Wednesday, July 23, 2025 | View in browser
 The Health and Human Services Department is bringing the heat -- with events, tips, and resources to keep you feeling your best all summer long. Remember, July is UV Safety Month! Here are some tips for you:
- Protect your skin by applying broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher 15-30 minutes before sun exposure
- Stay Hydrated and Stay Cool
- Don't forget to shield your eyes with sunglasses labeled "UV400" or 100% UV protection."
So grab your shades, slather on that sunscreen, and dive into what's hot in July in the Health and Human Services Department!
Human Services Division
 Join Us for the WOW Finale!
Join us on Saturday, August 2, at the McGaw YMCA to celebrate 16 weeks of WOW accomplishments!
🌟 Enjoy:
• Bounce houses & games
• Refreshments
• Raffle prizes (including an iPad!)
💪 Workout Schedule:
• 1:00 p.m. – Yoga/Pilates Fusion
• 1:30 p.m. – Zumba
• 2:00 p.m.– Hip Hop Dance
• 2:30 p.m.– Strength & Cardio
Come celebrate with us!
 We want to hear from you!
We’re dedicated to creating health and wellness programs that fit your needs. Your feedback will help shape future initiatives. Please complete this form or contact Community Health Specialist Kayla Smith at ksmith@cityofevanston.org.
 Ongoing Initiative:
Genealogy Kits: Getting To Know Your Family Roots
Health and Human Services, in partnership with the African Kinship Reunion, is offering free genetic testing kits for individuals of African descent to explore their roots. Pick up a kit at 909 Davis St., 2nd floor, Reparations Committee meeting on August 7, as well as select City events.
Upcoming Initiative:
Rethink Your Drink is coming back to Evanston!
Join us for the relaunch of Rethink Your Drink, in partnership with Endeavor Health and Dr. Lynn Chehab. We'll reveal hidden sugars in drinks and discuss health risks of excessive sugar consumption. Enjoy a Sugar Show, infused water, giveaways, and more! Stay tuned for details.
Ombudsman Unit
 Upcoming Initiative:
On August 6th, join us at the "How Does Evanston Keep Seniors Safe?" event at Evanston Public Library from 1:30-3 p.m. to hear from professionals and ask questions to support our senior community. All are welcome!
Ongoing Initiative:
If you or anyone you know are interested in learning more about caring for those living with disabilities, mental illness, or older individuals, the Community Resources Coalition meeting is a great opportunity to build connections and support your loved ones. The next meeting is August 7th at Evanston Public Library at 10 a.m. with special guest Meals on Wheels.
Special Projects Unit
 Ongoing Initiatives:
Mental Health First Aid Training
We are sponsoring FREE Mental Health First Aid training to teach you how to respond to a mental health crisis and substance use disorders with compassion.
Fill out a brief registration form:
Each training includes two hours of required virtual pre-work before the in-person sessions.
The Evanston Health Hub
Offers free health screenings and resources at Ebenezer AME Church, 1109 Emerson St., on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 12:00 p.m. to 2:00 p.m.
Public Health Division
Communicable Disease Unit
 Public Health Partner Spotlight
In the fall of 2024, the Evanston Health and Human Services Department (EHHS) identified two persons associated with YWCA Evanston/North Shore (E/NS) who had recently been diagnosed with Legionnaires’ Disease. The disease is caused by Legionella bacteria, which are transmitted by breathing in small droplets of contaminated water.
Once this association was identified, EHHS staff reached out to the YWCA E/NS leadership, and they immediately understood the seriousness of the situation. They expressed concern for the health of their staff and patrons and were eager to comply with all response and control measures suggested by EHHS and the Illinois Department of Public Health.
As a result of the association of cases, testing water samples from the facility was completed, and Legionella bacteria were found in water systems at YWCA E/NS. Water was shut off to the facility while control measures were put into place, and the YWCA E/NS safely reopened for all services after a week. Since that time, many additional action steps were taken including hiring a water management consultant, creating a water management plan, filter motoring and replacement, and repeat water testing, among others. As of July 10, 2025, the remediation process has been completed, with multiple rounds of negative testing for Legionella bacteria. The actions taken over the last nine months will help prevent the bacteria from growing in this complex water system in the future.
EHHS would like to commend the YWCA E/NS for their dedication to promptly addressing the issues within their water system. Thank you for your cooperation and partnership during this public health response!
Ongoing Initiative:
Get condoms, lubricant, dental dams, STI & HIV Risk Reduction, and more! Every 2nd Tuesday of the month at the Evanston Public Library from 2:30 p.m. to 4:30 p.m.
 Free Lead Exposure Reduction Program
Lead exposure can stem from various sources in our homes, particularly from deteriorating lead-based paint and overlooked materials, posing serious health risks, especially for young children. To address this issue, the City's Health and Human Services Department offers a lead poisoning prevention program aimed at safeguarding our community's health.
Our team of licensed lead risk assessors conducts thorough inspections of homes when a potential case of childhood lead poisoning is reported. They examine areas for lead sources like peeling paint and dust and collect samples for laboratory analysis to assess lead levels and risks.
If lead hazards are found, we collaborate with property owners to implement effective mitigation strategies while preventing further contamination. We also provide preventative inspections for homes with young children or pregnant women built before 1978 when lead-based paints were prevalent.
Recognizing that financial barriers can hinder families from addressing lead hazards, we have developed a free lead hazard reduction program for eligible residents. For more information on qualifying for this program or addressing lead exposure concerns, please visit Lead Exposure Reduction | City of Evanston.
Together, we can work towards a healthier, safer community.
Thank you for learning more about us! Don't hesitate to contact any of our divisions.
Have a great day,
City of Evanston Health and Human Services Department
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