 Health Plans
You can now view and compare 2022 health plans! Grab a sneak peek at your coverage options and prepare for Marketplace Open Enrollment starting on November 1, 2021.
Will County Board Of Health Meeting Will County Health Department October 20, 2021
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. Therefore, This Meetings Of The Will County Board Of Health Shall Be Held Via Video And/Or Audio Until Further Notice.
Will County Board of Health Meeting
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.
Security Bid Meeting
Security Guard Services Will County Health Department Community Health Center And Sunny Hill Tuberculosis Clinic On Friday, September 10, 2021 at 10AM
Will County Health Officials Promote Vaccine Equity as the number of COVID-19 cases continue to rise across the country
WILL COUNTY – As the number of positive COVID-19 cases across the nation continues to rise, Will County health officials are promoting safe, accessible vaccinations in all parts of the county.
A Conversation with Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, Key Scientist Behind Moderna COVID-19 Vaccine
August 20, 2021, 8am to 10am Dr. Kizzmekia Corbett, an immunologist at the US National Institute of Health, helped develop an mRNA-based vaccine in early 2020. Before trials began, Corbett designed the vaccine tests on animals and measured its effectiveness in...