During the first full week of every April, the American Public Health Association brings together communities across the country for National Public Health Week.
National Public Health Week will be held from April 1 to 7, with the theme “Protect, Connect, Thrive: We Are All Public Health.” Keeping communities safe and healthy is a top public health priority. According to the agency, public health serves as an invisible protective shield that promotes and protects the health of people in the communities where they live, learn, work, and play for generations to come. APHA said, “Individuals, families, communities, and all of us in the public health field can achieve public health goals if we all come together to support public health.”
Below are some of the programs and services regularly offered by the La Salle County Health Department. For additional information or questions, citizens are encouraged to call and speak to a staff member.
Illinois Breast and Cervical Cancer Program – Are you eligible for a free mammogram and pap smear? IBCCP staff can answer questions about eligibility and enroll eligible women.
Women, Infants, and Children (WIC) – The mission of the La Salle County WIC program is to improve the health outcomes of women, infants, and children. Reducing the incidence of infant mortality, preterm birth, and low birth weight babies. and to help children grow. This program is for income-eligible pregnant, postpartum, and lactating women, infants, and their children up to the age of five. The WIC program provides infant health screenings, nutritional education and counseling, and supplemental foods, including formula.
The Family Case Management Program provides outreach, comprehensive case management and support services for prenatal women, infants, and children. The main objective of this program is to reduce infant mortality by ensuring early and consistent prenatal care throughout a woman's pregnancy. Healthy pregnancy education is ongoing and tailored to meet the needs of our clients. After your baby is born, FCM staff will ensure that your infant receives regular health checkups and immunizations.
The Blood Pressure Monitoring Program is open to anyone who wishes to have their blood pressure measured and is followed up with education on management methods such as nutrition, physical activity and smoking cessation. This program is conducted on a walk-in basis Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free HIV testing and hepatitis C screening (finger prick test) – If you think you need to be tested or have questions about your risk factors, an infectious disease nurse is available to answer your questions confidentially.
Low-cost pediatric and adult immunizations – call the health department to schedule an appointment.
Influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, and COVID-19 vaccinations are available on a walk-in basis at the health department Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Free Radon Testing Kits – With a grant from IEMA, the Health Department is offering free radon testing kits available to La Salle County residents. Test kits can be picked up at the Health Unit located at 717 E. Etna Road in Ottawa during regular business hours, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff will explain how to use test kits and provide information about radon, radon measurement, and radon mitigation. Additionally, if a radon test detects high levels of radon in your home, the Department of Health will provide a list of certified radon measurement professionals and certified radon mitigation specialists for follow-up .
Free larvicide for property owners – Through a grant, the Ministry of Health provides larvicide to property owners who want to reduce mosquito breeding sites. With West Nile virus season just around the corner, property owners are encouraged to pick up a package of NATULAR DT. NATULAR DT is a mosquito larvicide that suppresses mosquito larvae for up to 60 days. Manufactured by Clarke, his Natural DT is an easy-to-use, two-layer tablet that prevents mosquito breeding in standing water around your garden. Larvicides are available at the Department of Health. Each package contains 12 tablets. Distribution is currently limited to one per household.
The La Salle County Health Department will also use social media to raise awareness of public health issues and National Public Health Week in April. The agency's Facebook page is frequently updated with posts offering tips on various public health issues and highlighting some of the programs available at the health department. For more information about the programs and services offered, please contact the La Salle County Health Department at 815-433-3366 or visit the Department's website at www.lasallecountyil.gov.
