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.
![State of Illinois Receives $124 Million from Federal Government to Expand COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/IDPH-New.png)
State of Illinois Receives $124 Million from Federal Government to Expand COVID-19 Vaccination Efforts
Additional funding will build on state’s equity focus and help reach underserved communities SPRINGFIELD – The State of Illinois will receive an additional $124 million in funding from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) to further expand its robust...
![Will County Health Department Moves into Phase 1B-Plus](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/RBR-01.png)
Will County Health Department Moves into Phase 1B-Plus
JOLIET, IL – The Will County Health Department has moved into Phase 1B-Plus for COVID-19 vaccinations. This means that between now and April 12th, when the entire state of Illinois enters the All-Eligible Phase for vaccination as called for by Governor Pritzker, more...
![Will County Health Department Holds Special Needs Vaccine Clinic](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Special-Needs-Clinic-3.jpg)
Will County Health Department Holds Special Needs Vaccine Clinic
JOLIET, IL - Will County Health Department held a Special Needs Vaccine Clinic on Saturday, March 27th at the St. Charles Center at Lewis University, where 600 special needs individuals 16 and older and their caregivers received their vaccine in a caring and nurturing...
![County Announces Pair of Community Vaccination Clinics](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/WeWillWinLogo-e1615562859357.jpg)
County Announces Pair of Community Vaccination Clinics
WILL SERVE RESIDENTS AGE 65+, FIRST RESPONDERS, TEACHERS AND MORE IN WILMINGTON AND MONEE TO WIN THE BATTLE AGAINST COVID-19 JOLIET – The Will County Executive Office and Will County Health Department today announced another milestone in beating the COVID-19...
![With Vaccine Allocations Increasing, Illinois Launches Call Center to Bridge Digital Divide and Assist with Vaccine Appointments](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IDPH-Logo-3.jpg)
With Vaccine Allocations Increasing, Illinois Launches Call Center to Bridge Digital Divide and Assist with Vaccine Appointments
Vaccine Appointment Call Center open 7 days a week at 833-621-1284 SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today launched the Vaccine Appointment Call Center to assist people who do not have access to or who have difficulty navigating online...
![Hear Her: CDC’s Maternal Mortality Awareness Campaign](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CDC-big.png)
Hear Her: CDC’s Maternal Mortality Awareness Campaign
CDC is pleased to announce that Allyson Felix, a U.S. Olympian, has joined the Hear Her campaign to share her story and raise awareness about urgent warning signs that could indicate life-threatening complications during and in the year after pregnancy. About 700...
![March is Kidney Health Awareness Month](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Kidney-Month.jpg)
March is Kidney Health Awareness Month
One in three American adults are at risk for kidney disease. Kidney disease is known as the "silent epidemic" because if often shows no signs until it is more advanced. High blood pressure and diabetes are two leading causes of kidney disease. Other risk factors...
![IDPH Link Shows Numbers of COVID-19 Vaccinations Given in Each Illinois County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Coronavirus-world.png)
IDPH Link Shows Numbers of COVID-19 Vaccinations Given in Each Illinois County
The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) now has a link available showing updated COVID vaccine information for all Illinois counties. The numbers include the amount of doses given, along with the amount of individuals who have received two doses and are fully...
![Will County Community Health Center Welcomes New Provider at Eastern Branch Location in Monee](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Yengkong-2.jpg)
Will County Community Health Center Welcomes New Provider at Eastern Branch Location in Monee
Primary Health Care Provider Mr. Richard Yenkong, MSN APN FNP-BC, has joined the staff of the Eastern Branch Office of the Will County CHC (Community Health Center) in Monee. Mr. Yenkong has an interesting and varied background, which the CHC believes will contribute...
![Hear Her: CDC’s Maternal Mortality Awareness Campaign](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/CDC-big.png)
CDC Issues First Set of Guidelines on How Fully Vaccinated People Can Visit Safely with Others
Today, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) issued its first set of recommendations on activities that people who are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 can safely resume. The new guidance—which is based on the latest science — includes recommendations...
![Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant Encourages Residents to Seek Help for Mental Health Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/03/Coronavirus-world.png)
Will County Executive Bertino-Tarrant Encourages Residents to Seek Help for Mental Health Challenges During COVID-19 Pandemic
WILL COUNTY - The impact of the pandemic on social determinants of health, such as employment, income levels, and housing and food security has led to a growing concern regarding the long-term impact on mental health. These factors are also leading to new barriers for...
![Let Me Tell You How COVID-19 has Affected My Life – Shannon’s Story](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/COVID-stories-Shannon-FB-940x675.png)
Let Me Tell You How COVID-19 has Affected My Life – Shannon’s Story
“I was not someone who was super concerned about getting very sick with Covid. I assumed it would feel like the flu for a few days and then I would recover. After all, I was someone who exercised and ate healthy every day, with no underlying health issues, and was...
![Will County Health Department Disappointed about Mix of Good and Bad Vaccine News from State](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/Will-County-Health-Dept-logo.jpg)
Will County Health Department Disappointed about Mix of Good and Bad Vaccine News from State
For the past several weeks the Will County Health Department (WCHD) has been asking the Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) for more information about COVID-19 vaccine supplies that are on their way. Ever since the first vaccine delivery in December, arrivals...
![With Vaccine Allocations Increasing, Illinois Launches Call Center to Bridge Digital Divide and Assist with Vaccine Appointments](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IDPH-Logo-3.jpg)
First Case of B.1.351 COVID-19 Variant in Illinois
Continued mask wearing and vaccination are essential SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced the first case of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant B.1.351, which was first identified in South Africa. The Centers for Disease...
![Gov. Pritzker Announces Expansion of Phase 1B Eligibility on February 25th](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/Governor-Logo.png)
Gov. Pritzker Announces Expansion of Phase 1B Eligibility on February 25th
Phase 1B Eligibility Will Expand to Individuals With Comorbidities and Underlying Conditions; Will Prioritize Those with Disabilities QUINCY — In light of a steadily increasing federal vaccine supply, Illinois is making plans to expand Phase 1B eligibility on February...
![Region 7 Moves to Phase 4](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/08/Coronavirus-world-2.png)
Region 7 Moves to Phase 4
SPRINGFIELD – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) today announced Region 7, Kankakee and Will counties, is moving to Phase 4 of the Restore Illinois Plan effective today. Additional information about which tier and phase regions are in can be found at the...
![Will County Officials Working to Expedite Vaccination Process in Safe, Efficient Manner](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/wchd-501-ella.jpg)
Will County Officials Working to Expedite Vaccination Process in Safe, Efficient Manner
WILL COUNTY –Will County has developed a vaccination program which utilizes a collaborative partnership between the county Health Department and over 40 different providers including local hospitals, EMS providers, pharmacies and other healthcare providers. “The...
![With Vaccine Allocations Increasing, Illinois Launches Call Center to Bridge Digital Divide and Assist with Vaccine Appointments](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IDPH-Logo-3.jpg)
State Vaccine Administration Update from IDPH
• Illinois has partnerships with Walgreens, CVS, and Jewel-Osco and by February 1, we expect to add 8 additional pharmacy partners to that list. • Soon, people will be able to visit coronavirus.illinois.gov to find a vaccination site near them and links to make...
![With Vaccine Allocations Increasing, Illinois Launches Call Center to Bridge Digital Divide and Assist with Vaccine Appointments](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/10/IDPH-Logo-3.jpg)
Region 7, Will & Kankakee Co, Back to TIER ONE; Limited Indoor Dining Returns
IDPH urges people to continue: Wearing masks, Avoiding large gatherings, and Getting vaccinated when eligible NOTE: This decision allows Will County restaurants to serve 25 people or 25 percent of capacity per room, whichever is a smaller amount of people. In...
![IDPH Link Shows Numbers of COVID-19 Vaccinations Given in Each Illinois County](https://willcountyhealth.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/Coronavirus-world.png)
Eight New Cases of COVID-19 Variant Reported in Illinois
CHICAGO – The Illinois Department of Public Health (IDPH) and the Chicago Department of Public Health (CDPH) today announced eight additional Illinois cases of coronavirus disease (COVID-19) variant B.1.1.7, first identified in the United Kingdom. Health officials...