Wednesday, October 16, 2024 | View in browser
City of Evanston Celebrates 150 Years of Public Health Excellence
 EVANSTON, IL - The City of Evanston is proud to announce the 150th anniversary of the Evanston Health and Human Services Department, a pioneering institution that has served the community since its founding in 1874. Established by a dedicated group of local physicians, the Evanston Health Department was formed three years before the creation of the Illinois Board of Health, making it one of the state’s earliest public health organizations. Over the years, it has become a regional leader, providing essential health services and addressing complex public health challenges.
Since its early days, when sanitation and nursing were its primary services, the Department has expanded to meet the evolving needs of Evanston and surrounding communities. In 1964, as one of the only municipal health departments in the region outside of Chicago, Evanston extended its services to Glencoe, Winnetka, Northfield, and Kenilworth.
Throughout its 150-year history, the Evanston Health Department has been at the forefront of numerous public health initiatives, from advocating for fluoride in the city’s water supply to combat tooth decay to managing epidemics such as typhoid fever, polio, and the Spanish flu. The Department played a pivotal role during the AIDS epidemic, offering education, counseling, and testing, and has continued to respond to modern health crises, including H1N1, West Nile Virus, tobacco prevention, homelessness, and the COVID-19 pandemic.
The Department’s commitment to innovation and collaboration has made it one of only a few certified municipal health departments in the region.
Celebrating a Legacy of Service
At the October 14 City Council meeting, Mayor Daniel Biss proclaimed October 24 of each year to be “City of Evanston Public Health Day”, in recognition of the Department’s 150 years of dedicated service.
“The Evanston Health Department’s achievements over the past 150 years are a testament to the power of public health in improving the well-being of our community,” said Ike Ogbo, Director of the Evanston Health and Human Services Department. “This recognition is not just for the Department but also for the numerous health agencies and organizations that have worked alongside us to advance public health in Evanston. As we look to the future, we remain committed to addressing emerging health challenges, reducing health disparities, and promoting healthcare equity for all.”
The City has released a video highlighting some of the Department’s most significant achievements over the years. Learn more about the Department’s history on the City’s webpage.
As the City celebrates this remarkable 150-year journey, it continues to plan for the future of public health in Evanston, ensuring that the health and safety of all residents remain a top priority.
For more information, please call/text 847-448-4311, or simply dial 311 in Evanston.
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Media Contacts:
Jessie Mayo
jmayo@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8041
Cynthia Vargas
cvargas@cityofevanston.org
Phone: 847-448-8234
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